TAS : AIRBNB – The Butcher’s House in Bothwell

We took the shortest path to Bothwell, which simply occurred to be the steepest. The highway zigzagged via the highlands and previous the Nice Lakes and as we obtained greater, the temperature gauge concurrently dropped. This was chilly nation; icy, gothic and foreboding.

In winter, there are elements of Tasmania that really feel very darkish. The clouds are low, the air remains to be and its historical past of invasion, homicide and convict labour is obvious round each nook. Within the depths of winter there’s an eeriness, an uneasiness, an lively disappointment that’s each jolting and humbling.

The historical past and grief is palpable and it proves, as soon as once more, that Tasmania will get beneath your pores and skin. It’s an island of such profound distinction; of individuals and place, mountains and sea.

We drove into Bothwell at nightfall; a highland city of tartan, rabbits and, effectively, rabbit pie. That is fishing and looking territory with the Land Rovers, flannel and mullets to show it. It’s certainly one of Tasmania’s quirkiest cities and within the again avenue is the Butcher’s House. Sure, the butcher used to reside there and his store is in a dilapidated state out the entrance, simply ready to be returned to its authentic glory with steering from Tasmanian Heritage.

The home was constructed within the 1840s and has lately been restored with integrity and care. It’s small and darkish and appears like an indie filmset with it’s shutters, classic leather-based lounge and tartan blankets. We lit the fireplace as quickly as we arrived and if there’s one factor I’ve come to understand whereas in Tasmania its first rate hardwood that burns effectively. These are the issues that make life far more snug and there was an enormous stack on the Butcher’s.

The fantastic thing about this little cottage is within the particulars; considerate curated classic paintings and artefacts that make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped into yesteryear; a tin of fly fishing hooks, an iron rabbit, a wee willy winky candle holder. There are the portraits from the late 1800s, a drinks cart with whisky to heat you and an armchair that begs you to sit down with e-book whereas night time falls and the fireplace roars.

The kitchen is small but purposeful, brimming with lovely styling decisions from the tea cups to the cutlery. The toilet is not any completely different and if there’s something higher than a e-book by the fireplace in the midst of winter, it’s the promise of a scorching tub and natural salts.

There are two bedrooms, one with a queen mattress and the opposite with two singles. Sure, it’s small and possibly most suited to {couples} fairly than households nevertheless it has a sure sort of allure. It’s a hideaway within the hills, a brooding residence with a deep historical past that has been mindfully celebrated in its current restoration.

Bothwell is chilly and the home, with its slate flooring and previous partitions may be chilly. Carry your wool socks and your favorite jumpers, mild the fireplace as quickly as you arrive and plan a warming winter meal to fill your stomach. Porridge and tea within the morning is a should as is a number of good books to whereas away the hours (it’s a screen-free home).

There’s a small comfort retailer in Bothwell which is a brief stroll from The Butcher’s however I’d extremely suggest bringing your provides with you. The kitchen is beautiful to cook dinner in; sharp knives (by no means underestimate how essential they’re), a lovely gasoline range and oven, loads of pots and pans and a pantry with all of the fundamentals; tea, espresso, olive oil, s+p and a jar of cookies.

The Butcher’s House is a labour of affection and simply the spot to discover the Nice Lake and the Western Tiers. Or simply escape for an evening or two, into the quiet and stillness the place rabbits hop on the frosty garden and starlings fly overhead.