Cressy House Estate, 1827
History
The story of Cressy House Estate begins in England in 1825, when a small company named The Cressy Company, led by Captain Thomas, was formed due to the increasing demand for horses in Australia. Thoroughbred horses, cattle and sheep were imported to serve the growing population.
James Denton Toosey, a free settler from Norfolk, England, arrived into Hobart in 1826, and was offered a position with The Cressy Company by Thomas Dutton. Toosey was one of the first importers of Herefords to Australia and lived at Cressy House, built in 1827. A skilful stockman, in 1833, Toosey became Manager of The Cressy Company and transformed it into a profitable business that continued for 23 years. The demand for sheep and wool was significant, and The Cressy Co. was suppling even farmers in Victoria. Due to this success, in the early-to-mid 19th Century, adjoining properties Chatsworth and Richmond Hill were added.
Current custodians Henry and Margit Smith have long generational ties to Cressy House. In 1884, Cressy House Estate was leased to Herbert Gatenby, Henry’s great-great-Grandfather. It was then passed to Henry’s great-Grandfather Norman. During the last several decades, Henry’s father David introduced significant changes to the farm’s infrastructure, including extensive irrigation, along with 300 beehives. The farm thrived, and today produces a large variety of crops, along with 5,500 breeding ewes. Henry is now General Manager, while Margit manages the accommodation at both Cressy House and Chatsworth.
Accommodation
Sleeping up to 4 guests and catering for couples and small families, your accommodation is tucked away at one end of the home, perfectly private with your own verandah. While it’s fully self-contained, your hosts are just around the corner should you need anything. There’s a queen bedroom with luxurious linen sheets, plus a comfortable queen size sofa bed if needed. A cot, highchair, and children’s toys are also available at no extra charge.
The light-filled, open plan living and dining space, with original polished floorboards and ornate tin ceiling commands views out across the garden, paddocks and the Great Western Tiers. Catch up on Netflix or play a board game in front of the original fireplace with wood heater, keeping you cosy and warm on chilly nights. Margit, originally hailing from Denmark, has created a relaxed interior with a blend of both Australian and Scandinavian influences.
The bathroom has a deep freestanding bath, as well as a spacious separate shower, with complimentary Lentara bath and body products, made locally with Tasmanian olive oil and botanicals.
In the fully-equipped kitchen, continental breakfast provisions are included, along with fresh farm eggs from Cressy House chooks, fresh bread from the local bakery, butter, homemade jam, raw & natural honey produced on the farm, as well as gourmet coffee beans from Ritual Coffee in Launceston. Guests are also invited help themselves to fresh produce from the veggie garden, along with what’s growing in the orchard, like the crispiest apples straight off the tree!
Sit back and relax on the verandah, a wonderful spot for wine and a cheese platter while you watch guinea fowls, and even peacocks wandering the garden. There’s also a Weber BBQ if you’d like to cook outdoors. Enjoy half a hectare of beautiful country gardens with tennis court, and kids will love the trampoline and play area with swings.
Head down to the river for a picnic, try your luck fishing, or simply jump off the pontoon for a swim. And as a farmstay, if shearing’s on, you’re welcome to watch the activity in the shearing shed, feed food scraps to the chooks, take a walk around the farm, and watch sheep up close in the paddocks.
“Thank you so much for letting us experience this little piece of heaven you call home. We feel so relaxed. This property is so special, and has done wonders for the soul. We can’t wait to come back! ”
Exclusive Offer
Book 2+ nights and mention Historic Stays, and Margit will treat you to one of her freshly-baked Danish Beer cakes, an old Danish recipe and a family favourite!
Special Features
Tennis Court
Families Welcome
Country Farmstay
Mountain Views
Things To Do
Cressy House Estate is just 15 minutes from Launceston airport and perfectly located to explore Northern Tasmania. Spend a day in Launceston, visit the Botanic Gardens, admire the city’s beautiful heritage architecture, and there’s so many great cafes and restaurants to choose from in town. West Launceston’s Cataract Gorge is a stunning natural landmark worth visiting, and in warmer months, pack a picnic and take a dip in the swimming pool surrounded by nature.
Soak up the history of the region with a visit to the National Trust’s Woolmers Estate and World Heritage Listed Brickendon, Australia’s most intact convict-built village, both a short drive from your accommodation. Also a few minutes away is the quaint town of Longford – browse boutique shops and stop in at Ernest & Ernesto for great coffee. And make sure you visit the quaint neighbouring townships of Evandale. Its charming historic main street is home to the Evandale Village Store, the original village store that was built in 1843, along with beautiful antique stores and the Clarendon Arms, a quaint English-style pub. Further afield, take a day trip to Ross and Oatlands, with their postcard-perfect heritage streetscapes.
