The Butcher's House, c. 1833
Sleeps 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Not long after the township of Bothwell in the Tasmanian Highlands was first laid out in 1824, The Butcher’s House was built by John Colbeck, a Scottish free settler, using convict-made bricks. In the 1860s it became a butcher’s shop and later, a dairy. Bothwell has a rich and colourful history of Irish political exiles, Scottish settlers and convict labour. This is a place firmly etched in Tasmania’s fascinating colonial past.
Cross over the sandstone verandah and enter through the original front door, stepping into the cosy living room with its cedar windows and warm combustion stove. There are two bedrooms, furnished to reflect the era of the home - the master with open fireplace and antique bed, and the second bedroom has two single antique hospital beds, dressed with organic linen and tartan wool blankets.
The romantic bathroom has vintage mirrors, candles, and a restored original clawfoot bath for you to luxuriate in. The charming cottage kitchen, with its antique baltic pine kitchen bench and table, is simple but well stocked with coffee maker, fresh coffee beans and grinder, tea & biscuits. Out the back, there is a beautiful rustic paved area and garden with outdoor seating, perfect on warmer days.
Embrace slow living at The Butcher’s House - there is no television or Wi-Fi - it’s a place to escape the modern world and step back in time. Stoke the fire until its roaring, pour yourself a glass of local whisky and sink into the leather sofa in peaceful silence. Sketch, read, write, reflect. Later, draw a deep warm scented bath full of soothing salts, close the curtains around you and relax.
Special Features
Clawfoot Bath
Antiques & Artwork
Indoor Fireplace
Heritage Architecture
Things To Do
Set in the Clyde River Valley, Bothwell is a notable historic town; over fifty buildings are classified with the National Trust. Still a small township, there’s no large supermarket - stop at Hill Street Grocers in Hobart for gourmet supplies before the hour’s drive to Bothwell. Wander the town’s streets and admire the stunning heritage architecture, then stop in at Sealy’s Café and Store for Ros’s home made scones and a mug of good coffee. Take a drive through the Central Highlands - the back roads have stunning scenery, leading you to the highland lakes. Visit Nant Distillery, at the historic Nant Estate c.1821, home to Tasmania’s finest single malt whisky, and return for a traditional hearty pub meal at the Castle Hotel, that dates to 1829.
