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KO Reviews: Hatherley Birrell Collection, Launceston

A unique fusion of modern art, architectural flair and chic design converge at the Hatherley Birrell Collection – a cluster of luxurious accommodation options scattered throughout vibrant Launceston.

A unique fusion of modern art, architectural flair and chic design converge at the Hatherley Birrell Collection – a cluster of luxurious accommodation options scattered throughout vibrant Launceston.

The early morning sun filters through the canopy of a blooming Magnolia tree – 150 years old – instantly throwing warm shades of orange and yellow throughout my spacious pad whilst I gently awake to a crisp spring’s day in charming Launceston.

For the next two days, I’ll be calling the Magnolia Garden Pavilion – part of the Hatherley Birrell Collection – home, and it’s pretty obvious upon first entering my temporary pad that I’m going to find it difficult to leave.

Set within the heritage gardens of Hatherley House home (built in the 1830’s and listed on the National Estate Register) and just a stone’s throw away from Launceston’s compact city centre, the Magnolia Garden Pavilion is one of two self-designed Garden Pavilions and part of the Hatherley Birrell Collection.

In sum, the property is a product of innovative design, creature comforts, and an appreciation for the finer things in life, including modern art and a soak in an outdoor bath carved from volcanic stone under the twinkling stars of the Southern Hemisphere – in other words, pure heaven!

And it’s not just me that thinks that.

Hatherley Birrell Collection’s Garden Pavilions were recent recipients of The Peter Willmott Award for Small Project Architecture at the 2016 Tasmanian Architecture Awards. So it’s definitely something special, and by the end of this review you’ll probably think so too…

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

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Upon entering the wooden door to the private patio of the Magnolia Garden Pavilion, I know I’ve stumbled upon something special.

Instantly the volcanic stone outdoor bath captures my attention, and I entertain thoughts of a warm bath later that night. I’ve always had a hard time keeping my thoughts from showing up on my face, and Rebecca – the friendly part-owner – can tell I’m thinking about an evening soak, and remarks on how the stone retains the heat really well. And she was totally right.

Inside things are even better. A sliding glass wall instantly makes the spacious room feel big and bright, and a comfy King-sized bed sits smack bang in the middle, facing a couple of pieces of modern artwork displayed on the opposing wall under an origami inspired roof.

On the side table is a set of coloured pencils and a sketch book – at hand for spontaneous inspiration – and in the corner of my eye I spy a Japanese-style robe hanging gracefully from a clothing rack.

Yep, this is definitely not your average room!

 

ROOM FEATURES

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Designed for two, the Magnolia Garden Pavilion has all the mod-cons of any upscale hotel room, but with added touches that reflect the owner’s personal interests – making it one-of-a-kind.

A kitchenette with microwave, toaster, and kettle – with a selection of teas, coffee and complimentary port – inhabits a corner of the room and shares a wall with a large modern bathroom, exceptionally embedded into the pavilion’s overall design. The bathroom itself is sleek and modern, and stocked with luxury organic toiletries and a hairdryer.

Free (and fast!) Wi-Fi is easily picked up inside and outside the walls, and a large flat-screen television connected to Apple TV (with a range of music and movies on hand) sits in the centre of the room, next to a circular wooden table and chairs that offer commanding views over the back garden of the heritage property; here is the perfect place to sit and eat your local breakfast provisions of yogurt, muesli, orange juice and milk provided daily.

In other words, comfort, entertainment, relaxation? Tick, tick, tick!

 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

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The Magnolia Garden Pavilion is just a 10-minute walk to the centre of vibrant Launceston, in a quiet residential quarter up a hill from the city centre. An air of Victorian charm permeates the leaf-lined streets leading up to the property, pointing again to the heritage character of the Hatherley Birrell Collection.

Once in the centre of Launceston, you’re only a short distance from Cataract Gorge, a cruise along the Tamar River, and of course the city’s smatterings of art/culture/food offerings, including the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and steaks at The Black Cow.

 

THINGS WE LOVED

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Can I say everything?

Seriously, it’s not often you come across a property that’s just special. The attention to detail and the injection of art and creativity into the experience made this much more than just a room with a bed.

The property beckons you to escape inside – into your own thoughts and imagination – and the beautifully designed elements that surround you make you feel special. Of course, sharing the experience with your special someone is true bliss. The bath tub is big enough for two…

Speaking of the bath, what more can I say? It’s definitely a reason in itself for a stay. Star-gazing whilst soaking in its warm water is a definite highlight of my stay – I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

But instead of waxing lyrical on just how impressed I was with my two-night stay at the Magnolia Garden Pavilion, I think I’ll leave that up to past guests Susan and Tony and their testimonial.

Rebecca & Jack – What a unique and truly divine place. Exceeded all expectations, and the bath was heavenly! The design has given us some great inspiration. The whole place & experience comes together beautifully. You made us feel special.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

FAST FACTS

Room Rate: From $360 AUD per night. Note: To celebrate Hatherley Birrell Collection’s recent Tasmanian Architecture Award, guests can take advantage of a special Pay 2 Stay 3 offer available Monday to Friday on all room categories and current for 3 consecutive night stays pre 30/11/2016. Conditions apply.

Address: Hatherley Birrell Collection, 43 High Street East, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250.

Website: Hatherley Birrell Collection

Rating: 5/5

Have you stayed at Hatherley Birrell Collection? Let us know in the comments below.