Living Graciously, Aging Gracefully
Historic Schouten House, on Tasmania's stunning east coast, is the home of Jodie and Cameron Finlayson, and a 5 suite, traditional Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1844, it is a landmark property silhouetted against Great Oyster Bay with Freycinet Peninsula and Schouten Island providing shelter from the open sea.
The house is listed as a building of historical significance with both the National Trust, and Tasmanian Heritage Registers, and was one of the first built in the fledgling township of Swansea. Never a grand residence, it was originally an inn, built facing inland towards the military station (on what is now the golf course), and away from ocean gales.
It retains most of its solid, practical features today, as well as a grace and peaceful atmosphere which comes with age and a life well lived. It is our home, and an eternal work in progress, and we're happy to share this chapter of its life with you.
From your warm welcome at our weather beaten front door, to a sound night's sleep in one of our antique beds, we hope you'll enjoy a deep sense of comfort and rest and start each day inspired and well fed.
Bird song and surf (perhaps the occasional golfer shouting 'fore!') will be the only sounds to break your meditative state. Relax to the peaceful strains of jazz and blues and the crack of flames from the open fire in the lounge, or take an evening stroll to gaze in awe at the miriad of stars in our night sky.
Within a comfortable hour's drive of your warm bed and hearty breakfast, you can fill your day exploring Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay, picture perfect Ross, the Blowhole at Bicheno, trout fishing on Lake Leake, cruising or kayaking in Great Oyster Bay, swimming, surfing, fishing or beachcombing, bush walking, bird watching, shucking Oysters or wine tasting at any number of exceptional cellar doors nearby.
We extend a warm invitation to you to make Schouten House your base as you explore the natural splendor, history, food and wine in our little slice of Tassie heaven.
