Matilda's of Ranelagh, Huon Valley, Tasmania
Why Matilda's of Ranelagh is different
"A warm welcome is assured at Matilda's of Ranelagh as the official 'Meet and Greet Committee' is made up of three very friendly golden retrievers. This four and a half star, heritage listed (c.1865) property is in the heart of the Huon Valley (two kilometres from Huonville).
Matilda's of Ranelagh dates from 1865 and was home to several generations of the same family. The restoration of the home was authentic, and each room has been furnished with wonderful antiques that reflect the era in which this grand country home was built. Concessions to modern living include central heating with reverse cycle air-conditioning and underfloor heating in all bathrooms.
Matilda's is considered one of the most important buildings in the Huon Valley, and the house, adjoining Oast house and gardens are listed with the National Trust. For royal watchers, in 1970 the Queen took tea in what is now The Matilda Suite when she visited Tasmania to see the apples being harvested. Matilda's is once more a welcoming family home as well as a luxury guest house, and has gained a reputation for being one of the friendliest places to stay in Tasmania.
This grand Victorian home is a great place to start your trip along the Huon Trail taking in The Tahune Air Walk, Bruny Island, Hastings Caves and Hot Springs. Have a jet boat ride on The Huon River or a visit to one of the great restaurants and wineries in the area. For keen bushwalkers there are many, many choices, and the scenery and waterways in this part of Southern Tasmania will simply take your breath away.
Matilda's of Ranelagh is an adult retreat. All of the rooms are very spacious with large ensuites. None of the guest rooms have adjoining walls. Two of the rooms have spa baths with direct access to the front gardens (The Matilda Suite and The Blue room).
Spring is simply the best time to enjoy Matilda's of Ranelagh's heritage-listed gardens. There are five acres of gardens and parklands with river frontage to enjoy, plus a wonderful old oast house (c.1912) on the grounds.
Penny Parsons wrote this article
