Myrtle Creek Project: An Overview
Myrtle Creek Farm sits in the hills of southern Tasmania, a heritage property with roots in the early 1900s. The original weatherboard cottage arrived uninsulated, weathered and surrounded by heritage-listed huts once used by loggers and berry pickers.
The property's strong sense of history and connection to the landscape drew its new owners, a couple from the mainland, to take on the restoration. Their goal was not to erase that history but to carefully adapt it for modern living.
The project has been delivered in close collaboration with Biotope Architecture and Heritage Tasmania, with a focus on sustainability, wellbeing and thermal comfort. Improving insulation, heat retention and energy efficiency became key priorities, ensuring the home feels genuinely warm and comfortable year-round while remaining economical to run. In Tasmania's cool climate, warmth is not a luxury. It is essential. Every decision was made to support effortless comfort without unnecessary energy use.
Design Vision: A Nature-Led Home
The vision for Myrtle Creek Farm centres on slow, nature-led living. The owners wanted a home that feels deeply connected to its forest, creek and mountain surroundings.
Their design approach blends relaxed rural style, understated luxury and a modern Australian farmhouse aesthetic. They prioritised in situ and locally sourced materials, using timber, stone, linen, corrugated iron and brushed metals to create calm, tactile and durable spaces suited to a working farmstay.
The bathroom stands out as one of the property's signature spaces. Designed as a retreat within a retreat, it is lined with recycled timber salvaged from a dilapidated shed just minutes away in Collinsvale village.
Combined with corrugated iron, brushed nickel tapware and a black Eskimo heated towel rail, the space feels grounded, warm and refined. Skylights bring the outdoors in. By day, ferns frame the space. By night, guests bathe beneath the stars. This reinforces the sense of immersion in nature while remaining warm and comfortable.
Why the Gordon Heated Towel Rail
In a cold Tasmanian climate, reliable and efficient heating is essential. The owners chose the Gordon Heated Towel Rail for its energy-efficient performance and ability to heat towels quickly without needing to run constantly.
The sleek black design complements the recycled timber, dark tiles and brushed finishes. It blends seamlessly into the bathroom without visual clutter. Practical, timeless and easy for guests to use, it is a small detail that significantly elevates comfort, especially during winter stays.
The owners share their biggest piece of advice: don't rush the process. Good design starts with how a space feels, not just how it looks. Don't be afraid to use colour, go bold where appropriate, and avoid designing purely to trends. Seek professional advice early. Not everything should be left to rookie intuition.
Materials matter. Choose finishes that suit your environment and how the space will actually be used. While aesthetics are important, practicality always wins, especially in high-use spaces.
Key lessons from the project:
- Design for feeling first
- Invest in elements that impact daily comfort
- Balance DIY with professional input
- Expect change and stay flexible
What's Next for Myrtle Creek Farm
The property continues to evolve. The owners are currently working with Heritage Tasmania on plans to restore the small huts across the property, preserving their history while giving them renewed purpose.
Future plans include a larger sauna and wellness retreat and a community garden, supporting sustainability and offering guests a more interactive, grounded experience. Myrtle Creek Farm is growing slowly and intentionally, staying true to its landscape, heritage and the sense of warmth and connection the owners want every guest to feel.
Looking for a heated towel rail for your renovation project? Explore the Gordon Heated Towel Rail and discover why it has become a favourite for heritage restorations and modern builds alike.
