Compass Hut - Forthside, Tasmania

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We were so looking forward to staying in a tiny house as we live off grid ourselves and were interested to see how others do it. Unfortunately we were disappointed to say the least.|We stayed at Colonial Blue. The exterior of the tiny house looked quite run down and the cottage garden was very overgrown and unkempt. We were aware that the bathroom was in a separate tiny house but didn't realise that you had to go down several stairs, along a gravel path and then up more stairs to the bathroom. Made night time trips to the loo awkward to say the least. There was also quite an odour coming from the loo. We are used to composting toilets and the ones we use do not smell!! |The bathroom itself was lovely but no bathrobes as advertised on the website.|Disappointed that the bed wasn't in the loft area as that would have given more room inside. Also a microwave would be a nice addition for heating up takeaways or prepared food. Kitchen was well stocked but no chopping board!|The outside furniture was not sturdy and we had to be careful sitting on the chairs as they felt like they were going to give way at any moment.|All in all we had a very disappointing experience considering all the wonderful reviews I read before I booked. For what was offered I felt it was overpriced.

Suzy F.

We found Compass Hut to be disappointing
We booked The Barnhaus. Being interested in tiny homes we were very much looking forward to our stay. The web images looked amazing.
Location, excellent. Perfectly situated for a stopover to/ from Devonport ferry amd to explore the region. But with so many superb accomodation options in the region I would not return to Compass Hut.
The developers clearly had a fantastic vision a few years ago, but Barnhaus (and if you read other 1 star (honest) reviews it's not just the Barnhaus accomodation) is tired and looking for a bit of loving care. The flower garden (as advertised Feb 25) is none existent. Instead tall dead dry grass is piled up to the hut. It's been a dry year but keeping the dead stuff cut and the areas mulched would be better and a more environmental solution. The floor in Barnhaus is damaged. The old brochure in the hut tells the story of Compass Huts and promotes environmental principles. The hut runs on gas. The brochure has varied check in and checkout times
I tried to get some clarication through email from the owner but have never had a reply.
The bed mattress is comfortable but covered in the worst, most scratchy bed sheets I have ever laid in.
There is no shading at all on the outside, so the only table (on the outside deck) is in all weather's, it is not possible to seek shade at the table. We loved the location and sitting at the table in the evening, but were unable to be out in the full sun. The sun hits the windows, first principles re cooling are shading windows.
None of the outside lights work
All of the plants in pots outside were dead.
The glass balustrade along the deck cannot be legal, the panels are loose and wobbly, a supporting deck board has fallen off and is in the garden below. It is unsafe.
The power point extension cable dangling over the kitchen sink was interesting
The key is damaged so at one point we struggled to unlock the door to get out. Ultimately we decided it was safer to leave it unlocked when we were inside.

The Barnhaus is below the two other properties, with the carparking behind the building. It unavoidably looks up at Arc House as the fence between the two is collapsed and rotten. Its really uncomfortable retrieving stuff from the car when people are sitting in that outside bath above, assuming from the advertised photos they would nt be overlooked.
On the positive, the design of the inside was good, tiny as expected but functional (not enough cutlery provided for two tho and the promised/advertised shower gel had run out). The composting toilet worked. We really wanted to love our tiny house stay, but having stayed in so many wonderful, inexpensive, alternative style accomodations throughout Tasmania, this one has some work to be done to get it back to former glory.
If a guest reads the story behind the Compass Huts it's an admirable one. But this place has been forgotten, or is maybe under new management, regardless it is not being looked after and I'd choose to stay somewhere else in the future.

Claudia B.

Had a fabulous stay at the Colonial blue. Such a peaceful little spot, you can enjoy your coffee next to the sheeps.

Dona D.

What a beautiful surprise. We definitely have been inspired by this well thought out tiny home. We can’t stop talking about it. Definitely not child friendly, as kids are very curious.
But for a couple or a place of solitude, it’s perfect! Bring some food with you. But they have a little mini bar you can buy from which was a lovely touch. We stayed in the Arc Pavillon which was a bit higher up the hill.
It was very warm during the day, as it’s a glass box but there is large doors to open and let fresh air in and a fan in the cupboard.
My personal favourite part was the shower with 3 shower heads and a view of the farms and a little enclosed courtyard behind the glass so it felt like you were outside.
I will say, bring some repellent. If you want to keep the doors open.
Wish we stayed longer so we could enjoy the balcony area.
Toilet was clean. Styled beautifully. And just far enough out of Devonport to enjoy a different side of the town.
Absolutely recommend.
We want to come back and are suggesting it to everyone we talk to.
Well done to the girls. They’ve thought of everything! You will not be disappointed if you want a different experience.
Eco sustainable luxury at its finest!

Whitley B.

You must put this on your list of places to stay when in Tasmania. We stayed in the Arc Pavillion and it was beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous, the outdoor tub was a great touch too!

My only criticism is that the kitchen was difficult to use (yes, it's a tiny house) but it was more so about the location of the power points and having to use extension leads. This is an easy fix though.

Overall, I love it here and can't wait to travel back to Tassie again to stay for longer 🙂

Lee 0.

Our stay at Compass Hut was magical. We absolutely loved being surrounded by nature and the atmosphere. So much work was put into the accommodation and we appreciated the thoughtful touches from the girls. We loved the garden and the view. Seeing the stars from bed was amazing!

Marty G.

What an amazing place to stay. Off grid, gorgeous atmosphere, and super relaxing.

Jessica P.

The highlight of my Tasmania trip was choosing to stay at Compass Hut Arc Pavillion. With tiny houses all the rage, I have always wanted to stay in one this was the perfect first tiny house experience. It was also the first accommodation that was better in person than in the photos! Kylie and Tamika were also very accommodating and easy to communicate with, providing us with match sticks late in the evening to help us light up the fire, as well as providing us with a late check out which was so necessary to enjoy the beautiful accommodation for as long possible. It is not an overstatement when I say this accommodation had everything we needed at the best quality - from speakers to a coffee machine, good quality knives, coffee cups and the list goes on. Thanks for such an amazing stay! We hope to back asap!