Oatlands is halfway between Hobart and Launceston in the picturesque Southern Midlands. It’s a heritage sandstone village surrounded by farmland and halfway along the main street sits Raffah House; formerly the maternity hospital and now a luxury airbnb. It’s a warm and cosy abode that welcomes you with soft linens, considered details and a lively hedge of rosemary that’s just right for your evening g+t.

The owners are seventh-generation farmers in Oatlands so they know a thing or two about the town. And this intrinsic knowledge is what makes Raffah House so unforgettable; it’s imbued with a rich history that has been celebrated with every design and styling choice. Essentially, it is a piece of history and staying here felt like we were really experiencing the Oatlands of today and yesteryear. Consider it an experiential stay; an opportunity to step into an 1840s home and revel in the high ceilings, textural walls and roaring fireplace. Peek outside at night when stillness envelopes the street and lamp posts light the way. It is eerily beautiful.

If you’re road tripping around Tasmania, Oatlands is the ideal spot to base yourself and explore the intriguing Midlands, the Highland Lakes and the southern towns of the East Coast. You can easily take a day trip to Launceston and Hobart, both within an hour’s drive from Raffah House (it’s an easy 50minute drive from Hobart airport). It really is the kind of homebase you would want in Tasmania; it’s warm and quiet, there’s plenty of outdoor space for kids to play, an abundant vegetable and herb garden and the convenience of a well-stocked IGA within walking distance.

Practicalities aside, it’s an incredibly beautiful place to be. If you want to escape for a while and land somewhere quiet and homely, to rest, rejuvenate or create, Raffah House is it. Walk your way around the stunning Lake Dulverton, peek into the antique and heritage stores, take a drive to nearby Ross and eat the best vanilla slice of your life at the Ross Bakery Inn and then return home for a fireside drink and a meal cooked in the fully-equipped kitchen.

You can book a stay at Raffah House via airbnb and follow on instagram @raffahhouse. If you feel like a sea-change after staying in this sandstone beauty, head to Bruny Boathouse (Sophie owns both airbnbs!).