Building in Lower Barrington
Rural lifestyle blocks in the heart of Kentish — Mount Roland views, quiet farming country, and just 13 kilometres from Sheffield.
Rural Kentish at the Edge of Sheffield
Lower Barrington sits about 13km north of Sheffield in the Kentish district — a locality of approximately 278 residents (ABS 2021) spread across 23 square kilometres of farming country, lifestyle blocks, and mixed rural land. At roughly 11 minutes by road from Sheffield, it's one of the closest build locations to Davies' home base, and one where the landscape does most of the work.
The view south from most properties in Lower Barrington is anchored by Mount Roland — the distinctive dolerite peak that defines the Kentish horizon. At 1,234 metres, it's one of the great landmark mountains of north-west Tasmania, and its presence gives the locality a visual character that's difficult to replicate on a plan.
The locality takes its name from the Barrington area, which in turn is associated with Lake Barrington — an artificial reservoir on the Forth River built in 1969 as part of Tasmania's Mersey-Forth hydro scheme. The lake hosted the 1990 World Rowing Championships and remains one of Tasmania's most significant rowing and paddling venues. While the lake itself sits further into the Kentish hinterland, the name and the broader recreational character of the region give Lower Barrington its quiet prestige.
Barrington Community Hall, established in 1929, continues to serve as a focal point for the local community — quarterly markets, local events, and the kind of informal social fabric that characterises close-knit Tasmanian rural communities.
Why People Choose Lower Barrington
Lifestyle Blocks
Lower Barrington offers the space and privacy of a genuine rural lifestyle block within easy reach of Sheffield's services. Properties here typically offer acreage — room for sheds, gardens, and the slower pace that brings buyers to the Kentish district.
Mount Roland Views
The dolerite bulk of Mount Roland dominates the southern horizon from most of Lower Barrington. At 1,234 metres, it's one of the most distinctive peaks in north-west Tasmania — a natural backdrop that adds immediate and lasting value to any well-sited property.
Sheffield Proximity
Davies' home base is approximately 13km south — around 11 minutes by road. Sheffield's schools, cafes, hardware stores, and the Kentish Council offices are all within easy daily reach. Devonport (approximately 30km) adds access to larger retail, the Mersey Community Hospital, and the Spirit of Tasmania terminal.
Community Character
Barrington Community Hall (established 1929) anchors a small but established community. Quarterly markets and local events create a social fabric typical of Kentish's rural localities — the kind of place where neighbours know each other and community events are genuinely attended.
Lake Barrington Recreation
Lake Barrington — an artificial reservoir on the Forth River built in 1969 and venue for the 1990 World Rowing Championships — provides access to flat-water rowing, paddling, and trout fishing in one of Tasmania's most scenic inland settings. Part of the broader Kentish character that makes this district compelling.
Kentish District Access
Lower Barrington sits between Sheffield and Devonport, with good road connections in both directions. The Barrington Road and surrounding network give practical access to Sheffield's daily services and Devonport's larger centre without committing to a remote rural address.
What to Know About Building in Lower Barrington
Lower Barrington falls under Kentish Council, with planning assessed under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme and the Kentish Local Provisions Schedule (LPS), which commenced on 26 March 2025 — one of Tasmania's most recently approved LPS documents. Here's what to understand before you build:
- Rural Resource and Rural Living zones dominate Lower Barrington. Residential use is permitted but development standards vary by zone — check your specific lot via PlanBuild Tasmania before designing or purchasing.
- No reticulated sewerage: all new builds in Lower Barrington require an on-site sewage management (OSSM) system. This must be engineered, designed, and council-approved separately from the building permit — typically adding $15,000–$30,000 to the project cost.
- Bushfire overlay applies to portions of the locality. A lot-specific BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessment determines construction requirements for affected properties — ranging from minor ember protection to full BAL-40 or flame zone specifications.
- Annual rainfall of approximately 1,095mm is above the Tasmanian average. Subfloor ventilation design, cladding selection, and roof drainage sizing all benefit from being specified for wet conditions.
- No reticulated water supply in parts of the locality. Rainwater tank systems (typically a minimum 45,000L for residential use, including fire-fighting reserve) are commonly required — confirm with TasWater and Kentish Council during pre-application enquiry.
- The Forth River forms part of the locality's south-west boundary. Lots close to the river boundary should be checked via PlanBuild Tasmania for any waterway or flood overlay requirements.
Sheffield is Davies' home base — we're approximately 13km from Lower Barrington and know the Kentish planning environment well. Our portfolio includes projects in the surrounding district, including our Nowhere Else Barn House in the Kentish landscape.
Davies Projects in the Region
Our portfolio spans the Kentish district and north-west coast — each project a demonstration of what careful design and precise construction can achieve in Tasmania's rural landscape.
Lower Barrington Building FAQ
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