When you pass through the gates of the idyllic, waterside grounds of Bon Marché, you'll notice a sudden calm: you've found your own Southern Tasmania sanctuary. Set on nearly 2 acres, built in 1891 and surrounded by lush gardens, this historic old apple shed with expansive river views has been lovingly renovated & appointed for your Huon Valley country escape. Here you are. Set just across the road from the serene Port Cygnet and Huon river, and an easy 15 minute stroll from Cygnet village, the bird sanctuary and the marina. Whether you've arrived for the perfect romantic get-away, a fun holiday for the family or a chance to re-connect with old friends, Bon Marché is the perfect base to explore Southern Tasmania and the Huon Valley or just remain hidden away in this very private oasis. * Inside Bon Marché * The first thing that gets you, when you walk inside, is the ceiling. Wooden beams cross the length of the huge main living space and speak of the home's apple shed origins. But you're here to relax - and several comfortable sofas invite you to sink in. An abundance of ottomans, pillows and blankets give you the important tools for curling up and forgetting the everyday. While you could watch a movie on the big screen, a beautiful old wooden cabinet offers you an array of games, card decks and puzzles as well as a small library. To the side, a desk sits patiently with the forlorn hope that you might forget about the leisure and do some serious work while here. Hardly likely amongst such comforts. Hungry? A large dining table is ready for your dinner and conversation. Numerous windows and several glass doors look out onto the ever-changing surrounds - is the tide in or out? Is that a Pademelon looking back at you? With stunning antique Tasmanian oak countertops, the fully-stocked kitchen includes, among other items, a British Falcon gas oven, dishwasher, Thermomix and a decanter for opening up those lovely Tasmanian wines (with, and this is important, the appropriate glasses for drinking them). You'll find all the spices and oils you need as well as teas and coffee. There is in-floor heating which feels so reassuring on your feet. If you're really going for atmosphere, however, you can dial-up the cozy factor with a fire in the wood burner. When the weather is warm, several double glass doors allow you to open the house to nature and a gentle breeze. If you're looking for a private spot, or want to send the kids to their own place, a second living room has a couch and lounge chair for quiet reading. It also has a television and HDMI cable for plugging in any game consoles you might have brought (TVs have free Netflix and installed apps for most streaming platforms with which you can use your log-in details.) With picture windows gazing out to the Huon river, you might not ever feel like leaving the Master Bedroom with King bed. Should you decide to, however, the en-suite and shower will ensure you’re prepared. The room also has air-conditioning (on those rare Tassie days when you might need it). A set-of double doors leads onto the front-of-house patio where you'll find one of many spots to sit down and breathe in the sea air. The second bedroom, with a queen bed, looks out over the the sights and sounds of our little rivulet. The main bathroom features a shower as well as a stand-alone bathtub for some soaking. A full laundry room with washer and dryer is also available. If you're traveling with an infant, both a travel cot and high chair are available. ** Outside ** A wrap-around porch surrounds the house with several places to sit down at any time of day and just enjoy the water views, watch the wind through the trees and listen to the birdsong. Outdoor entertaining is easy, with two dining options: out front on the island deck under the trees or on the back patio alongside the rivulet. On that back patio, you'll find a gas Weber BBQ - the perfect tool with which to grill up some magic. There are also yet more places to sit and relax as well as plenty of table seating. Ah! - and let’s not forget Bon Marché Too: a gorgeous cubby house for our littlest guests to call their own while the adults cook up that BBQ or have a nap on the recliner. Don't forget to explore. Underneath towering gum and elm trees, you’ll love wandering the grounds of Bon Marché. The numerous garden beds always seem to have something in bloom. Be sure to check out the mini-orchard - there might just be some pears, cherries, greengages, apricots, mulberries or apples ripe for the picking. A long row of olive trees supplies an annual harvest. If you're feeling just a bit sleepy, hop into the nearby hammock for a well-deserved long nap. Not the nap type? If you're feeling sporty, you’ll find two kayaks, badminton, trampoline, cricket set, croquet, slack line and more in the old chicken shed. If you're a cyclist, and have brought your bike, a workstand and tools will help you keep your machine in top shape (and we can provide some great cycling routes to try out if you like). When you arrive, our Housebook also includes our insider tips for local walks, beach visits (take our picnic bag and blankets with you!), cellar doors and more. BTW: The property has been many things since it was built as an apple packing shed in 1891. Among other things, it was a small goods market in the mid 1900s. And it's that market, Bon Marché, from which the house takes its name today. * The Surrounds * Tucked into the rolling hills of the Cygnet Peninsula and sitting across the road from the serene waters of the Huon River, Bon Marché feels just the right balance of village and country. Wander ten minutes up the hill behind the house to visit horses, cows and even llamas on the surrounding farms and grab some local produce from the roadside stalls. Walk ten minutes over to the sailing club to sit at the small beach, watch a regatta or cast a line into the water. Stroll up the river and in 15 comfortable minutes you’re in the charming village of Cygnet. This much-loved town is perfect for exploring, featuring a local museum, art galleries and several unique craft and antique shops. Pick up something from the bakery, larder and local butcher for a BBQ back at Bon Marché or pop in for a meal at one of the pubs or cafés. For kids, there is a playground and skate park within the Burton Nature Reserve (between Bon Marché and town) and a basketball court over at the local school. Numerous beaches are within a short drive of Bon Marché. Within 10 minutes, you could be sitting on a beautiful, secluded beach enjoying a picnic (we supply beach towels and picnic back-pack) and maybe a swim. Our Housebook provides directions on how to get to our favourite local beaches. It also includes ideas for walks and hikes throughout the Huon Valley as well as our favourite restaurants and vineyard cellar doors to visit.