Stanton

One’s first glimpse of Stanton from Back River Road is through large stands of Macrocarpas, thoughtfully planted many years ago to shield the house from wind and prying eyes.

When that wind is absent, the front dam reflects whatever season is in vogue – in this case spring, with the pink of the nectarine and quince blossoms mingling with the lacy white of the plum, all contrasting nicely with the many greens in the surrounding hills, and the vibrant colours of the sky.

The relatively recent addition of traditional post-and-rail fences around the house itself maintains a discreet but definite distance between our lawns and shrubs and the ever-grazing white fluffy predators, without whom admittedly, the remaining 15 acres would quickly become overgrown.

Tasmania and the Derwent Valley is no different to many other parts of Australia, in that water has always been a precious commodity. Visitors are often surprised to learn that Hobart is the second driest capital in Australia, and since Stanton lies at the southernmost edge of the oft drought-ridden Midlands, we have to be careful in summer (no worries with the house supply, though, since town water means we never run out!).

We are fortunate that the property has two dams and a waterhole, fed by a spring which burbles and gushes pleasantly through the paddocks and down to the front dam in the spring or after good rain. In this event our frog chorus is worthy of Tabernacle Choir status.

We recommend a stroll around the place, and it is possible to do a circuit from the house, down to the front dam, then across the creek and up through the macrocarpas and paddocks, to the larger dam at the back of the property, and then back to the house past the orchards and hawthorn avenue.

Gumboots available if required!

Sam the white dog may well be your escort, and unless you’re carrying a likely-looking bucket, the sheep will scarper at your approach.