Huon Valley in southern Tasmania welcomes two new self-contained luxury cottages.

The new retreat, called Frenchmans River,  is the handiwork of McLeod’s Daughters creator/producer Posie Graeme-Evans and producer/designer Andrew Blaxland.

The Writers House, a rebuilt apple pickers cottage, and the nearby Federation-era Helmsman’s House, have been created to provide authentic, location-specific experiences.

Close to bustling, friendly Cygnet with its great coffee and bi-weekly farmers market (and home to Matthew Evans’ Gourmet Farmer TV series) yet within easy reach of Hobart and MONA, Frenchman’s River is a great base from which to explore the region.

‘Writer’s House’ provides one bedroom and one bathroom accommodation plus a spacious living area, enormous deck and pretty gardens.

‘Helmsman’s House’ offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one ensuite) and large living spaces leading out to a limestone terrace.

Each house  is furnished with original Tasmanian artworks (from Posie’s and Andrew’s collection) and interesting books, plus free WiFi and Bose sound system. There’s also a chef’s kitchen, well-stocked fridge and pantry in each house providing seasonal fruit and vegetables, Tasmanian cheeses, wine, local artisan bread, organic eggs, bacon and other assorted items.