Located in one of Tasmania’s finest heritage buildings, Clydesdale Manor is a must-do for a romantic getaway or weekend escape. Set in the beautiful harbour-side suburb of Sandy Bay, this grand mansion is renowned as one of the Apple Isle’s most prestigious boutique hotels – and it’s easy to see why when you step inside its stunning sandstone façade. Recognised by the National Trust and the Heritage Council, owners and hosts Lynne and Wayne Parkes fell in love with the property in 2003 and since then, the historic building has been extensively refurbished from top to bottom, with the renovations inspired by the work of Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, regarded as Europe’s leading interior decorator of Georgian estates.
A warm welcome
Today, Clydesdale Manor is an award-winning hotel that blends Georgian elegance with tasteful antique and modern furnishings, making it the ideal retreat for adults. Lynne and Wayne love making their guests feel welcome and have previously taken out the Tasmanian Tourism Award for Hosted Accommodation in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Accommodation is provided for up to 14 guests, allowing the couple to offer visitors both personalised service and privacy. There are seven rooms, each equipped with features such as a fully stocked mini bar, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, multi-channel TV and telephone as well as a ‘goodies box’ filled with a lovely selection of quality Tasmanian products. Each suite is also individually decorated with comfortable furnishings and has a stylish ensuite. The Deluxe Rooms have a wonderful light and airy feel thanks to the wide windows, while the Superior Rooms offer spectacular views of Mount Wellington and feature king or queen beds, classic timber venetian blinds and cosy wing back chairs. Our top pick for luxury and comfort however is the Garden Spa and Secluded spa suites, which are ideal for guests celebrating special occasions. Each room is beautifully decorated with a queen size bed, traditional leather sofa, a bespoke two-person spa bath and French doors leading to your own private veranda overlooking the rear garden.
Dining in style
This same meticulous attention to detail is apparent throughout the other rooms in the house. The dining room at Clydesdale was originally the verandah, where the first lady of the manor, Mrs Woolley, and her guests sipped tea while watching the gentlemen play a game of lawn tennis. Now, flanked by two stunning Regency sideboards circa 1810, it looks out over the garden with a table for each guest suite. Crisp damask tablecloths, fresh flowers and soothing background music all add to the relaxing ambience. So why not start your day with one of Lynne and Wayne’s wonderful breakfasts? Their creative, contemporary menu is a tantalising list of tasty treats such as mango and passionfruit lassi, a breakfast trifle of local rhubarb, caramel yoghurt and homemade muesli, asparagus tart with poached free-range eggs and homemade hollandaise sauce, and individual salmon frittatas. The couple also offer light lunches and in-house dining options with advance notice, including candlelit dinners for two with either a seafood platter and chilled bottle of premium Tasmanian wine or a grazing plate of antipasto with local cheeses and a bottle of local Pinot Noir.
Classic design
With its toasty log fire and cosy, comfortable lounges, the drawing room is also a magnet for guests. This gorgeous room has been stylishly made over with silk fabric from Jim Thompson, wallpaper sourced from the UK, a Georgian card table dating back to c1830 and a modern Italian chandelier to create an elegant yet casual atmosphere. Enjoy a cocktail, glass of French champagne or Tasmanian wine from the licensed bar or simply curl up on the lounge and plan your next day trip. The Manor is also just a short walk to Hobart’s CBD, as well as the sights of Salamanca, Battery Point and the River Derwent, so there are plenty of exciting attractions to keep you entertained. Discover the history of the state at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on Macquarie Street, visit the Salamanca Market, held every Saturday or just soak up the fabulous atmosphere – and food – at one of the city’s many cafes, restaurants, galleries and antique shops. Hobart is also just a short drive from the vineyards of the Coal River Valley, the historic site of Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula and some of the state’s world-heritage-listed national parks. Lynne and Wayne are happy to help with organising bookings and tours, and at just two hours’ drive south of Launceston, Clydesdale Manor makes the perfect starting point for your Tasmanian adventure – so be sure to make it your next weekend getaway!
Clydesdale Manor is part of the Beautiful Accommodation collection of Australian properties. For more information, visit www.beautifulaccommodation.com.
Clydesdale Manor
292 Sandy Bay Road
Sandy Bay TAS 7005
Ph: (+61 3) 6223 7289
Email: info@clydesdalemanor.com.au
www.clydesdalemanor.com.au
Story by Lauren Broomham