The Shearers Quarters is located on ‘Waterview’, an historic farming property on North Bruny Island on land first granted to Captain James Kelly in 1820’s and is situated on the land of the Nuenonne people, the Traditional Custodians of the land.
The house sits as a companion to the historic Captain Kelly’s Cottage also located on the property.
Simple materials characterise the dwelling with corrugated galvanised iron to the exterior, and timber internally. The Pinus Macrocarpa wall lining was sourced from many different suppliers principally as individual trees from old rural windbreaks. The bedrooms are lined in recycled apple box crates, sourced from the many old orchards of the Huon Valley.
This is a place of luxury for the soul – an accomplished design and an interior of unique warmth and individuality, all set within a pristine environment. The house exemplifies the talents of many remarkable local craftspeople.
Waterview
The property is a working sheep farm of 540 hectares that is operated by Susan and John Wardle. The house comprises a large open living / dining / kitchen area, bathroom and laundry, two bedrooms and a bunkroom.
The bedrooms contain a queen bed and a twin bed configurable to a king bed. The bunk room contains two single beds. We can host 4 adults and 2 children over the age of 12.
Integrated environmental sustainability is at the core of the building design. The building has a small footprint of 136m2 and is nestled low along the gulley to shelter from prevailing winds. Openable vents and louvers allow for controlled cross ventilation during summer. Double glazing and high performing advanced insulation to floors, walls and ceiling, reduce heat loss during Tasmania’s winter months.
The Lodging
Bedroom 1 - King bed configurable to twin king
Bedroom 2 - Queen bed
Bedroom 2 - views to landscape
Hallway to bedrooms
Bunk room - Operable louvres
Bunk Room - 2 single beds
There has been extensive use of recycled materials: timber flooring, apple-box timber walls, and the chimney bricks made on the property in the 1830’s. All rainwater is collected and used for drinking, toilets, and showers. All wastewater is treated on-site and used to irrigate a native plantation. There is a wood heater to respond to year-round occupation.
Guests will will use the Bruny Island Ferry to travel to the property.
The three-bedroom dwelling will be yours alone. The farm managers, Leigh and Nancy live separately on the farm one kilometre away. Occasionally the Wardle family may be in occupation in the historic cottage nearby.
The property offers 6km of ocean frontage with sweeping views over D’entrecasteaux Channel and Storm Bay where there are three private beaches to be enjoyed, and numerous walking tracks including a walk to Kelly’s whaling station situated at the northern end of the property on Bull Bay and to one tree point at its southern edge.
Guest Access
Nancy, your host and Leigh, the farm manager live on the property and can assist you during your stay. They will happily tell stories of the fine wool merino operation and point out the features of the property. Two bottles of Hughes and Hughes wine will be waiting on the dining table (which has been made from ancient hardwood planks set over the frame of an ancient apple grader). Seasonal produce and catering from local suppliers may be available on request.
Interaction
There is parking onsite, but certainly the best way to explore the property is by foot. A walking map of the property has been prepared and will be given to guests on arrival, it notes not only the three beaches and headlands but many eccentric structures that John and his team from Wardle have constructed under the guidance of many skilled others that are located along the costal edge.
