01 October 2008
David Levell
Meander Valley Highway (B54), Hadspen, Tasmania, Australia.
+61 3 6393 6201
Built in 1819 by Thomas Haydock Reibey, son of the noted convict-entrepreneur Mary Reibey (see any $20 note). His son Thomas, who added the second storey, was the most colourful owner: Tasmania’s first locally born and ordained cleric – the Mercury newspaper called him an “ecclesiastical debauchee” – racehorse breeder and Tasmanian premier 1876-77. The oldest cricket pitch in Australia is here, and perhaps also the oldest conservatory. Interiors feature family portraits, a John Glover painting and antique cedar furniture. The new vineyard’s first crop was picked in March; the restaurant/cellar door is in development. Open daily.
Source: Qantas The Australian Way October 2008