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Tasmania is blessed with more than its fair share of heritage-listed buildings and National Trust seals, but Evandale, in the state’s north, still manages to stand out.

It is here you will find stunning examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture in a village atmosphere that is more Midsomer Murders than A Country Practice.

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Indeed, fans of all things English are sure to find their spiritual home in Evandale.

The streets are narrow and quaint, locals take great pride in their gardens, and there is a local IGA that is still referred to as the “grocery store”.

“Even when people build new homes most go to great lengths to fit in with the older houses of the area,” says Di Sullivan, who helps organise the village’s famous National Penny Farthing Championships each February.

“And hedges are popular, too. Hedges are a big thing here.”

What’s to love

Sitting pretty above the South Esk River, Evandale is 21 kilometres south of Launceston and a mere five-minute drive from Launceston Airport.

The compact town was founded as military post in 1811, and is now a National Trust-classified Georgian village.

Our researchers gave Evandale top marks for occupancy, noting that while many tourists travel to the village on the weekends to enjoy its unspoiled heritage buildings, it has a vibrant local population, too.

“There are some lovely buildings and we often go down to the river when it is warm to enjoy a barbecue,” says Tasmanian Gun Club President Darrel Height.

“The old post office is nice and quaint, and a lot of the local stores in the village are renovated stables that have been turned into shops.”

The town has a few important connections with famous Australians, too. John Batman lived here before he founded Melbourne in 1835, while Ned Kelly’s father served time as a prisoner at Evandale. The countryside inspired Australian landscape artist John Glover, and his work is celebrated with the annual Glover Art Prize, worth $40,000, each March.

Tasmania often struggles in the employment stakes, but

Evandale fares slightly better due to its proximity to the state’s second largest city.

Don’t miss

If you are visiting in February, you are in for a real treat as this is when the Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships are held.

Otherwise, there are plenty of architectural delights to sample, including Georgian mansion Clarendon House, just a few kilometres down the road, and the two St Andrew’s Churches (Uniting and Anglican).

The local bakery serves delicious bread from its woodfired oven, and the Sunday markets are always well attended.

What the locals say

Mrs Sullivan has lived in Evandale for some 30 years and adores the way the locals take pride in their heritage, and by extension, their homes.

Our researchers scored the village “average to above average” in the arts and food scene, and Mrs Sullivan would like to see a few more gourmet options.

“There are a couple of pubs that do night-time meals but it would be nice to have some restaurants,” she says.

Perfect for

Locals agree that Evandale is a great place to raise a family.

“There is an excellent local primary school so that is a real attraction for families,” says Mrs Sullivan.

“Furthermore, it is central to everything else in Tasmania.”

To explore properties in Evandale click here.