We were a party of two couples: myself, Mr. G, and our foodie friends Mitch and Gemma on a quest for the perfect luxury gateway to Cradle Mountain. The drive from Devonport uses the imposing Mount Roland as a natural navigation system, leading us down gravel driveways to a place where keys and codes aren’t necessary. You simply open the door to paradise.
This is Eagles Nest II. I immediately understood the assignment: stop, stare, and breathe. This isn’t just a home; it’s a front-row seat to nature’s most cinematic performance. In my years of global travel writing, this retreat easily lands in my top five.
The Story Behind the Sanctuary
Back in 1973, Des and Dianne bought 117 hectares for dairy and cropping, unaware they were planting the seeds for a sanctuary that would eventually host weddings, heal weary souls, and witness countless anniversaries.
Today, their daughter Sheree runs the houses. The property is a testament to local talent – joiners, woodworkers, and landscapers have all left their mark. It’s a deeply personal space, woven with the family’s memories and treasures collected from journeys through Africa and Asia.
The ‘Wow’ Factor: Inside Eagles Nest II
As the flagship property, Eagles Nest II is vast, commanding, and “naked” in the best possible way. Mount Roland is centered directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s like a nature-lover’s streaming channel, except there’s no remote and absolutely no bad programming.
The interior is delightfully quirky. While many Airbnb owners would opt for safe neutrals, this house has the personality of Dame Edna on an African safari. It’s bold, confident, and eclectic.
- The Heart of the Home: A vibrant magenta kitchen with stainless steel tops.
- The Arabian Loft: A mustard-yellow curved staircase leads to a reading nook stacked with books.
- Wildlife Watching: The lounge doubles as a platform for spotting our resident platypus. Mr. G dedicated hours to the cause and was rewarded with a tail flick and photo evidence!
Inside Tip: Keep an eye out for “Madonna”—an affectionately pointy-boobed African statue so beloved by the family that the architects built a specific nook for her. If I had boobs that iconic, I’d demand architectural accommodation too.
Choose Your Global Adventure: The Bedrooms
The eternal “who gets the master bedroom” dance is non-existent here. Eagles Nest II features two generous suites sitting on opposite sides of the living space like the wings of an eagle.
1. The Africa Room
Warm and grounding, this room features a king-size bed and a standalone spa bath that takes an hour to fill (worth it). The shower is hidden behind a slate wall, leading to an outdoor shower for the brave. Note: There are no curtains. It’s just you, the mountain, and the occasional pademelon. If you’re shy, Sheree provides epic eye masks.
2. The Asia Room
Mitch and Gemma settled here. It offers a similar scale with an Asian-style deep bath and lake views. For the traditionalists, there is a third “Mountain Room” which, as Mr. G smugly discovered, actually has curtains.
Indulgence: Massages and Private Chefs
We kicked off our stay with two massage therapists arriving at our door. Minutes later, we were face-down listening to the soundtrack of Jane Eyre while “magic hands” delivered a perfect Swedish massage.
The culinary experience at Eagles Nest II is a highlight:
- The Kitchen: Fantastically equipped for foodies, stocked with Tassie cheese, house-made muesli, and Leaping Goat coffee.
- The Sunset: We took a bottle of Pinot Noir to the lakeside to watch the sky turn crimson. No Photoshop, no filter—Tassie is a ridiculous show-off.
- Private Chef Cynthia: We hired a private chef for a decadent in-home dinner. From wallaby kofta balls to creamy chicken and apple rhubarb crumble, Cynthia’s garden-to-table approach was pure magic.
Exploring the Gateway to Cradle Mountain
While I opted for “grounding” time with the local cows and a trip to Sheffield (the “Town of Murals” with over 160 artworks), the rest of the group tackled the 40-minute drive to Cradle Mountain. They spent three hours trekking from Ronny Creek up to Marion’s Lookout. They returned smelly, happy, and ready for a Tomahawk steak on the BBQ and marshmallows by the fire pit.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Trip?
What we’re addicted to: The sheer privacy and scale. Why pay a premium for a single hotel room when you can have a designer house, a private chef, and a spa team for a fraction of the price? It’s a memory I’ll carry forever.
Location: 49 Browns Rd, West Kentish, Tasmania.
Perfect for: Couples’ getaways, luxury seekers, and nature lovers.
Karen Lawson is the Editor and Owner of the Daily Addict, check it out here: https://www.dailyaddict.com.au/