A Dreamy Rustic Cottage in a Hidden Corner of Tasmania

I always try to stick to scandinavian homes here on the blog, but every now and again I go off-piste in a spectacular way! Like today. Those of you who know me well, will confirm my lifelong dream of visiting Tasmania, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Despite being on the opposite of the world and no doubt a very different climate, there are a few similarities with the Nordics (at least from what I have seen!). Firstly, Tasmania appears to be characterised by incredible, wild untouched nature. And secondly, this nature often inspires the decor in a beautiful way. 

I feel so drawn to the relaxed vibe of the cabins and cottages I so often discover on Airbnb! And this charming little rustic cottage is no different! Beautifully captured by Lean Timms who tells me 'it's such a special space, you'd love it' (I have no doubt!), the 160 year old cottage is hidden away in a secret, secluded corner of Tasmania, inviting guests to 'slow down, unplug and reconnect.' 

Owner Christine Hansen - founder of The Patina Factory,  recently returned from an eight year Hiatus in Sweden and has loving restored the one-bedroom cottage using only locally-sourced natural materials which compliment the antique timber frame. The result is a charming and relaxed cottage in which to kick back, unbind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. 

Ready to take a look? 

"Living in Sweden, I really came to understand some fundamental things about what makes a building beautiful" - Christine Hansen. 

I'm already on that daybed looking out over the Mersey river, how about you? 

The style reminds me a of a farmhouse high up on a hill in Vermont that I captured for my first book Relaxed Rustic (formerly known as Modern Pastoral). Which also took my breath away! 

See more pictures of this luxury rustic cottage in Tasmania on Airbnb here and follow Christine for more over at @twissstreet. 

Have you been to Tasmania? Or perhaps you're lucky enough to call it home? If so, please do share your experiences in the comment section below! Did anything stand out to you? 

Here are a few other dreamy Tasmanian properties I've featured in the past: 

Captain's Cottage - a bolthole in Hobart

A wabi-sabi getaway in the Bay of Fires

A relaxed artist's cabin by the sea

Whale song shack 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography by the talented Lean Timms, shared with kind permission. 

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A Look Inside a Cosy Off-Grid Cabin Escape in Tasmania

Do any of you work on Teams? I had a call this morning with clients scattered across the globe – some of us basking in European summer, faces glowing, matcha lemonades in hand. Then there was one fabulous client beaming in from the southern hemisphere: woolly beanie, wrapped in a blanket, cat on lap, visibly shivering. I recoiled in confusion – until I remembered it’s the middle of winter down there. The mind boggles.

So, this post is dedicated to you cosy southerners – those of you lighting fires, leaning into the layered life, and hopefully escaping Teams meetings for at least a little while (even if your clients are cool as cucumbers).

And if you’re lucky enough to be in Tasmania right now? Let me point you in the direction of Camp Nowhere.

Tucked away on Yingina / Great Lake in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, this once-humble fisherman’s shack is now a beautifully rustic, open-plan retreat. From every corner, including the bathtub, you’ve got views of forest and distant water. Nature’s always in reach here. Even the snug bed nook has a view of the roaring fire and the ever-changing world beyond the windows.

It’s also full of relaxed, thoughtful details: a cute little fish sketched on the wall, a nod to its laidback lakeside roots, and a gentle reflection of Tasmania’s effortlessly chilled-out vibe.

So if you’re craving stillness, a crackling fire, and a place where you’re never far from the trees (or the view) – this might just be your kind of nowhere (it certainly is mine!). 

How lovely is this place? So calm, so inviting.

I’ve got such a soft spot for bed nooks like this – we have one in our little cabin too, and I sleep like a log in it. There’s just something about being tucked away, fire flickering in view.

Did anything catch your eye? 

Can you imagine spending a few slow days here? No noise, no rush, just a good book and a better view. If so, you can read more about it and book your stay here. 

Tasmania’s been living rent-free in my imagination for years – I’ve never been, but I think about it often. If you’re dreaming too, there are loads more cabins and cottages from the island to explore here.

Speaking of islands – I’ll be back on Wednesday sharing photos from a recent visit to my favourite Swedish island. It’s part of a lovely challenge from Skandinavisk and their ØY collection. Join me if you’re curious to see which island I picked… and fancy a little tour. I have a discount code for you too! 

Happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Critchley

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Captains Cottage: A Super Cosy Bolthole in Hobart, Tasmania

The weather has cooled dramatically this week in Sweden. Is Autumn in the air where are you are too? I should be dreaming of knitted scarves, steaming mugs of coffee, roaring fires and all the other magical things the new season brings with it. But I'm not. I'm dreaming of a winter escape to Tasmania (where it's a little warmer) and a stay at this charming cottage. Wait, before you say anything, you need to take a peek for yourself! Located in Hobart's central business district, the cosy listed cottage was built in the mid 1800s for a sea captain. Owners Kylie and Sean Breaker have lovingly furnished it with an eclectic blend of vintage finds and newer pieces - as well as a subtle nod to its sea-faring past. "Captains Cottage is where we love to stay when visiting Hobart and is your haven too. We hope you fall in love with her as we have," say Kylie and Sean to potential guests. Now there's an invite!

Could you imagine staying here?

I'm feeling like a trip to Tasmania is in order. I'd totally combine it stay with a stay on Satellite island too!

Mind you, I've been saying that for years.

Read more about Captains Cottage and book your stay here or on airbnb.

Also in Tasmania:

A relaxed artist's cabin by the sea
A dreamy little cottage by the sea

Feeling the Tasmania cottage love today - how about you?

Niki

Photography taken by Marni Hawson and @albertandgrace - courtesy of the Captains Cottage gallery and @captainscottagehobart

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A Wabi-Sabi Inspired Getaway in the Bay of Fires, Tasmania

I love living in Scandinavia. Having been here for 18 years, I consider it my home. But sometimes - especially on a Monday morning - it's great to dream about faraway places! As you know, I've had my eye on Tasmania for many years (and now my sister Charlie - also has her heart set on on Tas thanks to some of the places here on MSH! I tell you, it's catching!). 

Maybe you'll also be tempted once you've seen the pictures of the beautiful SABI cabin in the Bay of Fires, designed by Fred and Jessica Eggleston. Described as a 'refuge of calm, free from distraction' the handcrafted stone cabin is serene, simple, raw and refined. Intentionally sparse yet rich in texture, romantic, spacious yet intimate - the cabin is located a short distance from the bay with its many hidden coves and cliff walks. The only thing you need to decide is whether to enjoy a book by the fire, soak in the Japanese-inspired tub or head out for a walk by the sea. I vote for all three. 

The kitchen has been kitted out with custom ceramic dinnerware and cast-iron cookware as well as everything you need to brew yourself the perfect cup of coffee (this could well be the tipping point for convincing Per - he does love his morning coffee!). 

The bathroom is inspired by a Moroccan hideout complete with floor to ceiling micro cement for a spa-like feel. My eye is on the rain shower.

Could you imagine getting away from everything here for a few days? 

Even if Tasmania is a little bit of stretch for many of us being so far, a girl can dream! Plus, there's lots of inspiration to take away from this striking interior.

I particularly love the wooden tub and can well imagine a soak in it. It's been made from a repurposed barrel and features a liner handcrafted from salvaged copper.  So clever! 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

See more of SABI cabin at @sabi.stays and book your stay on Airbnb. 

Oh, and here are a a few other dreamy Tasmania hideaways: 

A cosy hideaway by the sea

Captain's Cottage

The Butcher's House

Whale Song Shack

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson 

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A Cosy, Historic Shipbuilder’s Cottage in Tasmania Awaits!

Hej hej! I hope you had a lovely weekend. We've been up at our cabin, and it’s got me in the mood for an extra-cosy home tour today—are you up for the ride?

Great, because we’re heading to Twiss Street in Northern Tasmania!

You might recognize this charming little heritage cottage from a feature I wrote last year. Formerly a shipbuilder's cottage dating back to 1890, this 160-year-old property underwent a major renovation before becoming a cosy Airbnb retreat. And now, it could be your own personal getaway as the owner has decided to sell it!

I love how these pictures reveal new angles, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship, unique corners, and details like never before. While the beautiful vintage and antique furnishings are relatively understated, it’s the original hand-sawn local hardwood timber, exposed roof shingles, and wide-plank flooring—salvaged from a ship’s deck—combined with lime-rendered walls and a brick fireplace that give it its striking, unique look and help transform it into the cosy cocoon that it is.

Ready to step into the dark side? Let’s take a peek inside. 

So beautiful! I love how the ceiling varies throughout, along with the wood cladding and dark timber floors, which truly bring the property’s heritage to the forefront.

Plus, it seems like every piece of furniture and each painting has its own story, making them fit right in.

Needless to say, the cottage has been featured in numerous magazines and books, including The Poetry of Spaces by Sarah Andrews.

I could easily spend a week cosied up by the fire—how about you?

Is there anything in particular that stands out to you about this cottage?

I have a real soft spot for cottages and cabins in Tassie! Here are a few more of my favourites:

Captain's Cottage - a cosy bolthole in Tasmania

A wabi-sabi getaway in the Bay of Fires

Imagining a weekend at Millington house

Cosy Hide-away: The Butcher's House

I hope this has given you something to dream about for the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Circa heritage & Lifestyle, you can see more images over at @twissstreet. 

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