australian PLACES...great weekends away in Tasmania
accommodation review
BELLABUNKA country accommodation
CYGNET, TASMANIA
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Cygnet is only about 35 mins drive south of Hobart, but somehow it seems a world away from any city. Located in the Huon Valley, the country here is picturseque rolling hills of emerald green and nearby towns and hamlets like Franklin, Woodbridge and Geeveston (and indeed Cygnet) have that quiet, gentle pace we've come to love in Tassie.
Bellabunka is a modern house owned by Lesley and Gary Johns, who have operated B&Bs for about 15 years now. I first met them when I reviewed their B&B in South Australia, and they made the move to Tasmania a several years ago to operate a luxurious B&B in Launceston. Moving more recently to Cygnet, they've just opened Bellabunka country accommodation.
Consisting of a guest suite with two bedrooms, lounge and private bathroom in at one end of their home, it sits high on a hillside amidst terraced native gardens, several hectares of private native forest behind, and the most glorious views across glittering Port Cygnet waters, hills and Cygnet township (photo at left is actual view).
Set up with the intention of sole guest occupancy, Bellabunka is ideal as a spacious retreat for two, or for two couples travelling together.
The main bedroom (at left) has a queen size bed, the second a double bed, and both have quality soft furnshings with comfy beds. The lounge is fully equipped with tea and coffee making, a small mini-bar fridge with a range of drinks, table for two, comfy armchairs and couch, TV, stereo, dvd player, CDs and movies. Lovely antique furnishings and objets d'art give the rooms a touch of class.
The bathroom has a separate shower and small Japanese style spa bath (Bellabunka uses rainwater tanks). A private courtyard makes a good spot for that late afternoon glass of wine after a day exploring.
As expected of all Australian Places properties, Bellabunka is sparkling clean and well run. Lesley and Gary are excellent, friendly hosts with long experience in the guest accommodation industry - and they love Tassie, so guests can draw on that for local sightseeing ideas of which there's plenty in the south!!! Make it a base for a few days.
Breakfast is served in the main dining room, cooked by the very capable Gary. Of course there's juice, cereal tea and fresh coffee, but on holidays I've got to say I love a cooked brekky of bacon, eggs (laid by Bellabunka's 3 hens) and all the trimmings. Evening meals are available by arrangement, too.
WHERE: 7124 Channel Hwy, Cygnet, Tasmania. It's 3.1km south-east of Cygnet township. A red Bellabunka sign is on the gate.
HOW MUCH: $180 B&B per night for a couple. Specials for longer stays.
CONTACT: (03) 6295 1711
EMAIL: bellabunka@bigpond.com
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SUITABLE FOR: COUPLES, TWO COUPLES TRAVELLING TOGETHER
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED