Step back in time at this artfully restored church in Tasmania’s South East

Don’t let the cooler temps deter you – a winter getaway in Tasmania is never a bad idea. In fact, Dunalley local Simon Holloway, owner of heritage-listed church-turned-guest accommodation St Martin’s of Tasmania, says the colder months are the best time to enjoy everything that his quiet fishing village has to offer – think whisky, wine, fires, festivals and Aurora Australis (the southern lights).

Tradition meets modern comfort at St Martin’s of Tasmania, where guests sleep on a luxury bed coccooned by stone walls and cathedral ceilings. ((Photography: Simon Upton & Sara O’Donnell))

Built in 1924 using sandstone blocks that date back to the 1830s, St Martin’s sits on a man-made canal in the tiny fishing village of Dunalley, just 30 minutes’ drive from Hobart airport. Hugged by green hills, sheep farms and vineyards, the former church is a magical place to slow down and soak up life’s simpler pleasures.

Carefully restored, the church retains many of its historic charms, from the glorious cathedral ceilings made from Tasmanian oak, to its kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows and pews repurposed as dining seating. Plaques honouring past parishioners and the original brass bell serve as reminders of the important role that this building has played in the Dunalley community for many years.

An old boat rudder on display in the kitchen. ((Photography: Simon Upton & Sara O’Donnell)) (Credit: (Photography: Simon Upton & Sara O’Donnell))

The open-plan layout includes a cosy living space complete with crackling fireplace, central dining area, a luxurious bed and a desk nook with views to the ocean. A new addition built by a heritage architect houses the galley kitchen and bathroom, and features Shou Sugi Ban external cladding – the traditional Japanese charred timber – as a nod to the devastating fires that occurred in 2013, with St Martin’s the only public building in Dunalley to survive.

Simon and his partner, Aleah, have taken great care with the interiors, sourcing period antiques locally and further afield to add layers of character. A working gramophone, marine telescope and period games are among the fascinating finds. Comfort is also catered for, with modern appliances in the kitchen, instantaneous hot water in the bathroom and a fire pit and Vikara steam-stone sauna outside.

The ‘work-in-progress’ gardens have been designed and planted by Simon – a presenter on the Nine Network’s The Garden Gurus – to complement the existing orchards.

Stay at St Martin’s of Tasmania

Just 30 minutes from Hobart Airport, St Martin’s is a one-bedroom converted church in the quaint fishing village of Dunalley. You can book a stay on Airbnb.

The custom Murphy bed folds up when not in use. ( Photography: Simon Upton & Sara O’Donnell (Credit: Photography: Simon Upton & Sara O’Donnell)

Guests can take their time exploring every nook and cranny of St Martin’s or venture out to explore the nearby natural wonders of the Three Capes Track, Fortescue Bay, Marion Bay and Boomer Bay.

Dig into the Luxe Welcome Pack filled with local produce or book one of the intimate meet-the-farmer tours that Simon offers through his side business, DineAlley.

Limited to four guests at a time, these immersive tours provide exclusive access to local farms and vineyards, with time to swap stories and sample the goods. A true religious experience in every sense of the word.

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