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Mountain Makeover
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By: Hilary Doling, Issue 35 – Winter 2008
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(The Lodge at Tarraleah – Tasmania, Australia)
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A TASMANIAN MANSION HAS UNDERGONE A STUNNING RENAISSANCE.
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WE ARE SITTING in our private cliff-top hot tub, sipping on a glass of bubbly while taking in dramatic views of the Tasmanian wilderness and the roaring Nive River. The Lodge at Tarraleah, is the centerpiece of a remote but spectacular 120-hectare estate in the heart of the Tasmanian Lakes District. Hobart is a two-hour drive away; the fishing village of Strahan three hours in the other direction along a road named as one of Australia’s best 10 drives.
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As we soak to a wrinkled state, our options are many; a hot stone massage perhaps, a detox wrap, or maybe a mountain bike ride if we can summon the energy. Fishing is popular in these parts, with wild brown trout the prey. Guides are available. The more adventurous can explore the Highlands by kayak or 4WD. The less active might enjoy a round on Tasmania’s highest golf course, or meeting the herd of extremely hairy Highland Cattle on the property. Poorly behaved beasts have reportedly ended up on the dining table. Walkers will enjoy the Quoll Track, a one-hour round trip that takes in local flora and fauna and a waterfall, while guided wildlife tours are popular.
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Tarraleah was once home to 4,000 people working on a hydroelectric power scheme – and the giant water pipes still run through the property down to the power stations hidden in the valley. In the 1930s the hydro executives used the lodge as a retreat.
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Today it has been given the ultimate makeover; luxurious suites and guest rooms with king beds, duvets and cashmere throws, art-deco bathrooms featuring heated floors and a range of spa baths. Art Deco elegance with modern conveniences including broadband, DVDs and flatscreen TVs. ‘Butlers’ are on call 24-hours. The staff are keen, but unpolished.
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Since opening in 2006, the Lodge at Tarraleah has won a string of awards, including being named one of the best new hotels in the world by Condé Naste Traveller – and it appeals to a broad demographic; lovers of the outdoors and lovers of luxury. Far from the maddening crowd (the lodge only caters for 18 people – although there are other guests down the road in restored cottages and guest rooms), you can choose from over 200 single malt whiskies in the Library cocktail bar before dining in the Wildside restaurant. There is the choice of around 350 wines – an impressive selection of familiar and less familiar names, many of them Tasmanian.
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Our meal included a choice of King Island eye-fillet medallions with Huon Valley mushroom pate, or house-smoked Atlantic salmon with an Asian salad. Adventurous fare. If you don’t want to drive, transfers, including by stretch limousine and helicopter, are available from both Hobart and Launceston.
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Details:
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The Lodge at Tarraleah
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