Peppers Calstock, Deloraine
History

Peppers Calstock, Deloraine has a long and interesting history. This boutique accommodation site has been home to Tasmania's early pioneering families, a Thoroughbred stud, which produced two Melbourne Cup winners and today stands as a refined luxury Retreat.

Lieutenant Pearson Foote owned the original parcel of land.  In 1831, Foote was granted 3,500 acres in the North West region of Tasmania, which he named Calstock, after his family's estate in England.

The Calstock house was completed in 1937. Many of the features of the home echo Pearson's naval past - including the long, low shape of the building, which is thought to replicate a boat. The grounds were complete with flags and bells during this period. The bells were sounded while flags raised and lowered at regular intervals. Historians believe one of the wings of the house may have served as a barracks for Lieutenant Foote's soldiers.  

In 1853, John Field purchased Calstock. As the third son to one of Tasmania's most successful landowners, Field and his wife Mary established the site as a Thoroughbred Stud. It was at this time that extensions were made. A second story was added.

Calstock quickly gained notoriety in racing circles for the quality of the yearlings. Field produced two Melbourne Cup winners during this time.  The first was Malua, winner of the 1884 race. The second was Sheet Anchor, who won in 1885. Malua has been rated as one of the top five Melbourne Cup winners of all time.

After John Fields’ passing in 1900, the property was passed down to his son, John Thomas Field who lived at Calstock his entire life. John Thomas continued to breed horses until his death in 1940. The nephew of John Thomas field, Adrian McDonald Bowman, was to be the next owner of Calstock.  He sub divided the land and sold off parcel to his daughter Olive Jean and her husband John McNeill. She named the site Barra. The McNeill family still live at Barra today.

Calstock was sold to Dr George Dixon in 1971. He sought to re-develop the site for Thoroughbred breeding - a continuing theme.  However, his dreams were only to last a few years. In the 1980's the property was re-sold, syndicate headed by Mr John Hodgeman. Their intention was to set up a Racehorse breeding and training centre.  Sadly the house was left to run down during this period and quickly became derelict.

Graham and Gloria Oliver purchased the Calstock Estate during the 1990's. Over a period of 15 years, they painstakingly restored the old house, breathing life back into this beautiful home.

Just prior to 2000, Calstock was bought by the current owners. With the help of the Heritage Commission and National Trust, they restored the main house as a guesthouse, with the intent to preserve the site of one of Tasmania's most prominent pioneering families and allow the public to enjoy the charming Estate.

In 2005, the owners of Calstock Country Retreat joined Peppers Retreats and Resorts, becoming the brand’s 18th luxury accommodation site. The site is now known as Peppers Calstock, Deloraine Tasmania.