The Gatekeepers Lodge, c. 1860
Sleeps 5 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 1
At the foothills of Lenah Valley, in the heart of greater Hobart, stands Gatekeepers Lodge. First named ‘Newlands Lodge’, it was built in the 1860s as a home for gatekeepers & their families who worked at Newlands House, the grand manor directly behind. Once a 40 acre property, owners of the agricultural manor include a Hobart Premier, a State Treasurer, and significant businessmen of the early 1800s. A little piece of Hobart’s history for over 160 years, owners & hosts Daniel and Arianne have transformed The Gatekeeper’s Lodge from a workhouse to a welcoming home away from home.
The two storey brick and stucco lodge, built in the Victorian Rustic Gothic style, has been lovingly restored, including the original Spanish slate gabled roof with timber tracery bargeboards, decorative finials, and romantic arched dormer windows with gingerbread trim. The home also features an early 1900s single storey addition with a gabled roof. Externally, the house remains largely as it was first built, including sandstone foundations quarried locally in Hobart in the early 1840s.
Internally, Gatekeepers Lodge has warm European Oak floors, with whispers that the timber may have originated from early convict ships. The high ceilings and original sash windows throughout create bright & airy living spaces. A beautiful Tasmanian Oak staircase guides you to the second level, where the two queen bedrooms feature old lime plaster walls and inset dormer windows, with views over the leafy streetscape. A third cosy bedroom features a king single - with the home sleeping five guests in total, and children over 2 years are welcome. All three bedrooms have been fitted with king size MicroCloud pillows, luxurious cloud toppers, and buttery soft French flax linens.
The bathroom features a clawfoot tub and a spacious walk-in shower, with a range of natural bath & body products from local Richmond Botanicals Co., including their essential oil bath salts, and Koala Eco soaps and body wash.
Living spaces have been designed to reflect the Lodge’s era. Relax in the light-filled sunroom, with 18th century daybed, and vintage drawing desk - an inspirational creative nook for writers, and if you need to work away from home. The library invites you to cosy up with a good book on the comfortable window seat in front of the fire. The main living room, featuring a gallery wall of antique art, is the ideal place to play a board game, settle into the comfy duck down sofa, pop on your favourite tunes, and enjoy the warmth of the crackling fire. You’ll also find freshly-picked flowers from the garden dotted throughout the Lodge.
The kitchen, with its charming flagstone flooring, is fully equipped with everything you need for a short or long stay. There’s a pantry with staple cooking ingredients, modern gas appliances, and a handmade dining table with a built-in bench seat. Included in your stay for breakfast are local fresh farm eggs and sourdough, milk, butter, seasonal fruits, and Tasmanian jam and honey. Coffee lovers will appreciate choices for every taste - an espresso machine and grinder with fresh beans, plus a French press and stovetop Moka, for those who prefer a simpler coffee experience.
Step outside, and a rambling cottage garden awaits, stretching far up the hill. Designed with several areas to read in the shade, or enjoy the sunshine, the peaceful gardens are lovely to return to after a day of sightseeing. And on a clear Hobart night, snuggle up around the fire pit toasting marshmallows while gazing at the stars.
Exclusive Offer
Book 2+ nights and mention Historic Stays to receive a gourmet picnic hamper and personalised day drive itinerary.
Special Features
Cottage Garden
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Wi-Fi & Netflix
Fireplace
Things To Do
Lenah Valley, nestled in the greater Hobart hills, is within walking distance to North Hobart’s culinary scene, less than three minutes from Hill Street Grocer, for gourmet Tasmanian produce, or head to Bathurst Street’s Farm Gate produce markets. Public transport is readily available and offers welcome respite for tired legs after visiting Hobart’s cultural landmarks including Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place, MONA and the must-see World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory, telling the story of convict women and girls from forced migration to colonisation.
If you prefer a quieter day, rise early and discover forest walking trails - on a misty morning, Lenah Valley is reminiscent of a European Alpine village. Set over 14 hectares, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are Australia’s second oldest botanic gardens. Spend a day discovering magical heritage landscapes, and pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn.
Further afield, take a day trip to Oatlands in the Tasmanian Midlands. Only an hour’s drive, explore quaint antique shops, pubs, restaurants and Callington Mill Distillery. The distillery offers immersive and unique single malt experiences, cellar door dining featuring fresh local produce, and self-guided distillery tours and free Heritage Tours.
