Those of you who are regular followers of MSH will know that not every home I show is actually located in Scandinavia. In fact, I have a particular penchant for homes Down Under, Tasmania to be specific. And today I'm taking things one step further.
This home is on a small island off Tasmania, which is pretty much as far from Sweden as it's possible to get without starting to come back again! But hey, geography has never stopped me dreaming. I've promised myself I'll make it there one day. And for those of you who get there before me, here's a stay that would be very hard to resist.
On the southern tip of Bruny Island, interior stylist Tess Newman Morris and her husband Jack have transformed a century-old timber cottage into a wonderfully soulful retreat. Built around 1906 and perched above Little Taylors Bay, Fairweather stole Tess's heart the moment she saw it. She and her family bought it in 2018 and spent the next seven years slowly restoring it, largely themselves, using reclaimed timber, salvaged windows and doors, antique furniture and natural materials.
Rather than making the cottage feel new, Tess wanted to return it to something simpler, calmer and more handcrafted. The result is beautifully understated, with waxed timber floors, vintage pieces, natural fibres and plenty of breathing space, all surrounded by the wild landscape of Bruny Island. Days here are shaped by the sea, changing skies, sea eagles and dolphins, and for Tess there's an added emotional connection too, since her late mother once lived in a nearby bay.
Today, Fairweather is less about polished perfection and more about switching off, slowing down and feeling completely immersed in nature. Or, as Tess puts it, "Time feels different there, like the rest of the world is on pause."
Ready to take the tour? Photographer Lisa Cohen captured these beautiful images, so let's take a look inside...
Incredible! I can’t think of a better place to spend a weekend... can you? Actually, scrap that. The rugged wilderness, the beautiful, relaxed interior and the views have me wanting to settle in and stay a while.
Definitely one to save for my future ‘gap year’ on the other side of the world. It might be a long time coming, but oh, it’s coming!
Is there anything that struck you about Fairweather?
And if you fancy experiencing it for yourself, you can find Fairweather Bruny Island on Airbnb and book a stay.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Niki
Interior styling: Tess Newman Morris
Photography: Lisa Cohen
The tranquility and peace arising from this sweet cottage is so inviting! I think that living in the world as it is today we are needing that more and more. Perfectly and beautifully restored. The views are magnificent! I feel more calm just looking at the photos. : > )
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, sometimes you just need to get away from it all and relax, surrounded by beautiful nature!
DeleteBrilliant, Tranquil and Serene. A place to get away from the world's madness
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed the tour. I am with you on that!
DeleteSo cosy, natural.....beautiful 🥰
ReplyDeleteHappy you also found this lovely cabin inspiring.
DeleteThe cabin's natural textures - wood, basketry, paper and textiles - fit the setting perfectly as do the flying birds in the hanging over the bed. Elemental and close to nature.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you so much for pointing out the birds, I love that wall hanging, it really fits the setting so beautifully.
DeleteSo inviting. I agree on the bird hanging. So beautiful. The arched recess for the woodstove also caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteI love the birds! And yes, the stove too, thank you for pointing that out Kris :)
DeleteI could look at cabins as this and never tire. Beautiful restoration work by Tess and Jack. Lagom! I would never want to leave either.
ReplyDeleteLike it that the stove with two shelves is by the dining area, while the washing and storage is in a separate enclosure. Makes sense to me☺ The cotton quilts are beautiful Oh my the views are majestic☺