In a state full of destination diners, Tasmania’s Van Bone stands tall. But after almost four years of degustations in Bream Creek outside Hobart, owners Timothy Hardy and Laura Ducken are calling time on their 20-seater to start a family in Western Australia.

“It’s so personal what we offer, and we really hoped we’d find staff we could train [and help] take the pressure off at some point. But rural Tasmania just isn’t there yet. We really do have to be there for every single service,” Ducken tells Broadsheet.

“So it’s more personal decisions that have driven us to this point, and unfortunately, just not having anyone that we can pass our legacy on to.”

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But this isn’t necessarily the end for one of Tasmania’s most alluring gourmet destinations. Hardy and Ducken have put the five-acre site – which is located 45 minutes outside Hobart and “move-in ready” – up for sale. And the buyer gets the whole shebang.

Included is a fully furnished dining room and bar, and a commercial kitchen equipped with a custom woodfired oven and charcoal pit. Plus, an abundant kitchen garden, an orchard and a carpark big enough for 200-person marquee events. The total value of the site is more than $160,000.

Unlike the many recent closures spurred by tough economic conditions, Ducken says Van Bone has been lucky enough to enjoy repeat custom, mainly among well-heeled older Australians. She also says the site’s potential for expansion is endless.

“We have quite a lot of paddock space, if someone wanted to plant grape vines or hops, or do a strawberry or lavender farm. You could put a brewery there. There’s so much opportunity.”

A designer and chef respectively, Ducken and Hardy opened Van Bone to instant acclaim in February 2021, taking out numerous awards for its fire-powered tasting menu and low-impact ethos. The couple are most proud of the relationships they’ve formed with suppliers and the hospitality industry.

“It’ll be bittersweet to leave it, because it really has been our life’s work to date. There’s so much to take away from it, but it’s definitely time to have a rest and a reset.”

Van Bone’s final service is on 23 December 2024. The team is accepting expressions of interest now.