In 2017, Ben and Kristy Hunt left Melbourne for good with dreams of establishing a new home and business in Tasmania’s Huon Valley.
‘Personally, we experienced a fast-paced lifestyle and didn’t always get to make the most of our time together. We wanted to slow down, be present and focus on what was really important,’ says co-owner Kristy, who has previously worked in construction and hospitality.
‘We’d been to Hobart a couple of times and fell in love with the food and wine in Tassie. Something just clicked one day and it seemed like the solution was to move down to the Huon Valley, we could see the region was quite untouched and had an enormous amount of potential.’
The couple purchased 36 acres in Glen Huon (located about 45 minutes south west of Hobart) in 2018, and five years later, they’re opening their accommodation Hunter Huon Valley on the site.
‘After a few properties that weren’t right for us, we drove up the windy road amongst the trees to Hunter Huon Valley and instantly got this feeling of escape. Once we saw the view over the valley we were sold, we knew this was the one,’ says Kristy.
Inspired by Maguire + Devine Architects‘ design of Bruny Island Hideaway, Kristy and Ben engaged the studio to design the three cabins that make up Hunter Huon Valley.
‘We loved that Maguire + Devine have a certain style that was understated and pared back,’ says Kristy. ‘We felt that their material selection would really complement the rugged bushland surrounding the property.’
The plan was originally to spread the cabins across the property, but services dictated they sit in closer proximity.
‘I’ll be honest, to begin with we were a little naive when it came to design, placement and budget,’ says Kristy. ‘Pleasingly, we still managed to keep each cabin around 100 metres apart from each other and ensure they were all orientated appropriately to maintain a level of privacy.’
Maguire + Devine Architects’ design brings the outdoors in through large fixed panel windows and skylights above the bed and shower. Tasmanian oak lines the interiors, bringing warmth and contrast to the moodier bathroom tiles, fireplace, composite stone bath, and exterior.
‘The timber lining has a modern take on the traditional log cabin with a few luxe touches in the mix,’ explains Kristy. Among them is the handmade basins by local potter Zsolt Faludi, created especially for the project.
The salvaged blackwood timber tables and vanities were also custom made by local furniture maker Matt Black Furniture, and the ceramic bedside lights were made by Hobart business We Ponder.
Bookings for Hunter Huon Valley are now open, with the first guests set to be welcomed in the coming weeks.
‘I’m really excited for our guests to experience a long hot bath in the deep tub followed by a good night’s sleep under the stars on a clear night,’ says Kristy.
‘Without a doubt guests will love that feeling of retreat — being surrounded by nature in a luxury setting.’
