A jewel of authentic Colonial architecture, hidden in a loop of the East Derwent Highway, Cleburne Homestead comprises 4 separate sandstone buildings circa 1830's, on four beautiful acres of the original estate alongside the Derwent River. Cleburne offers a unique art/heritage environment to enhance your experience of MONA - the Museum of Old and New Art. The walls of Cleburne display the original work of some outstanding Tasmanian painters, including John Lendis, Peter Stephenson, Wayne Brooks and Helen Hopcroft. There are also paintings by other artists, including Marina Pribaz, Heath Lander, Penelope Ann and Marisse Maas.
Visit the nearby Museum of Old and New Art - it's free. Descend the seemingly endless flight of spiral stairs in this windowless museum, to a cathedral-like basement cordoned by an ancient Triassic sandstone wall... and then brace yourself. Prepare to be confronted - visually, intellectually, emotionally. It's a roller coaster ride through three levels of steel and stone of the world's largest private art collection, in a subterranean fortress deep in the banks of the Derwent River. A fantastic myriad of style and form, of masterpieces of modern art, by some of the world's most controversial artists. Emerge from the depths - a little different, some say - to discuss the experience over a wine and bite to eat at MONA's al freso cafe, wine bar or restaurant. Then venture into Hobart's Salamanca region to continue your cultural exploration with theatres to enjoy, markets and shops to plunder, and gourmet delights to sample and savour.
The Barn Suite is located in the middle of a magnificent sandstone barn which originally housed the estate's horses. The massive exterior walls are mossy and aged and a private entrance is shaded by a mature Ash tree. Inside, the stunningly dramatic suite melds history and tradition with walls of deeply-raked stone, exposed timber ceiling beams darkened with time, and a polished sandstone floor. Sink into sumptuous bliss on the very romantic king size four-poster bed. Sparkling new facilities include a kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator and electric jug. Watch a movie from leather armchairs where thick rugs add comfort and warmth. A boldly white and spacious ensuite bathroom has a shower, hairdryer and heater. The Barn Suite has convenient flat and easy access with parking close by.
The Stables Suite is also located in the sandstone barn, formerly the stables. Beautiful stone walls are aged and speckled, velvety with moss. A private entry via steps to a small deck has outdoor chairs and table. The impressive suite is rich with history that marks the passing of time, from an era transformed. An original feed trough runs along a wall. Stone walls harken back to days of old, and original stall timbers are evocative of whinnying mares, clanking bridles, and the rich smell of freshly oiled leather. Above is a ceiling of dark timber beams, and below a polished sandstone floor with thick rugs. A leather covered Queen bed reflects the stable history and is made up with luxurious linen. Brand new facilities include a kitchenette and a bright, white ensuite bathroom with shower. Equipped with heating, TV/DVD player, electric blanket, refrigerator, microwave, tea/coffee-making facilities, clock radio, and hair dryer for your comfort and convenience.
The Bakehouse is located in the magnificent old stone Barn and features the original baker's fireplace and oven in which the bread for the whole estate was baked. The exposed stonework of the fireplace is a dramatic feature of the bedroom. The three rooms - bedroom, dining area and bathroom - are painted snowy white, with fresh white furniture and bedding. A deep-set window offers views to Mount Direction. The bedroom is furnished with a Queen bed and leather recliner chairs. Modern art is by Tasmanian artists Helen Hopcroft and John Lendis, and Melbourne artist Irene Barberis. The bathroom is striking - starkly simple - with pure white stone walls and fittings contrasted by a dark slate floor. A free-standing bath is inviting and there is also a separate shower. The suite is equipped with heating, TV/DVD player, electric blanket, refrigerator, microwave, tea/coffee-making facilities, clock radio, and hair dryer.
A French wrought iron courtyard setting welcomes you to The Cottage, a self-contained building with massive sandstone walls and deep-set windows that look out to the courtyard, the Homestead and the willow-shrouded pond. Modern art from the Cleburne Collection adorns the walls. Upstairs a dormer bedroom provides views over the grounds to the Bowen Bridge and Mount Direction. The Queen bed has an electric blanket and the bathroom includes a shower, hair-dryer and heater. Downstairs you'll find a lounge with a slow-combustion heater, two day beds for a third and fourth person and a trundle bed can be added for a fifth person. There's a fully equipped kitchen, small dining area, armchairs, and a TV/DVD player.
The Homestead is in the main farmhouse with a private entrance off the verandah. The original master bedroom, it has internal access through a hallway to the Reading Room and Dining Room and Cellar.
Breakfast included
1x KS/4x QS beds
Ensuite
Hair dryer
Linen supplied
TV/DVD
WiFi/stereo
Kitchen (cottage only)
Kitchenette (barn only)
Dining room (homestead)
Wood fire heater (cottage only)
Heater
Garden
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Moorilla Winery
Derwent Entertainment Centre
Elwick Race Course
Royal Hobart Showgrounds
Bett Gallery
SONA Gallery
State Cinema
Royal Botanic Gardens
Cole Valley Wine District
Cascade Brewery
Lady Franklin Gallery
Salamanca Arts Centre
Salamanca Market
This would have to be the most amazing place we have ever stayed!! Wonderful hosts, and the most charming setting, made for an extremely enjoyable and relaxing 3 days break. The location was handy to everything, yet peaceful and removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. We stayed in the Bakehouse Suite. Stunning décor, and everything you could possibly need to feel at home. The animals cruising around were delightful. Loved every second.
Gympie, Queensland
Character, comfort and charm. Penelope and David were wonderful hosts and our four days at Cleburne Homestead were a highlight of our two weeks in Tasmania.The gourmet breakfasts and Penelope's efficient and friendly service could not be faulted. The suites were just lovely. We were two couples and all agreed Cleburne can be highly recommended.
Tura Beach NSW
I thought I was driving into a place in Provence, France when I arrived at Cleburne Homestead. Beautiful stone buildings and cobbled courtyard greeted me. But inside the buildings it's all very modern and comfortable. The large dining table and open fire provides a warm and welcoming start to the day. Breakfast is delicious - stewed fruit and cereals, cold platter of cheese, meat, fish, olives, salad (very European) and, of course, toast and jams. It is very close to MONA by car and you do need to hire a car. Reasonable rates at Cleburne and lots of animals on the property - alpacas, peacocks, geese, rabbits. I thought I was in the country but really the road is very close so it was easy to go into Hobart and to all the fantastic Tassie spots further afield.
Melbourne
Be inspired by the natural beauty of this region. See it, feel it, taste it.