A classic pastoral homestead set amid restful rolling hills, orchards and fields of cattle, Villa Talia is in southern Tasmania’s Huon Valley, just 600m from the banks of the Huon River. The house is gracious and simple in design, blending beautifully with its tranquil surrounds. From the wrap-around verandah there are views to the south of the Hartz Mountains and the southwest wilderness, with the Sleeping Beauty mountain range visible to the north. Inside, the villa is tastefully decorated in a contemporary international style, with French and Italian furnishings. French doors open on to the verandah, and there are several open fires, a library and huge windows through which the ultramarine evening light and the ever-changing hues and reflections of sky and water can be admired. Various wineries and cheesemakers dot the region, and the cafes and galleries of Cygnet are just ten minutes away.

Villa Talia's entrance is flanked by the home's two bedrooms, which are simply decorated. The main bedroom suite, to the right of the entrance, overlooks the Huon River and beyond, as does the study, further along the hallway, which doubles as an extra bedroom when required. At its far end, the hallway opens to a vast living/dining area. French doors on all sides provide panoramic views over the Huon Valley to the Hartz Mountains to the south, and to Sleeping Beauty, the southern face of Hobart's landmark Mt Wellington, to the north.

If you’ve seen Matthew Evans on the SBS program The Gourmet Farmer, you’ll know about Fat Pig Farm – it’s at Glaziers Bay, not far from Villa Talia and if you’re here on a Thursday and Friday, you might like to join one of their famous Feasts. Near Cygnet is Australia’s southern-most cider cellar door, where you can taste the range of apple, pear and cherry ciders, as well as their limited-release seasonal blends, such as quince, blueberry, strawberry and peach. During summer from Wednesday to Sunday, The Pandemonium Cafe is also onsite, serving traditional French crepes and waffles. Willie Smith's Apple Shed, 1942 apple packing shed in Grove is the home of Willie Smith’s award-winning cider house and distillery. Browse in the museum, see the display of heritage apples, enjoy a cider tasting, sample the delicious food and check out their Saturday morning produce market. Home Hill Winery, Set among vineyards on a hillside above Ranelagh, an impressive rammed-earth, timber and glass building houses an award-winning winery and restaurant. Home Hill is recognised as one of Australia’s leading producers of pinot noir.