Borradale at Stanley, 1922

Nestled on a 163-acre beef property surrounded by pristine beaches, ‘Borradale’ was first inhabited by the First Nations ‘Peerakka’ people. Farmed by the Borradale family as tenants during the 19th century, in 1916, the Trethewie family became its first freehold owners until 2009, leaving behind a legacy that resonates through the landscape.

Originally a simple two-room worker’s cottage dating to the 1800s, the cottage as it stands today was built in 1922 by William Stagg House Smith. Smith was responsible for many other buildings in Stanley and around Circular Head, including several schools.

In 2016, Craig and Melinda Dwyer purchased Borradale, introducing sustainable farming practices, raising Cape Grim beef, and managing sheep to nurture the land. They also undertook a four year restoration of the cottage – alongside day jobs, farming, and raising their family – carefully preserving its historic charm throughout. Ornate fireplace surrounds, exposed brickwork, high ceilings, and original Tasmanian Oak floors have all been painstakingly restored, and the graceful wraparound verandah was rebuilt with fretwork recreated from photos of the original cottage.

Reimagining the farm stay experience, Borradale brings together the peace and tranquility of farm life with utterly luxurious accommodation. With four spacious bedrooms, the cottage sleeps up to 8 guests, and children over 12 years are welcome. Each bedroom has been thoughtfully appointed, with French flax linens and premium bedding.

With interior design by Belle Hemming Bright and styling by Lynda Gardener, each room is delightfully different, with unique colour palettes, soft textures, antique pieces, vintage curios, and artwork that draws on the history of Borradale and Stanley.

An exquisite bathroom features soothing green hues, original brickwork and a cosy fire, with restored clawfoot tub, double shower, and Salus Australian natural body products. Enjoy long soaks with a glass of wine while taking in your stunning surrounds. There’s also a separate laundry room to cater for longer stays.

A fully-equipped, farmhouse style kitchen with high quality appliances, and beautiful vintage tableware makes preparing meals a pleasure. The cottage also has its own small larder room, where guests will find a range of locally-sourced Tasmanian produce available to purchase – including the farm’s own Capegrim beef, Stanley octopus, charcuterie, cheeses, and local wines, beers, and spirits for your favourite cocktails.

For a wholly Tasmanian food experience, simply choose ingredients from the larder, then head outdoors to harvest seasonal produce from Borradale’s kitchen garden for your very own paddock-to-plate dishes!

The lounge room, with its ornate open fireplace, incredible views, and plenty of board games is a quiet haven. Light the fire, curl up with a decadent afternoon tea, and watch the clouds roll in across the sea.