The historic family home of internationally acclaimed photographer Peter Dombrovskis has been listed for sale, marking the end of an era for one of Tasmania's most cherished artistic landmarks. Located at 761 Huon Road in Fern Tree, this remarkable property served as both residence and creative sanctuary for the celebrated nature photographer and his family for decades.

Olivia Dombrovskis, Peter's daughter, announced that the family has decided the time is right to sell their beloved home, though she acknowledges it will be "a sad day when its next chapter begins." The property holds deep sentimental value for the family, having been purchased by Peter and his first wife Gabrielle in 1979. Olivia fondly remembers growing up on the lush acreage, exploring the grounds with her siblings right next to Mount Wellington.

The home became well-known to gardening enthusiasts throughout Tasmania, as Peter and his second wife Liz would periodically open their spectacular gardens to the public. In a 1993 interview, Peter explained his philosophy about the space: "The garden reflects our personality as we are both visual people concerned with design. We are concerned with landscape values, scale, distance, proportion and shape. Gardening that's creative and rewarding is an art." His passion for gardening rivaled his love for photography, with rhododendrons being his particular favorite.

Built in 1916 as a mountain retreat, the substantial property sits on 2.9 acres of carefully cultivated landscape. The gardens showcase an impressive collection of towering rare eucalyptus trees, ancient wisteria believed to be over a century old, vibrant rhododendrons, giant tree ferns, and during certain seasons, a magical display of red and white mushrooms scattered throughout the grounds. Many of the sandstone steps and retaining walls throughout the property were personally crafted by Peter himself, using reclaimed sandstone bricks salvaged from Hobart homes that were demolished to make way for new roads.

The four-bedroom home seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings through the use of rich timber and natural tones throughout the interior. Large windows in nearly every room frame the picturesque landscape, creating a constant connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The ground floor features multiple living areas, including a generous lounge and library with wood heating, and an atrium-style dining room that floods with natural light through extensive glazing. An adjoining deck maximizes the spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.

Additional living spaces include a second family room and a private study nook tucked beneath the stairs, perfect for a home office. The large country-style kitchen combines functionality with warmth, featuring slate floors, extensive timber cabinetry, stainless steel countertops, a timber breakfast bar, and high-quality appliances. The home includes two full bathrooms, one on each level, with the upstairs bathroom featuring a shower, toilet and vanity, while the downstairs bathroom includes an over-bath shower, vanity, toilet, and skylights.

Year-round comfort is ensured through multiple heating systems, including the cozy wood fireplace in the lounge, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and underfloor heating. The solid brick construction and quality insulation help the home retain warmth during Tasmania's cooler months. Beyond the sunny entertaining deck attached to the main house, a separate private gazebo equipped with its own wood fireplace provides an ideal space for hosting gatherings or simply enjoying the natural surroundings in comfort.

The extensive property includes numerous outbuildings for storage, along with a workshop and adjoining rooms that offer endless possibilities for creative, practical, or recreational use. Olivia emphasizes that the love of nature runs deep in their family, and each member cherishes the property in their own unique way. "Fern Tree is a special place to live," she explains. "It's at once in a bushland setting and only a few minutes from the center of a capital city. It's a gorgeous suburb. The smell of the air is so fresh. It's like a perfume that combines with the sounds of the black cockatoos and currawongs."

The seasonal beauty of the location adds to its appeal throughout the year. "In winter it will snow, and maybe settle on the ground a couple of times a year. It's so picturesque when everything is covered in snow. And in summer it comes alive. It's a beautiful retreat," Olivia notes. She believes the property would be perfect for a family, especially children who could enjoy the attic bedrooms and expansive gardens for play and exploration.

The historic property is being marketed by Peterswald real estate with a asking price of $1.45 million and above, reflecting both its unique heritage value and prime location. This sale represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Tasmania's artistic and cultural history, while enjoying one of the island's most beautiful and private residential settings.