Petit Château, 1837
Built between 1837 and 1845, Petit Château forms part of Oatland’s early history, and is a beautiful example of classic, symmetrical Georgian design.
History
The historic village of Oatlands, Tasmania has the largest collection of heritage-listed sandstone buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1821 by Governor Macquarie, he named the area Oatlands as the landscape reminded him of his native Scotland.
The parcel of land on which the stone cottage sits was purchased by James Smith in 1837. A tailor, Smith worked and lived in Oatland’s High Street until his death in 1874. Historical records show the cottage was constructed between 1837 and 1845, indicating it is most likely the cottage was built by Smith.
Of heritage significance for its ability to demonstrate an aspect of Oatlands’ early settlement, Petit Château is a fine example of a single-storey Old Colonial Georgian stone cottage, forming part of the village’s well-preserved streetscapes.
The restoration of Petit Château was featured on ABC iView’s Grand Designs Transformations in 2024. During the three year project, architectural features were carefully preserved, including the stone fireplace, original six-pane windows, exposed beams, and pick-marked convict-built internal sandstone walls that were an unexpected and delightful discovery.
Owner & host Karen Miles also found original advertisements that James Smith placed in the Hobart newspapers for his High Street business. She commissioned a local Tasmanian artist to calligraph his words in gold lettering onto a Victorian chest of drawers, that now sits proudly in the west bedroom. A self-confessed Francophile, Karen also runs French Consul - linen collections handcrafted with pure flax from the fields of France, that guests enjoy during their stay.
Accommodation
4 Guests — 2 Bedrooms — 1.5 Bathrooms
A peaceful, luxurious getaway for couples, solo travellers, or friends, there are two bedrooms with king beds dressed in soft, cosy Cultiver linens, and topped with French Consul linen cushions crafted from French flax by Irish artisans.
Spacious and created for relaxation, the main bathroom features a walk-in shower and deep soaking bath that’s big enough for two. Stunning exposed sandstone and brick walls are complimented by antique French details, and French soaps & Panier des Sens body wash add a touch of indulgence.
A separate powder room is adorned with wallpaper faithfully recreated from an original design discovered during the restoration.
From the bedrooms, walk through the patinated 1830’s doorway, and sink into the cloud-like lounge in front of the wood burning fire, or enjoy morning tea on one of the linen Chesterfields that look out to the garden. A comfortable window seat offers a sunny, quiet spot for reading or an afternoon nap.
Watch your favourite shows or a movie on the Smart TV with complimentary WiFi. There’s also heating throughout the cottage, to keep you warm in the cooler months.
The gourmet country kitchen is a cook’s dream, with all modern amenities, cookware and servingware, pantry staples, Italian pod coffee machine, tea, and delicious French caramels. Prepare your meals or enjoy a glass of wine before dinner at the large island bench. And the Victorian farmhouse table, with classic Bentwood chairs is a lovely place to enjoy breakfast in the morning sun, long lunches, or candlelit dinners.
Next to the kitchen is a gorgeous mudroom entrance for boots and coats, with easy access to off-street parking. There’s also a full laundry room, fitted with aged brass tapware and an antique French laundry spout, washing machine, dryer, ironing board & iron, making Petit Château the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding regions.
A Luxury Heritage Escape, Perfect for Exploring Tasmania
On rainy days, sink into a deep bath with the window ajar to hear the patter of rain on the corrugated roof, before curling up by the fire with to read Petit Château’s restoration story, now a coffee table book. As the sun sets over the quiet village, cook your favourite dishes to enjoy at the farmhouse table with loved ones.
With a story around every corner, and each room curated with handpicked French Provincial décor, Petit Château is not simply a charming holiday cottage, but a place to reconnect with history.
Designed with a nod to Paris, custom-made French doors lead you out to the pretty courtyard garden. The historic stone wall, with French sconces and framed by olive trees provides an utterly romantic backdrop to a sandstone dining table & wrought iron chairs. You’ll be instantly transported to the French countryside! In the warmer months, enjoy breakfast here, long lunches, or wine with a local cheese platter at sunset.
Promising a magical stay in every season, during springtime you’ll love the flowering Crabapple trees, or in summer, rambling white roses that run along the picket fence.
“Petit Château was a visual delight, where Georgian history connects beautifully with French Provincial living. The home was so elegantly styled, with charming vignettes and treasured French antiques. The outside spaces were just as charming. One could easily have been in Provence!”
Special Features
Heritage Listed
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Deep Soaking Bath
Courtyard Garden
Exclusive Offer
As a valued guest, you’ll receive a lifetime VIP discount when shopping for French Consul linens, enjoyed during your stay.
Things To Do
Once you’ve arrived, you may not want to leave picturesque Oatlands! Spend time admiring over 150 heritage sandstone buildings dating to the early 19th century, visit cafes & boutique stores including The Jardin Room, and Callington Mill Distillery with its famous Lincolnshire Windmill. Walk to Lake Dulverton and spend an afternoon fishing, or enjoy a round of golf at Oatlands Golf Club.
Centrally located, under 45 minutes away are the historic towns of Ross, Richmond, Kempton, Campbell Town; and the stunning lakes district of Interlaken. Hobart, and New Norfolk for beautiful antiques, are both an easy hour’s drive, and it’s just over an hour to Launceston and charming villages Evandale & Longford.
All images by Abbie Melle
