Hunter Huon Valley: Where guests are surrounded by timber, trees and stars

When Ben Hunt and his family left Melbourne for Tasmania’s Huon Valley, they were looking for the perfect place to build an accommodation business and a place to call home. That search led them to build Hunter Huon Valley, three intimate cabins in Glen Huon, and to make a material choice that would define every aspect of the guest experience: Tasmanian timber.

Working with Hobart-based architects Maguire + Devine and builder Hobart Construction Co, the Hunts created spaces where timber isn’t merely a finish, it’s the very essence of the architecture.

Tasmanian Oak: An Enveloping Warmth

The architects’ initial drawings came back lined entirely in Tasmanian Oak, and the Hunts were captivated. “We loved it, the warmth, you can’t beat it. The interesting angles, it looked unbelievable,” Ben recalls. What began as a design suggestion became the defining feature of the cabins.

The extent of Tasmanian Oak throughout each cabin is remarkable. “The frontage is glass, but Tas Oak is everywhere else, the inside is 90% Tas Oak,” Ben explains. The timber lines the ceilings, runs up to meet the skylights and flows across walls.

For Hobart Construction Co, the extensive timber work presented a significant challenge. “It was a lot of work for our carpenter,” Ben acknowledges, “and they were brilliant.” The interesting angles conceived by Maguire + Devine demanded precision and patience, and the finished result showcases what’s possible when skilled craftspeople work with quality Tasmanian timber.

The impact on guests is immediate and visceral. 

The impact on guests is immediate and visceral. “As soon as you open the door, you are smacked in the face with the timber’s warmth and the view, and it’s really inviting,” Ben describes. The timber’s presence creates an atmosphere that guests consistently praise with many saying Hunter Huon Valley is the best place they’ve ever stayed.

The performance of the Tasmanian Oak has met every expectation. “Yes, it did,” Ben confirms when asked if the timber performed as hoped. The material has proven durable, beautiful, and essential to creating the welcoming atmosphere that defines Hunter Huon Valley.

Blackwood: Strength, Heritage, and Sustainability

The story of timber at Hunter Huon Valley deepens with a discovery made during the renovation of the Hunts’ own house on the property. Hidden within the structure were six massive Blackwood logs that had been used as internal bracing, a testament to the timber’s structural strength and the building traditions of earlier generations.

“We knew they were way too nice to waste,” Ben recalls. Rather than discard these substantial pieces of Tasmanian history, the Hunts engaged local craftsman Matt Black to transform the salvaged Blackwood into beautiful tables and custom vanities for the cabins.

Blackwood is renowned throughout Tasmania for its exceptional qualities. The timber offers remarkable durability and strength, characteristics that allowed these logs to serve as structural bracing for decades. Its density and hardness make it resistant to wear, while its stability ensures it won’t warp or crack over time, qualities that make it ideal for both structural applications and fine furniture.

As a native Tasmanian species, Blackwood also represents a sustainable choice when salvaged or sourced from sustainably managed forests. The timber’s longevity means that pieces crafted from Blackwood can last for generations, reducing the need for replacement and minimising environmental impact over time.

Matt Black’s work with the salvaged logs resulted in custom vanity tops and tables throughout the cabins. Each piece carries the history of the building it came from while demonstrating the timber’s continued utility and beauty. Ben praises “the phenomenal durability of the timber,” recognising that these Blackwood pieces will serve guests for decades to come.

The contrast between the Blackwood’s dark, rich tones and the lighter Tasmanian Oak creates visual depth throughout the cabins, while both timbers share a common story: the strength and beauty of Tasmanian grown materials.

The Timber Experience

Each cabin at Hunter Huon Valley sleeps a couple, featuring a queen bed, daybed, kitchenette, fireplace, and bathroom. But the defining experience comes from the relationship between timber and landscape. The extensive glass frontage frames views of the river through trees, while inside, guests are enveloped by Tasmanian Oak. Above, skylights allow visitors to gaze at the stars from bed, creating a connection between the timber interior and the forested landscape beyond. The timber doesn’t just line the walls, it creates the entire atmosphere, working with natural light, the views, and the quiet of the 36-acre property to create spaces of genuine warmth and welcome.

The construction process was demanding. “It took forever and lots of hard work,” Ben admits honestly. “We wouldn’t take it back for anything.” The result justifies the effort: three cabins where timber creates an atmosphere that guests don’t want to leave.

A Testament to Tasmanian Timber

Hunter Huon Valley stands as a demonstration of what’s possible with Tasmanian timber, where every element tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and connection to place.

The collaboration between Maguire + Devine’s design vision, Hobart Construction Co’s skilled execution, and Matt Black’s furniture making created spaces where Tasmanian timber performs exactly as it should: providing structural integrity, visual warmth, and enduring beauty. 

Project Details:

• Location: Glen Huon, Southern Tasmania
• Architect: Maguire + Devine
• Builder: Hobart Construction Co
• Materials: Tasmanian Oak, Blackwood
• Photography: Jessica Bellef

Hunter Huon Valley is located in Glen Huon, Southern Tasmania. For bookings and availability, visit hunterhuonvalley.co