Lisdillon Estate

How many places can you stay at with not only a private beach, but five kilometres of exclusive coastline? Lisdillon Estate in Tasmania has three private white-sand beaches along the 6000-acre property, which also holds a working sheep farm and vineyard.

The stone cottages were built by convicts in the 1800s, when Lisdillon was a small town of around 120 people. Only four of the original buildings from that time remain – three cottages have been turned into accommodation.

The Shepherd’s Cottage sleeps two guests in a king-sized bed, with an open-plan living and dining area, a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor furniture. The Blacksmith’s Cottage, on the other hand, has two bedrooms and can sleep up to four people; it has similar amenities to the Shepherd’s Cottage, plus a deck with outdoor dining and a barbeque in the garden. Both have views of Lisdillon Rivulet and are only a short walk from the beach.

And Gregan Retreat is a cosy weatherboard shack in a sheep paddock that overlooks one of Lisdillon’s vineyards. There’s a wood fireplace, a small kitchen and living room, a queen-sized bed and a large deck with comfy furniture.

All four options come with a complimentary breakfast hamper of homemade bread, butter, local honey and tastings of Lisdillon’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.

The property dates back to 1830, with the Cotton family acquiring it in 1970. It’s now a third-generation business, with Katherine Cotton moving down from Melbourne to run the accommodation side of things.

A cellar door and fourth cottage are set to open in 2022.