The Ultimate Farmhouse Escape: Quamby Home

By Georgie Abay Published Feb 15 2016

If you’re anything like me, you find yourself craving a simpler life from time to time. I often imagine moving to the country where life is calmer. Of course, with a settled life in the city, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. Yet while country living might just be a dream, but you can always go on a mini break...

Quamby Home in Tasmania is the ultimate getaway for families. Situated on acres of beautiful English garden and farmland in the Meander Valley of Northern Tasmania, it’s located about 25 minutes from Launceston airport. The luxurious farmhouse has recently been renovated by Nearly Nude founder Lucy Hosken and her husband Stew. Together the couple totally transformed the house – originally built in the 1870’s – into an idyllic family getaway which accommodates up to 10 people. The bunk room is the most magical space and your kids will happily spend hours in there playing on the bunks or with the toys. There’s also plenty to do when you get there, from visiting Cradle Mountain to Cataract Gorge to Hillwood Berry Farm. Or you could just sit tight and enjoy the house (and a few glasses of local wine). “To us, the farm is as much about giving the children a special experience, a taste of the wholesome life and a real and grounded experience,” says Hosken. “We think that by creating this special space they can roam free, explore and create special memories. Our children love to dig up mud, collect sticks, build bonfires, make birds nests and fairy gardens and go on long walks.” We caught up with Hosken to find out more about this chic country escape… Photos: Courtesy of Quamby Home. Additional images: Georgie Abay

How would you describe the style of Quamby Home?

“I think it’s a real mix of contemporary country with a hint of nordic design influence. We wanted the space to be relaxing and calming and somewhere people would feel right at home. We have always loved renovating and this was the perfect project. We knew we wanted to have all white inside and out and minimal furnishings. The space just speaks for itself. The high ceiling in the kitchen and dining room has added a whole new level to the back extension of the house and with the Tasmanian climate it allows for all seasons of weather.”

Where did you source the decor from?

“We had been collecting a lot of the furniture ourselves for years, so at least half the house has been lovingly sourced over a decade. The finishing touches all came from various locations such as Ikea, Ici Et La, Cotton Love, La Maison, Country Road, Hale Mercantile, Restoration Hardware and antique stores. The décor is a real mix of old and new, contemporary and antique. Sleek and country. I think this all makes for a welcoming stay. We also had to keep in mind when it’s a place where large groups will stay that we couldn’t put anything too special or luxurious in there, it had to be strong, basic and replaceable. It is a farm after all.”

Do you have a favourite room?

“It has to be the bunk room! This was by far our favourite room to design as we always knew we wanted the children to have a space that was fun, dreamy and a special experience. I saw similar bunk beds on Pinterest. A week later our builder had built these gorgeous bunks! All children that stay – no matter how big or small – find the bunk room a really fun experience. Our children love them and it’s the only time they ever stay in bed all night! We then sourced the pin stripe bed linen from Ikea and added favourite books and toys to make the room feel homely for the little people who stay. I saw the prints from the Animal Print Studio years ago and knew I wanted them for the farm house. The frames are from Country Road.”