Franklin Manor Logo Illustration

manor experience

STRAHAN, TASMANIA

A sepia-toned photograph of an older man with a beard and mustache, dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and tie, with handwritten text and signatures at the bottom.

THE ORIGNAL OWNER . . .
CAPTAIN EDWARD MILES

Moana (meaning deep water in Polynesian) now called Franklin Manor, was originally built in 1896 by the first Master Warden of the Strahan Marine Board, Captain Edward Thomas "Teddy" Miles.

Teddy was an influential Tasmanian merchant seaman, entrepreneur, politician, and master mariner.

He married Charlotte Eliza Reynolds at St David’s Cathedral in Hobart in 1874 and the couple were blessed with 11 children; Edward, Amy, Augustus, Lilian, Hilda, Arthur, Thomas, Sydney, Raoul, Kathleen and Keith.

Moving his family to the port town of Strahan, he managed a large portfolio of shipping and property investments.

Welcome to Franklin Manor, the Miles family home.

Gardens rooted in history

Our historic gardens have been part of the Franklin Manor estate since the late 1800s. Mature trees and established lawns that create spaces that feel both timeless and lived-in.  

Of special note are our magnificent stand of rhododendrons that dominate the garden in front of the dining rooms.  Captain Miles brought the clippings back from China after one of his many seafaring journeys to Asia. These large specimens, which are now almost as old as the house, come into full bloom in late November, a mass of beautiful pink and purple blooms which are a sight to behold.

These gardens weren't designed for show, they were planted for the Harbour Master's family. Spaces for afternoon tea, corners for quiet contemplation. These areas still serve the same purpose today.

Two people stand on a wooden porch, looking out at lush green trees and plants during daytime.
A bartender with dark hair, wearing a black blazer and a beige neck scarf, prepares a drink behind a wooden bar with a liquor shelf in the background.
Indoor billiard room with green pool table set for a game, lit by ceiling lights and a small table lamp in the background, with a wine rack on the left and a glass door on the right.
Living room with large window, vintage furniture, chandelier, framed landscape mural, and a blue carpet.
A bartender pours clear liquid from a bottle into a cocktail glass on a wooden bar counter, with a second dark bottle with a yellow label nearby.
A cozy sitting area with vintage leather and wooden armchairs around a small tea table near large windows showing trees outside, warm lighting from a floor lamp, and a flower vase on the table.
A chessboard with intricately designed copper-colored dragon chess pieces in a room with wooden chairs in the background.
A bartender holding a glass of dark cocktail garnished with a lemon twist in a dimly lit bar.
A man and woman sitting on a sofa, smiling and sharing a toast with champagne glasses in a cozy living room with large windows, a table with snacks, and warm lighting.
Interior of a cozy wine cellar with a pool table, two people talking, surrounded by wine racks and glassware.
Wooden platter with assorted sliced cured meats and cheeses, served with small bowls of dipping sauces, on a dark wooden table with glasses of rosé wine and sliced bread nearby.
A person in a gray sweater is serving themselves from a plate of assorted cheeses and meats in front of a fireplace. A glass of sparkling wine is on the table.
A female bartender in formal attire preparing a cocktail behind a bar with liquor bottles on shelves.

Lounges & Tea rooms

The original fireplaces are kept burning throughout cooler months, creating the kind of warmth that invites you to linger. Comfortable seating arranged for conversation, books and artwork throughout, and the bar open for those wanting something special.

This is where guests naturally gather as evening settles in. Share stories from the day's adventures, plan tomorrow's wilderness excursions, or simply sit with a book while the fire crackles. The atmosphere does the work—you just need to show up.

Vintage living room with large window, elegant furniture, chandelier, and framed artwork on the wall.

EXCEPTIONAL WINES

Our cellar houses a curated selection of some of the best Tasmanian, Australian and international wines.

Tasmania's cool-climate conditions produce robust pinot noir, crisp chardonnay and indulgent sparkling wines. In addition, we have an extensive range of premium French wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux and our collection of Champagne would rival the best restaurants in any Australian capital city.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply curious, we'll introduce you to the producers and bottles worth remembering.

guest lounges invite you to linger by the fire, share a drink, or unwind after a day outdoors.

WHERE LIGHT MEETS LEISURE

Franklin Manor's atrium brings natural light into the heart of the building, creating a space that feels both grand and inviting. At its center sits our billiard table—a focal point for friendly competition and leisurely afternoons.

A cozy game room features a green pool table with billiard balls and a cue stick, two people playing near a wine rack and glass display, with wooden accents, dim lighting, and an ornate rug.