Rustic barn transformed

An empty old apple barn in the Huon has been transformed into a fun and funky visitor accommodation — and now it can be yours, writes Jarrad Bevan.

TRANQUIL and relaxing. It was fun discovering the apple knick-knacks. We had a lovely weekend. Feeling infinitely more Tasmanian and relaxed.

These are the types of comments that come from people who have stayed at Franklin’s Braeside Barn, an accommodation venture built from an apple shed and now on the market.

Here’s another: The most wonderful ‘shamping’ experience. Hang on, what’s shamping? That would be glamping in an apple shed, obviously!

The Property Culture co-founder Colby Bauckham said the owners bought the property a few years ago, have updated the original apple packing barn, and then registered it as visitor accommodation with the local council.

“It is a really cool old barn that they have fitted out in a stylish way,” she said.

“It has been popular with visitors over the past few summers.

“And there are so many fun things to discover, like the export papers from its history decades ago.

“The barn is a bit draughty but full of character.”

Since No.287 Braeside Rd hit the market, its agents have been inundated with inquiries.

The Property Culture co-founder Karl Gallienne said the barn had been far more popular than a typical listing.

“It has been crazily popular, well above average,” he said.

“I think it is the charm that has caught people’s eye.

“When people build a barnshaped house, that’s not an authentic historic building like this one.

“People rave about Braeside Barn, the owners have a book that is full of lovely compliments.”

Mr Gallienne said with 3.47ha of beautiful land available to build a dream home on, the next owner of the property may wish to use the shed as their base.

“It is a stunning piece of land,” he said.

“There is an access right up the back at the top. You could seek a temporary dwelling permit to use the shed if it takes a couple of years to build.

“And when your new home is complete, you could reinstate the barn as accommodation.”

Braeside Barn is surrounded by rolling, rural pastures and it has valley and mountain views.

Inside, the main barn is massive and provides a wonderful space for the main living, kitchen and dining area.

Complete with a fully-lined and insulated bedroom area and a bathroom with a shower, vanity and composting toilet, this is a comfortable place to stay.

A big old sliding door opens up to let the valley views and sun into the space at one end while at the other a door leads out to a private deck.

A wood fire provides warmth during the cool of the evenings and a great atmosphere, too.

Franklin is just down the road form the barn where you will find a choice of eateries, the wooden boat centre and the river foreshore for evening walks.

The main hub of the Huon Valley is 10 minutes away at Huonville.

No.287 Braeside Rd, Franklin is listed with The Property Culture at “Offers over $595,000”.