Kempton is a small, early colonial, settlement with a rich collection of historic buildings which have resulted in it being classified as an historic town. Located less than an hour north of Hobart, and just off the Midland Highway, it is an historic anomaly - a delightful town with not a single gift shop or sign of tackiness to be seen. It offers the possibility of exploring a 19th century Tasmanian village largely untouched by modern development.
The double storey sandstone masterpiece is in the finest condition of its long and colourful life ... a life that started in 1841 as a coach staging post for travellers on the road between Hobart and Launceston. The 22-room mansion has a hipped roof, 12-paned double hung windows, string course, moulded cornice and a projecting central bay with lower storey classical columns over the entrance. AND what a grand entrance it is.
"Almost exclusive use of Australian cedar gives Dysart House a luxurious feel of homely elegance, combined with the grandeur of the period. The dining room, sitting room, library, office and second floor living room, though spacious, magically retain a fine sense of intimate quality living. The ground floor kitchen is large and well equipped adjoining a store room with a large wine cellar sited below the kitchen.
"Almost exclusive use of Australian cedar gives Dysart House a luxurious feel of homely elegance, combined with the grandeur of the period. The dining room, sitting room, library, office and second floor living room, though spacious, magically retain a fine sense of intimate quality living. The ground floor kitchen is large and well equipped adjoining a store room with a large wine cellar sited below the kitchen.
Like all the small towns we have visited they are full of history and you don't need to look hard to find a gem of a building and then go after the history of it,
This little town has a free camp in the middle of town and a dump point as well so a great place to stop either coming or going from Hobart.
This little town has a free camp in the middle of town and a dump point as well so a great place to stop either coming or going from Hobart.
It is very dry at this time and we hope that before we leave the area we get to see it green and that would be a treat, but its getting close to winter and we shall see what the future holds I guess