A TASTE FOR THE FINE THINGS
A Taste for the Fine Things - Luxury Travel Magazine
 | |||||
A Taste for the Fine Things | |||||
| By: Alice Coomans, Issue 26 - Autumn 2006 | |||||
| (Northern Tasmania) | |||||
| INDULGE YOURSELF IN NORTHERN TASMANIA. | |||||
| AS YOU WIND your way up the tree-lined driveway towards Peppers Calstock, the sense of peace and quiet is palpable. Rounding the last corner of the drive, the formal gardens of the imposing old homestead swathed in lavender and roses come into view; this is a place where you can easily imagine whiling the afternoon away. Set on 200 acres of land, Calstock homestead looks over the undulating farmland that surrounds the northern Tasmanian town of Deloraine and the Meander River, an easy half an hour drive from Launceston. Brimming with history Calstock, which was built in the mid 1800’s, boasts a past filled with stories of convicts, naval officers, and stables that were home to two Melbourne Cup winners. Many reminders of its magnificent history are displayed throughout the 23 rooms of the house – including nine guest rooms and one family suite – from the grand solid cedar doorways, marble mantelpieces and 12-foot ceilings, to the eye-catching stained glass windows and open fires. Each of the elegant guest rooms are uniquely decorated and have spacious federation style bathrooms that come complete with delicate finishing touches such as pristine white towels tied with black silk ribbons. One of the real attractions of a stay at Calstock however is the food. Remi and Ginette Bancal, who own and run the property, prepare and serve simple fresh French provincial-style cuisine and where possible local organic ingredients are used. Set as they are in the middle of one of Tasmania’s most abundant gourmet regions meals are always a treat. Breakfast is part of the nightly tariff – all other meals must be booked ahead – and it is an experience reserved exclusively for guests. But the piece de resistance is the wine list and single malt whiskies selection. Before coming to Calstock, Remi worked as sommelier for Banc in Sydney and Mietta’s in Melbourne, and his experience is on display with his award-winning collection that boasts over 150 vintages from Australia, Germany, Italy, France, and California. It is worth pulling yourself away from the peaceful enclave that is Calstock for a few hours at least. Right at your doorstep are some of Tasmania’s leading attractions, including the Tamar Valley Wine Route that features over 20 cellar doors including Jansz, Clover Hill and Delamere Vineyard. A stay at Peppers Calstock starts from $270 a couple per night, for a deluxe room and book for a minimum two nights before October and be greeted with a bottle of sparkling on your arrival. Bookings, (03) 6362 2642, www.peppers.com.au | |||||
| Details: | |||||
| - Stillwater Restaurant: Exceptional gastronomical experiences, (03) 6331 4153, www.stillwater.net.au | |||||
| - Daniel Alps at Strathlynn: With stunning views and sensational seasonal lunch menus, (03) 6330 2388 - 41° South: Eco-fish farm supplying delectable salmon, (03) 6362 4130, www.41south-aquaculture.com; - Tasmanian Gourmet Sauces Company: An open door to the kitchen supplying some of the world’s most prestigous hotel groups, (03) 6391 8437, www.gourmetsauce.com.au | |||||
| - Mud Club Day Spa: An indulgent retreat looking over the banks of the Tamar River, (03) 6334 0033, www.mudclub.com.au | |||||
|
