Bellevue House, 1840
History
Bellevue House in Richmond, one of Tasmania’s most-loved historic towns, was built in 1840 by James and Henry Buscombe, and is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture. Constructed with convict-cut local sandstone and handmade bricks - with authentic thumb prints still visible - a deep sense of history resonates throughout the house today.
Showcasing the elegant symmetry and beauty of the Georgian style, Bellevue House features the original entry door with fanlight, wide entrance hall with sweeping cedar staircase, soaring ceilings, deep sash windows, multiple fireplaces, ornate woodwork, polished timber floors, and stunning stone and exposed brick walls.
A sensitive restoration allowed for the addition of modern conveniences, such as hydronic heating and underfloor heating in the kitchen and main bathroom, while carefully preserving historical character and charm. And with its heritage outbuildings - once the stables, servant quarters, and prison cells - Bellevue House is not simply a luxury country getaway, but an opportunity to experience Tasmanian history.
Accommodation
4 Bedrooms — Sleeps 8
With its flexible floorplan, Bellevue House offers ideal small group accommodation for a truly authentic Tasmanian getaway. Created with guests’ absolute comfort in mind, four spacious bedrooms all feature king-size beds, fitted with quality linens and thick goose down toppers. On the ground floor is a double bedroom, and family bathroom with large walk-in shower and European laundry.
Upstairs, the master bedroom suite features a walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious ensuite bathroom, with fully-restored antique clawfoot bath. Two additional double bedrooms upstairs share their own ensuite bathroom, with a separate lockable door for privacy if needed.
Several living areas allow plenty of space for everyone to relax, furnished with a selection of exquisite antiques in keeping with the home’s era. In the elegant lounge room, curl up with a good book in a comfortable armchair, or watch a movie together in the family room. WiFi is also available throughout the house, as well as the outbuildings, ideal for those who need to catch up on work.
Fully self-contained, Bellevue House’s stunning gourmet kitchen, with Smeg double oven, makes cooking your favourite dishes a pleasure. Enjoy meals in adjacent dining room that seats 10, with its rustic original fireplace surround, and pick-marked sandstone & brick walls.
Outside, Bellevue House’s established, manicured private gardens are all yours to enjoy. Take a wander through the separate formal outdoor rooms, and spend a blissful morning in the outdoor courtyard, or one of the peaceful secret gardens. With mature fruit trees and herbs, guests are welcome to forage in the garden for produce - and collect fresh eggs from Bellevue’s chickens.
Once the residence of the local police magistrate, Major Charles Schaw, the property’s historic outbuildings include the original stables and prison cells. The servant’s quarters has been converted into a games room with pool table and bar, a great place to gather for drinks and a friendly game or two of pool after a day exploring your surrounds.
Special Features
Heritage Listed
Open Fireplace
Clawfoot Bath
Full Kitchen
Things To Do
Richmond is a postcard-perfect historic village, with over 50 historic buildings, many dating to the early 19th Century. Take a stroll through the village to admire quaint cottages, antique stores, and cafés. Visit Richmond Bridge, a Tasmanian icon and Australia's oldest stone bridge still in use, dating back to 1823. A picnic on the grass overlooking the bridge is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Learn about Tasmania’s convict history at the Richmond Gaol, Australia’s oldest intact gaol, dating to 1825. Richmond is also home to Australia's oldest remaining Catholic church, St. John's, built in 1836. And enjoy a leisurely pub lunch at The Richmond Arms Hotel, which dates to 1827.
Just 20 minutes from Hobart’s CBD and 15 minutes from Hobart airport, Richmond is also an ideal base from which to explore Hobart and surrounds, including the Coal River Valley, renowned for its cool-climate wines, award-winning cellar doors, and artisanal spirits. A day trip to this region is a must to experience some of Tasmania’s finest food & wine.
In Hobart, spend time discovering Battery Point with its well-preserved heritage streets, and historic Salamanca. Salamanca Market, held every Saturday, is well worth visiting for local crafts and fresh Tassie produce. And take a tour of the iconic Cascade Brewery, built in 1824, finishing with a long lunch at the bar.
