Now that Tasmania’s borders have opened to most states, I want to share The Granary, Richmond Hill with you. We visited in deep winter when the frost was heavy of a morning and we’d walk through an arch of hawthorns to the river. We stayed for a week and made some beautiful memories there; of books read near the fire, dinner shared at a long table and walks around the grounds to bookend our days.

Built by convicts in the late 1880s and formerly a granary, stable, worker’s quarters and shearing shed, The Granary is now luxury accomodation that sleeps six. While it is undoubtedly regal in stance, it is unpretentious and homely; there is a simplicity about it that is both inviting and comforting. Once you step inside and make your way upstairs to the large, open living space you’ll want to settle in and never leave.

Indeed, it’s the perfect spot to experience country Tasmania, well away from the tourist route with expansive views of mountain ranges and the Macquarie River. Located in the historic town of Cressy and only twenty minutes from Launceston airport, The Granary is the perfect base to explore northern Tasmania, including the Tamar Valley, Ben Lomond National Park and Cradle Mountain.

Of course, if you want a few days away, basking in country air and quiet, this is the place. It’s ideal for a weekend to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or just because and if you feel like what you most need is a few nights with your favourite friends, The Granary will welcome you with open arms. It’s also very child-friendly; there’s so much space for the kids to roam and regardless of the exquisite interior styling, nothing is too precious or breakable.

I adored the kitchen which reminded me a little of the one featured in River Cottage; wattle on the windowsill, a beautiful oven and stove and everything you need to cook a feast. There are five lounges in the living room, a small library of books and enough board games to while away the afternoon. The beds are dressed in lush linen and the bathrooms feature heated floors and organic bath products.

The small town of Cressy is only a couples of kilometres away and is known for its trout fishing hence all the street signs are fish (love a bit of Tassie quirk!). It’s also home to the Cressy Rustic Bakehouse which boasts one of Tasmania’s best vanilla slices. Historic Longford is ten minutes down the road and it’s there that you can stock up on groceries at Hill St, grab a coffee from Ernesto’s (a word of warning: it’s strong but smooth) and then wander the few boutiques and antique stores that line the main street.

But again, if you just want to stay close to The Granary and wander down to the river for the afternoon, do that. If you’re there when the water is still and the sky clear, the whole world is reflected back at you and it feels a bit like magic. Owner and caretaker, Fiona (and her two sausage dogs and flock of guinea fowl) will kindly show you around the gardens which are abundant and an absolute labour of love.

Regardless of the season, the fire warms the entire house and the sun does the same, filling the space with light from dawn till dusk. The history is palpable as you wander the rooms and take in the height of the ceilings and the thickness of the walls. Perch yourself on the windowsill and take in the storybook beauty; it’s rather unforgettable.

You can follow The Granary on instagram – @thegranary_richmondhill and read more about its history and offerings at granaryrichmondhill.com