Forest Hall, 1845
History
Dating to the 1840s, Forest Hall is one of the finest examples of Tasmanian heritage architecture. Built by convicts from local rubble stone for William and Sarah Bonnily, and set high to capture spectacular views of surrounding farmland and the Western Tiers, Forest Hall epitomises the romance and grandeur of the Georgian era.
With gardens equally as beautiful, Forest Hall’s woodland is filled with trees that William and Sarah planted almost two centuries ago, including magnificent oak, elm, linden, ash, and larch trees.
During the 1990s, the gardens were further enhanced and redesigned by expert gardener and author Susan Irvine. Delight in discovering secret gardens with hawthorn hedging, a crab apple walk, daffodil paddocks, magnolias, expansive lawns, and hundreds of exquisite roses with over 300 varieties.
Original outbuildings add to the charm of Forest Hall, including a split shingle hay barn, stable building, the old dairy, and a blacksmith's hut.
Architecturally, Forest Hall captures the enduring beauty of Georgian design. Its stone exterior includes sandstone quoining, stone sills and lintels, and the front entry features a classical fanlight window. Step inside and be greeted by a romantic spiral cedar staircase, high ceilings, wide timber floors, cedar joinery and fireplace surrounds. A beautiful gourmet kitchen features the original bread oven, stone walls and exposed beams.
When Stu, a horticulturalist, and Emma became custodians of Forest Hall in 2023, the gardens and home required much care to return them to their former glory. The restoration has been a true labour of love, marking a new chapter for Forest Hall - one that you are now invited to experience.
Accommodation
6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
Forest Hall has three spacious queen bedrooms upstairs, all commanding magnificent views of the gardens and countryside. All beds are dressed in beautiful Belgian linens. Also upstairs are two modern bathrooms.
The farmhouse kitchen with cast iron Aga is a pleasure to cook in while chatting with friends and family around the island bench. Pantry staples are provided, along with breakfast supplies of fresh bread, jam, milk, eggs and butter.
There are both informal and formal dining spaces - the formal dining room, with its pressed metal ceiling, chandelier, and open fireplace creates a magical setting for candlelit dinners.
Forest Hall has several living areas that provide ample space for everyone to relax. On rainy days and chilly winter afternoons, curl up in front of the fireplace in the lounge room with a hot chocolate, or retire to the library room and choose from a wide range of books to enjoy during your stay.
Nestled on 26 acres, surrounded by undulating countryside and the World Heritage-listed Great Western Tiers as a backdrop, the great outdoors beckons. And with 8 acres of gardens to explore, there are plenty of peaceful spots where you can while away the hours in quiet contemplation.
“If you love heritage architecture and beautiful period furniture, this is the place for you. Even in winter, the gardens looked stunning. Forest Hall was easy to find, and close to many wonderful places to eat. Stu and Emma have created a truly memorable experience - it was a privilege to stay in such a special home steeped in history.”
Special Features
Heritage Listed Building
Open Fireplaces
Luxurious Linens
Established Gardens
Things To Do
Forest Hall is an easy 45 minute drive from Launceston airport, and 10km from the historic township of Deloraine. The Meander Valley offers a range of gourmet experiences, including the Van Diemens Land Creamery - right next door to Forest Hall, Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door just a few minutes away, and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, and visit the Meander Valley Vineyard cellar door. Visit The Truffle Farm Tasmania and take a tour, or book a truffle hunt & lunch experience.
Stroll Deloraine’s main street with its boutique stores, and stop in at cafes and restaurants including Frank & Lotti, and Cycles at The Empire Hotel. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of walks and hikes of varying difficulty in the Western Tiers, with spectacular views.
There are also many regular markets held in Northern Tasmania. Evandale’s weekly market every Sunday morning is worth the drive, along with lunch afterwards at The Clarendon Arms, and browsing antique stores and the popular Evandale Village Store. Launceston Harvest Market is held every Saturday morning in the CBD, and Launceston’s Night Market on Friday evenings from May until October.
All images Abbie Melle
