ABOUT THE PROPERTY: Villa Rochford is a contemporary farmhouse with bespoke industrial finishes, including recycled beams, bench tops, cast iron light fittings and polished aggregate concrete floors. Set atop the hillside, the space is designed to make the most of the breathtaking rural views from dawn till dusk, followed by stargazing at night, including the Milky Way. Whether seated by the fireplace in the spacious main lounge and dining area, or perched at one of the outdoor patios, or our additional ‘viewpoint’ with a morning cuppa or a glass of wine, Villa Rochford is all about seamless indoor-outdoor living and enjoying nature’s peace and quiet. A range of farming artefacts have been collected and repurposed by the owners to bring traces of local farming life into the fresh architectural space, including plough discs that now feature as wall sconces. The bedrooms have king size beds that can be separated into two king singles, suitable for either couples or friends. Both bedrooms include a modern ensuite bathroom. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of our latest extra virgin olive oil grown on your doorstep. You are welcome to enjoy this and any other drinks and nibbles on the free-standing platform within the front olive grove. We provide a starter pack of tea bags, coffee pods, kitchen, bathroom and laundry supplies. For food, drink and other supplies, the closest shopping precinct is in Sorell, which is 20 minutes’ drive away and 10 minutes from Hobart International Airport. We close the second bedroom for bookings of two or less. This is to help us conserve water and reduce unnecessary cleaning. If you wish to use the second bedroom, please set your booking number to three or more guests, or let us know in advance. We appreciate your understanding. There is a fold-out bed, should you need this for a fifth guest.

ABOUT THE HOST: The Rochford Hall property was purchased by us, Chris and Paul in 2003. The original cottage was upgraded, along with major improvements to the immediate and outer garden areas. In 2007, the front olive grove was planted, with the back olive grove developed in 2012. Since then, the resultant extra virgin olive oil produced, has been highly regarded, winning multiple State and National Gold and Best Of Class awards. Villa Rochford was built and opened late in 2016. It is regularly maintained, with new furnishings, re-oiling the external clad boards and looking after the surrounding garden. Further ‘out buildings’ were subsequently built, allowing a number of functions and events to be held on the property. As our guests, you are welcome to walk through the olive grove and enjoy the classic trees, in their varying stages of fruit production. We are frequently onsite, accomodating the original house and managing the property.

ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: The expansive coastline of Marion Bay is only a 10-minute drive. The beach is perfect for a long stroll or a refreshing dip. Located in Marion Bay is Van Bone, a fine dining restaurant that uses produce from its market garden and orchards, the surrounding land (including our olive oil!) and sea. We recommend booking in advance. The recently opened Break Creek Vineyard Cellar Door is also in this area. There are many other vineyards within 15 minutes, including Bangor Vineyard Shed and Cape Bernier Vineyard. We highly recommend Hellfire Bluff Distillery, the oysters at Boomer Bay and The Cannery for lunch and dinner in Dunalley, which are all within 15 minutes’ drive. Eaglehawk Neck is only a 30-minute drive, which boasts the famed Tessellated Pavement, as well as The Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen. Our favourite day walks on the Tasman Peninsula are Cape Hauy, Waterfall Bay, Remarkable Caves, Crescent Bay, Cape Raol and Shipsterns. We highly recommend the Three Capes Walk, which takes four days and covers 48 kilometres, taking in tall eucalypt forests and Australia's highest sea cliffs. Villa Rochford is the perfect base for preparation prior to or recovery following this walk, or both! A 40-minute drive along Weilangta Road, in the north direction, brings you to Orford and the Great Eastern Highway. A car is the ideal means of transportation to our accommodation and visiting the local surrounds. We recommend hiring a vehicle from Hobart International Airport if you are coming from interstate.