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Switch off. Reconnect with nature and each other. Re-centre.
There’s an organic farm in Tasmania where you can stay in a way that touches the landscape ever so lightly. At Compass Hut, two creative sisters have designed and built tiny home escapes that generate power from sunshine, collect rainwater, sustainably recycle waste and are even served up with an edible garden. Their commitment to a low carbon footprint and self sufficiency remains paramount to this 100 per cent off-grid experience. These days a fancy Tesla Powerwall and outdoor baths have joined the fold. Breathing in the fresh country air hugged by bushland it’s easy to feel a world away. Yet Forthside on Tasmania’s northern coast is just 10 minutes’ drive from Devonport and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. In less than 90 minutes, one can be in the company of mighty Cradle Mountain. Set on lush farmland with views out to Bass Strait, Compass Hut invites a slowing down. The homes might be tiny but Kylie and Tamika Bell’s story is big, in both heart and in talent. It’s not usual that a pair of sisters pick up a hammer to set about building their own house on wheels but the Bell sisters rolled up their sleeves and did just that – Tamika just 19 years old and Kylie, 24. They were so successful that their initial tiny house company, Wagonhaus Co., took off nationally, with build orders flowing. What began as a passion project for Kylie to finesse sustainable micro-built solutions following her studies in architecture at UTAS soon became a thriving business. Wanting to explore agritourism options on the 84-acre family farm, the sisters launched Compass Hut in early 2019. Kylie is the key host and spends her time between managing the accommodation and gardens and dreaming up new design concepts. The stunning surrounds inspired in Kylie a passion for hiking and landscape photography, evident throughout the huts. Equally creative, Tamika spends her time exploring portraiture, some of which is also on display. You can find her works online at bellstudio.com.au. ‘We chose the tiny house concept to minimise our impact on Tasmanian land and promote eco- and sustainable-tourism practices,’ explains Kylie. ‘Each of the three homes celebrates international and local design styles and influences. Compass Hut was the ideal opportunity to explore passive design and celebrate the natural, cultural and heritage values of our region. We love sharing the place we call home.’ Arc Pavillion This seven-metre-long stunner is all style and comes complete with an outdoor bath for stargazing, wrap-around deck and bifold doors opening up to ocean views in the distance. Add to this custom-made furniture, a cosy fireplace, luxe interior and all the architectural touches one would expect from the Compass Hut collection. Colonial Blue Swing open the doors of the separate bathhouse and enjoy a soak in the country air. Colonial Blue brims with charm, surrounded by a cottage garden. For the creative enthusiast, the easel and art supplies invite time for artistic play. The sisters’ works are a strong feature of Colonial Blue’s personality. Barnhaus Built in Scandinavian barn style, this petite tiny house has seriously cosy feels. With its rolling countryside views and private garden, the enriching space is all about connection. Connect with another, your own self and with the natural world. With hand-crafted touches and luxe comforts, there’s nothing to want during a Compass Hut stay. Each hut sleeps two guests and is self-contained, with a bathroom and kitchenette. 195 Bellamy Road, Forthside compasshut.com.au 0437 994 552 [email protected] |