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If you live in a city and, from time to time, enjoy getting about your house naked you’ll know that, often, it is prudent to draw the curtains or blinds.            

On the east coast of Tasmania Avalon Coastal Retreat comes with no such close-yourself-off-to-the-world caveat. Avalon is built on a headland overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the Tasman Sea. There are views of Maria Island to the south and Schouten Island to the north. A world of marine blue opens before you through the floor to ceiling windows that, mostly, double as the exterior walls of the house. There are no neighbours. Wander nude at your leisure.

Avalon opened in September 2005. To say that this modernist bombshell has been a hit is like spouting men occasionally notice women in mini skirts. Should you draw yourself from the views and the architecture, you’ll notice everything about Avalon smacks of style. And attention to detail.

The steel girders and glass cocoon not only visitors but original works of art. The bespoke beds are made of Tasmanian oak. A bath, almost too intriguing for use, is sculpted from huon pine. There are goose-down pillows but you can choose others from the pick-a-pillow selection. The polished concrete floors are heated. There is an espresso coffee machine. Even the toiletries from Melle Beauty are made exclusively for Avalon from organic Tasmanian products. There are DVDs and books and   . . . whew!

Off the main bedroom is a deck and barbecue area though the outside world seems to come inside if you open the sliding glass doors from any of the bedrooms. If it’s too cool for fresh air forays, cosy up to the open fire (or the floor for that matter).

And if you get thirsty and delve into the mini bar, the bill won’t be as severe as having teeth pulled. Boags beer is charged at a reasonable $3.30 per stubbie. Should your interest turn to food the fridge comes fully stocked with gourmet meats and cheese platters from Wursthaus, providores of some of the finest gourmet foods in Tasmania. You can cook yourself or have it all prepared, with prior arrangement, by the in-house chef.

There really isn’t any reason to leave at all but if senility takes over during your stay and you actually decide to venture from the house there is a walk to a largely private beach. Accoutrements for your day are in a cupboard by the laundry. 

There are three double bedrooms at Avalon. Partnering up with two couples will offset some of the $660 per night weekend rate (from Monday to Thursday the rate is $500 per night).

Not surprisingly secluded Avalon is popular with honeymooners and offers a complimentary two-hour massage for the just avowed. But you really should keep at least a towel on for that.

More Information
Avalon is about two hours north-east of Hobart.
For bookings phone 1300 36 11 36
Web www.avaloncoastalretreat.com.au
Email stay@avaloncoastalretreat.com.au
For more information on Avalon’s surrounds check www.discovertasmania.com.au