St Martin’s of Tasmania, 1924
History
Although St. Martin’s church was completed in 1924, its convict-cut sandstone blocks date back to the 1830s, repurposed from the Commissariat's Stores building situated on the UNESCO-listed Saltwater River Coal Mines site. The Long family transported the stone across to Dunalley by ferry and donated the stone to the community, who together planned and built St. Martin’s as it stands today. Finished just after WWI, not only did it serve as a local church, but also to commemorate local young men who had fought in the war. St. Martin’s holds a wonderfully rich history, closely interwoven with the story of Dunalley, and continues to be a much-loved building today.
In 2019, the Holloway family purchased St. Martin’s, and undertook a significant restoration of the building. A heritage architect was engaged, and it was decided to retain the church’s internal design as an open-plan room. Unsightly concrete was painstakingly replaced with traditional lime mortar, and a new addition with bathroom, tea room, and kitchen was added. It features 'Sho-Sugi-Ban' cladding, a Japanese-style charred timber, in recognition of the Dunalley fires in 2013, after which the only public building that survived was St Martin's.
Original features preserved include stunning stained glass windows, Tasmanian Oak vaulted ceiling panels and Tasmanian Oak floorboards, church pews now used at the dining table, and the church bell, used to bless the local fishing fleet. Antique furnishings were also carefully hand-selected in keeping with the era of the property.
Heritage-listed, you can learn more about the story of St. Martin’s on Restoration Australia. Watch the full episode on ABC’s iview here.
Accommodation
St. Martin’s sleeps two adults, and is the ultimate romantic escape for couples, or an inspirational and peaceful escape for solo travellers and creatives - the antique bureau making it the perfect writer’s retreat.
At the altar end of the church is a queen bed with luxurious toppers and Bhumi organic cottons. At the opposite end is a lounge area, with games space and cosy fireplace, along with additional wall heating to ensure guests are comfortable no matter the weather. With sunlight streaming in through the stained glass, relax here with a good book, game of chess, and complimentary local Lark whiskey.
A beautiful modern bathroom features an oversized rosette delivering pristine Tasmanian rain water with instant heat, and Bhumi cotton bathrobes.
The fully-equipped kitchen features a large oven and a delightful servery through to the dining area, via a gap in one of the original window spaces. During the day, head out to source fresh Tassie produce, and return to cook your favourite meals.
Or for those who prefer the convenience, an optional Deluxe Welcome Pack is available for an additional cost, with gourmet local produce including a dozen Blue Lagoon Tassie Gold oysters, a bottle of Bangor’s vintage champagne, freshly-baked Dunalley Bakery’s bread, Barry’s Chookie Eggs, Lottie Lane’s custom-created ‘St Martin's Communion Coffee’, Wild Craft's ceremonial-grade cacao, Bream Creek Dairy’s milk bottle and creamy butter, Tasman Honey’s 'Murdunna Hives' honey, and fresh oranges for the citrus press.
There is also a mini-bar with a range of Tasmanian drinks available for guests to purchase.
St. Martin’s surrounds are simply spectacular. Set high to capture town and sea views, guests are encouraged to make the most of the outdoors, with a Vikara traditional stone steamed sauna nestled just next to the church. There’s also a deck with ocean views, a wonderful spot to sit and unwind with a glass of bubbly at sunset, and the gardens feature new plantings and a small established orchard.
“Pure heaven! An amazing restoration. Incredible accommodation that has been tastefully decorated. Very cosy and warm with the wood fire heater. The hosts have put so much detail, love and creativity into the space. Such a special place to stay.”
Special Features
Heritage Listed
Wood Fire
Full Kitchen
Romantic
Things To Do
Your hosts have curated a list of nearby recommended places to eat and drink. These include the award-winning Bangor Vineyard for wine tastings or a long lunch, Van Bone restaurant in Marion Bay that specialises in fresh local produce, Bream Creek Vineyard with views over Marion Bay, Hellfire Bluff Distillery where you can sample gins, potato vodka and liqueurs, The Cannery on Dunalley wharf for great drinks, seafood and hot chips, Phoenix Farm in Dunalley, Blue Lagoon Oysters in Dunalley, and Lanterns in Dunalley for great coffee and Tassie picnic provisions.
If you enjoy hiking, any of the Three Capes walks, or Fortescue Bay or Marion Beach Bay are all just a little further down the Turakanna (the Tasman Peninsula). Book an adventure with Eaglehawk Neck boat tours, and scuba dive with the seals, weedy sea dragons and lobsters. And take the beautiful two hour return bush walk to Shipstern’s Bluff to watch incredible surf.
