Description
This stunningly refurbished Tudor style country lodge is situated on top of a hill with sweeping views of Bothwell and the valley beyond. Only an hour’s drive from Hobart, you almost feel like you are in the Scottish highlands here, surrounded by lakes and broad expanses of open countryside and rolling hills.
Priory Country Lodge itself is furnished with impeccable taste that is reminiscent of its sister hotel, Islington, in Hobart, yet with more of a country feel. As you walk into the spacious hallway you have a library on one side and the hunt room on the other with a large country kitchen ahead. The bedrooms are exquisite with marble bathrooms and antiques throughout. The lodge can be taken for exclusive use, so you and your family or friends can have the whole place to yourself should you so wish.
Your private guides are extremely knowledgeable of the local area. They will take you highland trout and fly fishing, to visit the boutique Nant whisky distillery or even to go hunting and shooting in the hills. This experience is really unique and a must for anyone loving outdoor pursuits. All the equipment is available at the lodge.
After a day out in the stunning countryside, retreat back to the lodge where you will be welcomed by the staff for a delicious dinner and access to the extensive wine cellar. Combined with a stay at Islington in Hobart, The Priory is the luxury lodge experience you won’t want to miss.
Accommodation
Priory Country Lodge has 4 ensuite luxury bedrooms and 2 pavilions which can all be booked together for an exclusive stay. Each room has a stunning marble bathroom with heated floor and a custom made King size bed - every effort has been made to ensure that comfort and luxury, along with great service, dominate. The two Valley View Pavilions are located behind the main house and have living rooms with dining areas, separate bedrooms, the latest TVs/DVDs and large verandas. One has it own sauna.
Childcare
Children are very welcome at the Priory Country Lodge if it is taken on an exclusive basis by a family or large party. Booking the whole lodge for your group will ensure that the activities, meals etc can all be tailored to your family's needs.
Facilities
Hearty breakfasts and sumptuous dinners all created by your chef from the abundance of fresh local produce are served in the country kitchen or dining room, or have a barbeque at the outside glass pavilion with open fire. There is also a sauna with a view of the lake, formal lounge, drawing room, library, hunt room and sitting room.
Activities
Activities at The Priory Country Lodge tend to be outdoors and include hunting, shooting, fly fishing, whisky tasting, golf, guided walks and wildlife watching. Historic Bothwell is easily reached by bicycle and here you can wander through the town at your leisure. Cooking classes are also available nearby.
When to travel
Tasmania has a temperate climate with 4 distinct seasons. Warm summer days from December to February and sometimes snow in the cooler months of June to September. The best time to visit Tasmania is between October and April, when the weather is at its best. By May, nights are getting cold and days are getting shorter. Winters (June-Aug), especially in the high country, can be quite harsh- though that's the best time to curl up in front of a blazing fire.
The busy season for tourism runs December through February, as well as during public- and school-holiday periods. Unlike the rest of Australia, Tasmanian schools have three terms. Term dates are from the second week in February to the last week in May, the third week in June to the first week in September, and the fourth week in September to the first or second week in December.
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Location and directions
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania's Priory Country Lodge sits on top of Adelaide Hill in the town of Bothwell. Ratho Golf Links and Nant Estate Distillery are approximately 20-minutes away by car. Coal Valley wineries and Mt. Field National Park are also within driving distance.
How to get there
Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Hobart with Qantas or Virgin Blue. The Priory Country Lodge is a 1-hour drive north of Hobart's international airport.
