Kylie Breaker and husband Sean had been looking to purchase a property in Hobart for some time, as a ‘bolthole’ for their frequent visits, and to offer as accommodation when they weren’t in the state. After placing several offers they were outbid on, an agent gave them a tip off about the Captains Cottage and Kylie explains ‘we put an offer in that day, sight unseen!’ And the rest is history, for this heritage home!
The Captains Cottage is a heritage listed residence in inner Hobart. The land title was first granted in 1826, but there remains some mystery about the build date ‘with estimates of its age ranging from 1830 to 1970’ describes Kylie. With so much history in its bones, Kylie has opted to retain the character of the cottage, with only cosmetic changes so far, including a fresh lick of paint (Dulux Domino on the outside balustrade, windows and courtyard, and Dulux ¼ Casper White on the kitchen cabinets and fireplace mantel).
Kylie describes the style of the home as ‘a bit eclectic’, where vintage treasures mingle with newer pieces. As a site that is both a retreat for Kylie and Sean, and accommodation for guests, the cottage is designed to be welcoming of whoever has come to stay. Kylie explains ‘ there is a real spirit of place, it has a soul, it’s unique and distinctive, and very much loved.’ She adds ‘each time we visit, I add a little bit more love and make something a little more beautiful, enriching the story and unique experience.’
Located in Hobart’s CBD, this cottage is an inner-city escape, with a nostalgic sea-faring atmosphere. While Kylie loves everything in the Captains Cottage, she draws our attention to the vintage portrait of a gentleman that hangs in the loft bedroom. She explains ‘I think of him as the captain of our cottage!’
You can certainly imagine the Captains Cottage as a grounding and restorative rest space for a seafaring ship master – or any Tassie visitor!
Book your stay in Captains Cottage here!
The ridiculously cute Captains Cottage in Hobart. Dulux Domino on the outside balustrade and windows. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Floral details at home. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The dining room. Vintage furniture and items combined with chairs from Ikea. This room overlooks the courtyard garden and gets all the beautiful morning light. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The sitting area and desk. Occasional chair from Ikea. Linen cushions were made by Kylie’s Mum. Lamp made by Sarah Andrews. Artwork, furniture, sailing boat, books and other items are a curated collection of vintage beloved treasures. Dulux ¼ Casper White fireplace on the mantel. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The living room of Captains Cottage. Dulux ¼ Casper White fireplace mantel. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The lounge area, the perfect spot for snuggling. Midnight blue Lounge from Koala. Stripe wool cushion made by Kylie’s Mum. Artwork and other items are vintage. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Looking out through the front door and a lovely little reading space next to the window. Linen curtain from Ikea. Nautical vintage treasures. Linen bag is from Major Minor Wares. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Close up of our writing desk, ‘perfect for writing love letters or catching up on emails’, says Kylie. Round mirror from Freedom. Dulux ¼ Casper White fireplace mantel. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The kitchen. ‘It may be compact, but it has absolutely everything you need to cook up a storm!’ tells Kylie. Vintage silverware, timber boards and apothecary bottle filled with olive oil. Dulux ¼ Casper White on the kitchen cabinets. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
A sweet bedroom corner. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The gorgeous loft bedroom ‘with the handsome Captain watching over’. Furnishings are simple in this room with a white and beige colour palette and a touch of red. Luxury 100% Belgian Flax linen sheets. This room also gets the beautiful morning light and has city views from the dormer window. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The bathroom. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Flowers in the courtyard. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Making arrangements in the courtyard. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Captains Cottage courtyard garden. This is a private cottage style garden with white and pink roses, wisteria, daffodils, freesias, camellias and magnolia. Guests love to enjoy their morning coffee in this courtyard garden. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
