‘Little wild cabin’: A secluded retreat bordered by forest and coast
A secluded off-grid haven nestled in the Tassie forest and boasting the sights and sounds of nature is up for grabs.
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a cabin in the woods, the upcoming sale of a private headland in Tasmania could well make that a reality.
A picturesque 8 ha slice of forest at 863 Roaring Beach Road, Nubeena is being auctioned next month with a price guide of $1.5 million plus.
Perched above Roaring Beach on the Tasman peninsula, the residential land is enveloped on three sides by conservation area and towering sea cliffs, and offers spectacular views from the beaches to the valleys.
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A bespoke solar-powered day cabin offers a private haven nestled among the trees, accessible via a 1.5km driveway through the forest and with a direct path to the beach.
The property owners Jamie and Ingrid found exactly what they were searching for when they discovered the old surfer’s cabin, known as ‘The Headland’.
“We looked at over 20 properties, many of them stunning in their own way, but as soon as we first set foot on The Headland we knew it was the one,” the couple said, in a piece they penned for realestate.com.au
“So many trees and animals, so much space and privacy. And so few distractions.”
The couple bought the property in 2018 for $550,000 and went about restoring the cabin, which was hand-built by the original owner’s son and his surfer mates over 30 years ago.
With neighbours’ help, Jamie and Ingrid added environmentally friendly wool insulation, a small bathroom, and replaced the Perspex sheets with glass windows and doors.
Rough-sawn Tasmanian oak from the local timber mill was used to line the walls and ceiling, the deck was repaired and a new fireplace installed.
The couple – known for creating notable escapes such as The Little Black Shack on the water’s edge in Mackerel Beach, Sydney and The Little Onsen Cabins in the mountains on Japan’s north island of Hokkaido – got to work.
They spent two years designing and building the interior of the completely off-grid day cabin.
“We have spent the last eight years creating the perfect little escape in our little wild cabin and incredible memories at The Headland,” they said.
“However, now that our kids are older, settled in relationships and forging their own lives, we have decided to pass The Headland on to new caretakers so they can create their own dream here, and so we can explore more of the world.”
Located a 1.5 hour drive from Hobart, the property is a few headlands from the famed big wave break Shipstern Bluff.
It also offers bay views to Roaring Beach, Storm Bay, Wedge Island and Bruny Island.
As well as being surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of nature, the site is close to oyster farms, wineries, distilleries and farmer’s markets, and national parks. The village of Nubeena is also just minutes away.
Selling agent David Medina of NSW Sotheby’s International Realty said there has already been interest from potential overseas and interstate buyers as well as architects keen to discover the site’s possibilities.
Mr Medina said the day cabin could be enjoyed as is or enhanced.
The site offered scope for further development, subject to council approval.
“It’s an absolute cracker,” he said of the property. “It’s taken me 30 years to find a block like this.
“If you want remoteness and isolation and want to get back to your inner self or get back to nature, this block is just outrageous.
“It’s everything that you could want – peace, solitude, to get in touch with your inner self. Build yourself a dream home, camp, relax, do whatever you need to do. It ticks so many boxes – it’s next level.”
The property will be auctioned at 5pm on April 7 unless sold prior at level 1/29-33 Bay Street, Double Bay NSW.
