Debbielee's place is unique. She has a diversity of accommodation that ranges from more old fashioned (an old log cabin that dates back to 1832?) , to unusual (renovated army barracks) and more modern. We were lucky that Debbielee very generously offered us the old log cabin to stay at for a night (the army barracks we had booked had a very different feel and layout - more like dorms.)
The old log cabin sits tucked away on a large, stark plot of land surrounded by endless skies and a stunning, barren landscape that we were lucky to cross under a golden setting sun. With almost no sign of life that we could see - no shops, roads or other dwellings, it immediately takes you away from daily modern lifestyle, digital entertainment etc and drops you into a sense of another world. A little gem from another time and place, it's beautifully preserved and unchanged, dark and cosy. As a family of 7, seeking to give the kids different experiences, it was perfect for us.
Downstairs, there is a small, pretty well equipped kitchen with a fireplace and small dining table, next door a bigger dining room and a bathroom, separate WC, sitting room and a welcoming master bedroom tucked round the corner, private and cosy. The kitchen took us a while to navigate (figuring out the switches, power points etc) but Debbielee was a great host, quick to respond and helpful. You need to arrive with your food. We could have lit a fire which I'm sure is a lovely and welcome touch on a cold evening. Upstairs the kids were delighted to find two more attic style rooms with electric blankets on each of the beds. Scattered around the cabin, are mementos of its history - the Fonthill Story - with cabinets filled with untouched historical memorabilia, everything from old bottles, coins, tools, a desiccated slipper, horse shoes, old photos and more. There is even a glass cabinet under the stairway that houses fossilized cats underground. Outside there were 2 llamas and a sense of endless space. It's a far and welcome cry to modern living so if you are interested in staying somewhere with some history which blends that feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and at the same time, is a good place to access other places you might want to see in Tasmania then this is an unusual and interesting find!