The view of Mt Roland from Glencoe Country Retreat…with a rare sprinkling of snow. How nice to find a nice old farmhouse that’s not full of chintz and doillies. Remi and Ginette Bancal have created an elegant and comfortable stopover on the way to Cradle Mountain (or a nice drive from Launceston). In the spring or summer, I’d love to sit out under the big old trees with a good book and a glass of rose or three. The added benefit is that if you ask nicely, Remi will cook you a fab dinner (cuisine bourgeoise style) with the bountiful ingredients from their garden and the local area. Think of a salad of grilled scallops and blood orange, a slow-cooked lamb dish and crepes with their own berries and home-made vanilla icecream to finish. Washed down with a bottle of local pinot (chosen by the somelier himself). After a good sleep, we started our trip back to Launceston with home-bottled pears and blueberries, brioche with luscious pear, cinnamon and vanilla preserves and a cup of expertly brewed coffee. Had to take some of those preserves with me. Not intending to share them with anyone but Self.
