Mr & Mrs Smith

The Lair

East Coast Tasmania, Australia

Seclusion doesn’t mean you have to miss out on anything. Well, not at The Lair anyway. Owner, architect and host Rick Bzowy spent years thinking about this parcel of land, surrounded by pristine forest and with its own private beach, before embarking on building the contemporary, eco-luxe ‘shack’ overlooking gorgeous Great Oyster Bay. With identical bedroom suites at either end, an open living space dotted with Italian designer furniture and exquisite artworks, and numerous outdoor spaces (including a split-level timber courtyard with spa and alfresco kitchen) it certainly provides a couple – or two – with the perfect retreat from the urban world. Spend your days wandering around the property and along deserted beaches, spotting birds and wildlife, reading or simply staring out into the watery distance.

Need to know

• Rates information AU$1,200 a night.
• Ideal for Couples seeking the ultimate bespoke wilderness retreat.
• Sleeps 2-4
• Property style A stunning, architect-designed house surrounded by native Australian bush and a private beach. The look is minimalist but the attention to detail is second to none.
• Grounds The Lair is located on a steep clearing on a 43-acre property of unspoiled bushland that runs from a rocky tree-studded high point down to a private beach.
• Minimum hire Minimum two-night stay.
• Children Children are welcome aged 14 or above only. More...
• Booking process Bookings are guaranteed with a 50 per cent deposit, with payment in full required a minimum of two months prior to arrival. Guests booking three nights or more are welcome to enjoy an extra night at no additional charge. Rates rise to AU$1,200 a night from 1 December 2010; and to AU$1,290 a night from 1 April 2011–30 March 2012, for a minimum two-night stay including GST. The manager meets all guests on site for a walk-through to introduce them to the Lair.
• Also Children are welcome aged 14 or above only. The Lair does not allow smoking indoors or pets.

Floor plan

• Bedrooms
  The Lair sleeps a maximum of four guests in two stylish suites, separated at either end of the 40m-long property to ensure total privacy. Both bedrooms are identical, boasting emperor-size contemporary leather beds on raised platforms, which extend to include space for sitting, luggage or breakfast trays at the foot of the bed. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a deck that runs the length of the Lair, with jaw-dropping views of the ocean, outlying islands and hills. Elegant freestanding bedside floor lamps, luxurious neutral linens, soothing blinds and a walk-in wardrobe add to the seductive feel. Each suite also has a flatscreen satellite TV, DVD player and smart concealed heating in the ceiling and beneath dark oiled timber floors. Interiors are serene and uncluttered, with hand-picked artworks by local and international talents.

   

• Kitchen The fully equipped, white kitchen has European appliances, including a Giotto espresso machine. Its first-class finishes are supplemented by the best in accessories – Rosenthal and Villeroy & Boch crockery, Georg Jensen cutlery, Spiegelau glasses – and cookware. A fully stocked and complimentary dry pantry is available for guests’ use, along with supplied fruit, vegetables, salad and breakfast provisions. Liebherrer fridges and a freezer are stocked with quality local produce and wines that are available via a minibar system. Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining table with seats for four.
• Living room The grand living area and dining room are separated only by a three-sided glass fireplace. With its dark timber floors and elegant, contemporary furnishings by Italian designers Vico Magistretti and Antonio Citterio, there is nothing here to distract from the magnificent views across Great Oyster Bay. The oiled acacia wood floors are heated, both here and throughout the house. There is a retractable 50-inch plasma TV and a discreetly positioned library of books, games, maps and movies. An iMac with 120GB of songs supplies the house with its music.
• Poolside There's no pool, but there is a 64-jet spa tub on the deck that will erase all tension from city-weary limbs.
• Gardens The Lair is set on a steeply sloping meadow in the middle of 43 acres of largely unspoiled forest and bushland, running from a rocky tree-studded high point down to a private beach.
• Private parking There is undercover parking for two cars, and an adjoining parking area for approximately 10 more vehicles. A generous turning circle easily allows minibuses to drop off guests for functions.
• Other On the front deck, between the house and the sea, is a reflective pool. On the other side of the house is a sheltered courtyard with a 64-jet spa pool set into split-level timber decking, and an outdoor shower. Adjoining the spa deck is a large outdoor kitchen with stainless-steel barbecue, tiled bench and sink. A five-metre long upholstered banquette offers a spot to stretch out and relax. Both of these areas open fully, via full-height doors, to the central living area to offer an uninterrupted space.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...