Meet Your Hosts
Green Gables B&B is celebrating 20 years of welcoming guests into the heart of the Huon Valley — and the story behind it spans four generations, two continents, and one very special acre by the sea.
Beate (Bee) Fenton
My journey began in Germany, where I grew up before making the leap as a young woman to Sydney, Australia.
Life in the city was full and rich, but it was Tasmania that would eventually call me home.
Years after I arrived in Australia, my parents followed — and like so many before them, they fell completely in love with Tasmania. They settled on a beautiful acre by the sea in Gardners Bay, where they designed and built the house, planned the garden, and over time created what would become Green Gables B&B.
They established the property as a bed and breakfast 20 years ago, and it has been welcoming guests ever since.
When my parents were ready to hand the baton over, the decision for Paul and me to leave Sydney and take the reins was an easy one. We were ready for a change of pace, and Green Gables was ready for us.
Paul Fenton
Paul brings his own flavour to Green Gables — and quite literally, his own soundtrack. Born in New Zealand, Paul is a consummate musician — drums, guitar and vocals — and those who have had the pleasure of hearing him play will know that music runs deeply through him . It is not uncommon for a stay at Green Gables to come with the quiet bonus of live music drifting through the grounds from his studio.
Behind the scenes, Paul is the quiet force that keeps everything running — from the upkeep of the grounds to the countless tasks that make a property like this feel effortlessly cared for.
He is also a warm and occasional host, and guests who have had the chance to sit and chat with him rarely forget it.
Together, Bee and Paul brought their Sydney chapter to a close in 2009 and have never looked back.
Eva Padberg (Mum)
No introduction to Green Gables would be complete without mentioning Eva — my remarkable mother, who at 89 years young remains the heartbeat of this property.
Eva is a passionate gardener who still tends her vegetable garden with dedication and pride through every season. She is also a wonderful cook and baker whose cakes and homemade treats have become something of a Green Gables institution.
Guests regularly tell us that Eva's baking alone is reason enough to come back.
We are fortunate enough to all live harmoniously under one roof — each in our own separate quarters — which means there is always a warmth and a lived-in energy to Green Gables that no hotel could replicate.
This is a home first, and a retreat second. And the story continues to grow — a fourth generation now looks forward to regular visits, bringing a joy and energy to Green Gables that reminds us why we do what we do.
Udo Padberg (Dad)
The grounds at Green Gables are as much a part of the experience as the rooms themselves.
The garden was lovingly established over 30 years ago and continues to evolve with the seasons — from the wattles and blossom of spring to the quiet beauty of a Tasmanian winter morning.
Much of what you see today is a living tribute to Udo, who planted more than 40 birch trees across the property as well as countless other trees that now stand tall and graceful through every season.
His spirit is very much alive in every leaf and branch, and we feel his presence in the garden every single day.
Guests are welcome to wander, breathe it all in, and take their time. We think of the garden as a living, growing part of what makes Green Gables feel like a true retreat rather than simply a place to sleep.
The Rest of the Family
No home is complete without its animals, and Green Gables is no exception.
Seppel is Eva's devoted companion — a miniature dachshund with a lot of personality. You may spot him pottering through the garden alongside Eva, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.
Milo and Otis are our two senior Ragdoll cats, a distinguished pair at 18 years of age. They live indoors and carry themselves with the quiet dignity that only a cat of their experience could manage. They are, in their own way, very much part of the furniture — and all the better for it.
Our happy hens contribute in the most delicious way possible — their fresh eggs find their way into your breakfast provisions, and we think you can taste the difference.
And then there is Baxter. Our beautiful boy — stretch limousine & self-appointed Customer Liaison Officer who took his role very seriously indeed.
Baxter had a gift for making every guest feel like the most important person to have ever walked through the gate, and he was loved deeply by all who met him.
In 2025, Baxter crossed the rainbow bridge, and there is not a day that passes at Green Gables where he is not missed.
His spirit, much like Udo's, lingers warmly in every corner of this property. We think he would be very pleased to know that guests still ask about him.
Philosophy of Hosting
We believe that the best hospitality is simply good people looking after good people.
At Green Gables, we take genuine pleasure in the small details — the freshly baked cake waiting in your room, the local recommendations that don't appear in any guidebook, the unhurried morning with nowhere you need to be.
Whether you are celebrating something special, exploring southern Tasmania, or simply in need of rest, we hope Green Gables gives you exactly what you came for — and perhaps a little more..