Parsons Cove Beach House is uniquely located in the heart of Freycinet National Park.
Just a short stroll leads you to the walking tracks to the world-famous Wineglass Bay and the stunning, and very private Fisheries Beach in Parsons Cove.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of pink granite mountains, known as the Hazards, the Parsons Cove Beach House provides a unique retreat within Freycinet National Park.
Designed by Hobart architects Michael Shrapnel and Stephen Geason, this environmentally sensitive house sits amongst the trees, endemic flora and crystal blue waters of Coles Bay. The spacious, light-filled interiors are amplified thanks to the oversized double-glazed windows to provide a sense of an elevated simplicity that brings the outside in. Interior decor features the work of renowned Tasmanian furniture maker Rex Heathcote, and an eclectic art collection. The house is registered to accommodate six people and has a wheelchair-friendly ramp for easy access.
The main living area includes a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living room with a free-standing open fire (May to September only) and three spacious bedrooms, two upstairs and one with an ensuite downstairs. Reverse-cycle air conditioning is available upstairs for your comfort during the warmer summer months. The main living area opens out to a very large north facing deck, made from rare recycled Tasmanian Celery Top Pine, with views to enjoy across Coles Bay.
On the main floor, the master bedroom with hand crafted myrtle queen-size bed and study, offers uninterrupted views of Mt. Amos. The second bedroom on the same floor, has two single beds (can be converted into a king bed) with bush and water views, and shares a bathroom featuring a luxurious Philippe Starck bath. There are laundry facilities which include a front-loading washing machine. Downstairs, a third bedroom has a queen-size bed and sofa, with ensuite. This room has a separate entrance and cannot be accessed internally through the main house. Great for a second family, grandparents or teenagers! A highchair and porta-cot are also available.
Our location within Freycinet National Park is a privilege, and we take pride in respecting and conserving the ecologically sensitive environment. We invite you to embrace this magnificent natural setting and make Parsons Cove Beach House your home away from home.
DRINKING WATER
The location of the Parsons Cove Beach House within the Freycinet National Park means the house is not connected to a mains water supply. Rather, water is collected from the roof of the house into two large tanks, as is common practice for domestic residences in rural and remote Australia. However, as the tanks are not subject to council monitoring, they require us to put up notices in the house to this effect. You will see these notices in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. For this reason we provide drinking water in the fridge to ensure you have access to pure potable water. We apologise for any inconvenience but it is just part of the experience of staying in this unique and beautiful remote location, nestled as it is, within the Freycinet National Park.
WILDLIFE, FLORA AND ACTIVITIES
During your stay, you'll have the pleasure of encountering a diverse range of local wildlife, including parrots, kookaburras, wallabies, tawny frogmouths, and echidnas. Moreover, the waters off the Freycinet Peninsula are regularly visited by whales, especially southern right whales, during the winter months.
Within Freycinet National Park, over 500 plant species have been identified to date. The park's diverse habitats, which include coastal sand dunes, dry open forest, woodlands, and heaths, all support distinct plant communities, many of which are just a short walk from the house.
At Parsons Cove Beach House, you'll also have easy access to a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as walking to Wineglass Bay and beyond, taking a leisurely stroll down to Fisheries Beach for a swim, mountain biking, rock climbing, snorkelling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the spacious deck amidst the trees.
The walk to Wineglass Bay from Parsons Cove Beach House is a truly breathtaking experience that showcases the best of Tasmania's natural beauty. The well-maintained track will take you through lush green bushlands, offering numerous designated areas to stop and take in the breathtaking views. You can venture over the Hazards to Wineglass Bay, where you'll be greeted with awe-inspiring views as you approach. This iconic bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand, providing an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a more casual walker, there are many ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of Freycinet National Park.
HISTORY
The toorernomairemener family group, part of the Oyster Bay nation, were the Traditional Owners of Freycinet. The Peninsula and Schouten Island were popular meeting places with numerous cultural living sites still present along the coast. These cultural living places, recognized by their large shellfish deposits, offer valuable information about how the land was utilized and how it impacted the diet, lifestyle, activities, and settlement of the area over the last 12,000 years.
During the early nineteenth century, French and Dutch explorers, as well as whalers and sealers, were present on Freycinet Peninsula and Schouten Island. Evidence of tin and coal mining camps, a granite quarry, whaling stations, and farming huts can still be found throughout the area.
In the late 1800s, Coles Bay was named after a local lime burner named Silas Cole. In 1934, Harry Parsons purchased 5 hectares of land that would eventually become the township of Coles Bay. The Parsons Cove Beach House now sits on the original parcel of land secured by fellow local pioneer Ron Richardson, for whom the nearby beach is named.
