Beulah House, 1847
History
In 1847, Charles Henty, a banker then local politician, sold five acres of land to John Brown, and Beulah House was built using convict labour. Soon after, in 1851, the property changed hands to William Johnston. William, his wife Matilda, and their children made Beulah their home, hosting many family gatherings and weddings during their time there. With its wide flagstone verandah overlooking expansive gardens, and views of the surrounding mountains and Tamar River, Beulah has been a much-loved and admired home for almost two centuries.
In 1939, Beulah was sold to Dr Clifford Craig and his wife Edith, who were the custodians of Beulah for more than 50 years. Dr Clifford was a surgeon, radiologist, medical researcher, author, and avid collector of antiques. Edith established the National Trust of Australia (Tasmania), and published the book Early Houses of Northern Tasmania. Dr Clifford was also a founding member of the National Trust Tasmania.
In 2022, current owners Bec and David commenced a two year restoration of Beulah House, to carefully reflect the history of the home. Heritage listed, all original features were meticulously preserved, including ornate fire surrounds, wide floorboards, soaring ceilings, beautiful cedar joinery, and large 12-paned windows.
Interior designer Belle Hemming Bright has styled each room to pay homage to the Georgian era, with muted shades of green and wallpapers that echo Beulah’s surrounding gardens. Beulah House features a curated collection of local antique pieces, including chandeliers, clocks, and wall sconces, along with original art and luxurious contemporary soft furnishings.
The epitome of Georgian romance and decadence, Beulah House opened its doors to guests in August 2024.
Accommodation
Be swept back in time the moment you enter through the front door with its elegant fanlights, and into the impressive front hall with sweeping cedar staircase. On the ground floor is a spacious, light-filled formal lounge room, with double bay window and cosy wood heater, and a dining room with an elegant antique table for hosting candlelit dinner parties with friends.
Also on the ground floor is one of six bedrooms, and a luxurious bathroom with deep freestanding copper bath, drawing inspiration from late 19th Century French interiors. Pour a glass of champagne and indulge in long soaks in front of the open fire. Australian Leif bath & body products, local Richmond Botanicals Co. bath salts, and Saison bubble bath are all provided to encourage relaxation.
There’s also a stunning farmhouse kitchen, sunny breakfast room, the original cellar, and a full laundry that allows for longer stays.
Ascend the stairs to five other bedrooms, each one unique in design and furnished with antiques, oil paintings, luxurious linens and comfortable armchairs, perfect for curling up in with a good book. There are also two additional areas for reading, writing, or playing a game of chess.
The two upstairs bathrooms are equally magnificent: one featuring a large antique-style freestanding bath in willow green, the focal point of the room. Awaiting guests in the second bathroom is a gorgeous white cast iron bath placed under a tall window, allowing guests to enjoy picturesque mountain views while they unwind.
The gourmet kitchen has been designed to make cooking a pleasure, with beautiful antique platters, copper pots and crockery, Lacanche oven from Burgundy in France, and coffee machine with beans and ground coffee from Tasmania Coffee Roasters.
Guests are welcome to help themselves to fresh herbs and lemons from the garden, and also included in your stay are pantry staples, baking ingredients, Storm & India teas…and a delicious welcome hamper from Launceston store Alps and Amici - with Northern Tasmanian sparkling wine, freshly-baked sourdough bread from Bread & Butter, leatherwood honey, free range eggs, award-winning cheeses, relish, crackers, milk and butter.
Beulah House also provides a selection of hand-selected, local specialty wines and sloe gin to choose from.
Outdoors, the established gardens are reminiscent of lush meadows, filled with a large collection of unique and classic plants, and several mature magnolia trees framing views of the mountains.
Wander the pathways that connect each garden room, and enjoy a long lunch at one of the outdoor dining settings, with a large gas BBQ for easy al fresco entertaining. The wide flagstone verandah with wicker chairs is a lovely spot for coffee each morning, or a glass of wine at sunset to end the day.
Special Features
Heritage Listed Building
Gourmet Kitchen
Antiques & Original Art
Established Gardens
Things To Do
Tucked away in a private, quiet and leafy central location, Beulah House is only a few minutes’ walk from Launceston’s CBD. Stroll to popular eateries including Bread and Butter, Tinka, Maple Café and Le Cafe. For the best pizza and craft beers, visit Du Cane Brewery - or for a fine dining with a focus on local produce, book ahead at Stillwater restaurant.
Every Saturday morning in the CBD is Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market, worth visiting for fresh produce and gourmet delights. Spend an afternoon exploring the breathtakingly beautiful and historic Cataract Gorge Reserve - swim in summertime, and spot peacocks wandering the grounds.
From Beulah House it’s an easy drive to the Tamar Valley wine region, with over 30 world-class vineyards to discover, and take a day trip to iconic Cradle Mountain, with many scenic walks and hikes to discover.
All images Marnie Hawson
