Channel your inner lord and lady when you check in to the gracious Prospect House, set in Tasmania’s historic town of Richmond.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been transported to the set of Downton Abbey when you arrive at the grand manor Prospect House, ringed by gardens manicured down to the last blade of grass.
But you are, however in rural Tasmania, on an 1830 estate perched on a pretty bend of the Coal River. The Richmond Tasmania accommodation is an exclusive lodging, home to just 11 individually designed, personality-packed rooms.
Built by convicts for James Kestell Buscombe, Prospect House is a fine example of a Georgian-style country house. Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman describes it as an “iconic heritage asset”.
Owners John and Libby Pooley invested more than $5m in refurbishing and upgrading the historic property they bought in 2017. Prospect House had previously been used as a private home for more than five years. It hadn’t undergone a significant renovation since the 1970s and needed major remodelling and refurbishment to meet their vision.
John and Libby incorporated an eclectic mix of furnishings and antiques from their private collection to give every space its own character.
Richmond accommodation at Prospect House
Prospect House can accommodate up to 22 guests and, with a minimum staff to guest ratio of 1:2, the property aims to attract those seeking a luxurious experience with exceptional hospitality and service in a unique heritage location.
Take the Prospect Suite, where vineyard and garden views are the only things distracting you from country comforts like period furnishings and plush beds. Or the 10 Garden Courtyard Rooms, each given an injection of colour and designed with style to spare.
Tear yourself away to explore the grounds. Make your first stop at the old horse stables that now house bicycles you can borrow to explore. When the temperature drops, fires crackle in the property’s sitting rooms.
Pooley Wines and fine dining
Prospect House is owned by Pooley Wines, one of Australia’s most awarded vineyards. As a guest at Prospect House, you have VIP access to wine tastings and experiences at the estate just across the road.
And yes, the incredible Pooley pinot noir is on the menu. Wine is a prelude to dinner prepared in the Prospect House Restaurant by head chef Kurstin Berriman. Her creations showcase the bountiful produce of the Coal River Valley through a menu that is generous yet refined. Kurstin relies on local bakers, makers, growers and farmers, but also pulls inspiration from the on-site garden and orchard. Dishes are complemented by more than 80 award-winning wines from local vintners with pairings available, curated by the in-house sommelier.
The five-course degustation is seasonal and might include seared Bass Strait scallops with artichokes from the on-site garden. Or, Cape Grim beef lavished with horseradish crème fraiche, sprouts and a smoked onion soubise.
Finish your meal with desserts such as Lemon Verbena Scented Mascarpone Tartlet or a Pyengana Cheddar cheese plate. Guests can choose to dine in the restaurant or under the stars in the warmer months.
The best way to start the next day? With a glass of Pooley’s Matilda Sparkling or Villino coffee followed by a two-course breakfast. Perhaps start with Kurstin’s housemade nut and leatherwood honey granola followed by Tasmanian avocado, Tunnel Hill mushrooms, Tongola curdy on toasted rye. Just save room for her three-course lunch menu, a steal at $65 per person.
Explore Richmond, TAS
Situated within an easy stroll, bike ride or short drive from the historic village of Richmond, Prospect House guests have plenty to occupy and entertain them. Signature activities include wine tastings, cycling, tennis, golf and birdwatching.
Prospect House is an ideal base for visitors wanting to explore the Coal River Valley wine region, the World Heritage Listed Port Arthur Historic Site or Greater Hobart.
Where to find Prospect House Private Hotel
1384 Richmond Rd, Richmond TAS 7025
This article was produced with content supplied by Prospect House Private Hotel and is a Signature Luxury Travel & Style digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter here.
