French flair
Located in the historic city of Launceston in northern Tasmania, Hargate Guesthouse has everything you need for an indulgent escape.
Story by Lauren Broomham
Just a seven-minute walk from the city centre, this magnificent mansion on the corner of Canning and George Streets has all the luxuries you’d expect from five-star boutique accommodation. Owners Mark and Karen Baigent bought Hargate in 2006 and have spent the past two years renovating the Queen Anne Federation home into a stylish guesthouse. Built around the turn of the 20th century, the house is one of the grandest in the city and has been listed by the National Trust. Set on a hill, Hargate offers sweeping views of Launceston and the Tamar Valley from its elaborate King Billy and Huon pine verandahs and balconies.
Now restored to its original elegance, the inner-city mansion has been beautifully furnished with La Belle Epoque antiques, many of which were imported directly from France. Stunning Italian marble fireplaces feature too, as well as French crystal chandeliers, and with added touches like sweet-smelling, fresh-cut flowers in every bedroom, visitors are sure to be enchanted by Hargate’s rich, yet warm ambience. This exclusive guesthouse caters for a maximum of six guests, with only three bedrooms – one with an ensuite shower and two with private bathrooms. Designed in the neoclassical style, they feature 24 carat gold tapware, porcelain basins, underfloor heating and deep claw-foot baths – ideal for a long soak after a day of sightseeing!
An impressive room with high ceilings, the Entrecasteaux suite features a Louis XVI French walnut bed and side tables, tapestry wingback chairs and a gorgeous Federation-style ensuite. The Baudin has a Louis XVI-inspired bed, Napoleon III dressing table and La Belle Epoque ewewood side tables, along with breathtaking views of the city skyline, and the Freycinet includes a matching three-piece Louis XVI bedroom suite with bed, side tables and armoire. You’ll be in heaven with comforts like plush 500-thread-count linen, soft goose-down doonas, pillow menu, house gowns and slippers.
A highlight of staying at Hargate is the French-style champagne breakfast served every morning in the formal dining room. Presented with fine china, silverware and crystal stemware, it’s the perfect start to the day! And if you’re considering a lunch outdoors, Mark and Karen can arrange dinner and picnic baskets on request. Visitors can also enjoy a sumptuous English high tea in the well-appointed drawing room and lounge, as well as lavish wine and dinner evenings which are held every month.
The guesthouse is also within easy walking distance to many of the city’s main attractions, including the historic City Park, Princes Square, Boag’s Brewery, the Design Centre of Tasmania and award-winning cafes and restaurants. One of Australia’s oldest cites, Launceston was founded in 1805 and is home to many Victorian streetscapes and heritage landmarks. A must-see for tourists is the dazzling natural beauty of Cataract Gorge, just 15 minutes from the centre of the city.
The Baigents pride themselves on offering their guests the best service and provide everything from wireless internet access and free local calls and mail to dry cleaning and car parking facilities. They even offer a limousine service to pick up guests from the airport nearby, so why not get away to Hargate Guesthouse for your next break?
Hargate Guesthouse
191 George Street,
Launceston Tas 7250
(03) 6334 7063 or 0416 155 105
Email: bookings@hargate.com.au
www.hargate.com.au
Related Articles
|
Learn how to grow your favourite fruits, vegies and herbs with our new gardening series How to Grow Fruits & Vegies. In every issue, we show how to grow 10 new plants with easy step-by-step instructions. There are lots of tips and tricks of the trade, plus expert solutions to common problems. Imagine it: fewer trips to the supermarket, more money in your pocket, and a fresh, healthy supply of chemical-free produce for you and your family.
