The Coach House at Wesley Dale, 1870
History
‘Wesley Dale’ was built by Henry Reed, a prominent businessman, banker and philanthropist in the 1870s. It was once home to a small village, with up to 60 people living and working on the property. During the 19th century, The Coach House was home to the coachman, his wife, and their eight children. It adjoins the stables - still intact - where the Reed family’s horses were kept. Later, during World War Two, it was a home for Dutch refugees.
Wesley Dale remained in the Reed family until 1958, when it was sold and the funds used to start the Museum of Modern Art of Australia, now known was the Heidi Museum of Modern Art. The Reeds’ legacy continues to inspire the museum’s activities to this day.
More recently, the building had been used as a shearing shed, and as a tractor shed for the ‘Fergie’ tractor. It was in poor condition up until 2011, when a full restoration of The Coach House was undertaken. In the ‘Fergie Room’ bedroom, the wool brands on the woodwork are a nod to its history.
Today, Wesley Dale is a commercial sheep farm that also runs agistment dairy cows, and there are a few highland cows too - just for fun! Your hosts Max, Ginny, Max Jnr, Alex, and Cec all live on the farm, and greet guests with warm country hospitality. There is also a charming historic Chapel just a stroll from the main homestead. If you are interested in seeing more of the farm and the Chapel, your hosts are happy to take you on a tour.
Accommodation
An impressive and stately building, with its ornate fretwork and cupola, several brick chimneys, beautiful convict bricks, and wide wooden barn doors, staying at The Coach House is an authentic heritage experience. All windows are original, as are the blackwood and sandstone floors, large exposed blackwood beams, and the old laundry troughs and horse feed bins. Carefully restored to showcase the building’s architectural elements, The Coach House will transport you to a bygone era, while still providing luxurious comfort and amenities.
Three bedrooms can sleep up to a total of 16 guests, with children of all ages welcome. There are two queen bedrooms - one that will take you back in time, with sandstone flagstones, rustic exposed brick walls, its own cosy wood fire, leather Chesterfield, and antique furniture - along with its own private shower room. Both bedrooms have the finest linens you’ll want to curl up in each morning, and start the day taking in the stunning countryside views across to Mother Cummings Peak.
The third bedroom has two super-king size bunk beds, which comfortably sleep up to three people on each bed. Perfect for children, teens and spirited adventurers, this flexible bedroom space allows small groups, and two or more families to holiday together. Single doonas or sleeping bags can be provided upon request. A luxurious main bathroom has heated floors to keep you toasty warm, fluffy towels, and a bath overlooking the farm.
Gather together in the central open plan living room with Chesterfield sofas, a mix of contemporary and antique decor, and original artwork. Light the wood fire, and reconnect with some board games for some old-school fun. Enjoy some great reads from the carefully-curated library, or gather round the TV for an intimate movie night, using the in-house Chromecast to select your favourite film.
Be inspired by a kitchen designed for chefs, along with Northern Tasmania’s incredible produce, and set aside time to cook up a feast! With a fabulous Rosieres Paul Bocuse oven and stovetop, extensive quality cookware, and large bench space with seating, spend time chatting with friends over a glass of wine, while sampling fine local fare. And to get you started, included in your stay is locally-made sourdough bread, milk and butter; pantry basics, and depending on availability and season, farm-fresh eggs, homemade jam, or homemade biscuits.
Outdoor areas on either side of The Coach House allow you to find the perfect spot in the sun, or sheltered from the weather. The back verandah commands spectacular mountain views, and the large front deck leads to expansive lawns with a croquet set. Sip a glass of Tassie wine at sunset, admire your picturesque surrounds, breathe in that fresh crisp country air, and feel your stresses just melt away.
“The Coach House has been curated into a beautiful space that takes you back in time. The location was absolutely breathtaking, with serene views...the sunsets are amazing. I can’t recommend the hosts enough - they had truly thought of everything.”
Special Features
ComplimentaryWiFi
Families Welcome
Country Farmstay
Farm and Mountain Views
Things To Do
Mole Creek is a small, quiet town under an hour by road from both Launceston and Devonport. Book a tour of Mole Creek Caves to see sparkling crystals, reflective pools, stalactites and stalagmites, and glow worms. Just up the road from The Coach House is Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see and learn more about native Tasmanian wildlife.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike the Great Western Tiers, and take one of the many other nearby day walks, all within a 30 minute drive - inclulding Mother Cumings Peak, Lobster Falls, Higgs track to Lady Lake Hutt, Westmoreland Falls, and Alum Cliffs. Head a little further, and spend a day exploring Cradle Mountain. Venture up to Lake Barrington, and enjoy family fun at The Village of Lower Crackpot adventure park on your way back, with mazes and a lavender farm.
For history buffs, there are several historic townships in the area, including Deloraine on the Meander River - stop for coffee and excellent pastries at Frank & Lotti Espresso Bar. For a local pub meal in town, head to Mole Creek Hotel, and Mole Creek’s craft brewery The Wandering Trout.
The Coach House is also situated a short drive from many of the stops on Tasmania’s Tasting Trail. A food and drink trail featuring almost 40 artisanal producers, it’s designed to assist you in discovering the finest produce that Tasmania’s North-West has to offer. Some favorites, all less than 50 minutes away, are 41 Degrees South Salmon Farm, Meander Valley Vineyard, Van Diemen's Creamery, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Melita Honey Farm Chudleigh, Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door, Anvers Chocolate Factory, Ghost Rock Wine, and Eastford Creek Vineyard.
