australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
MERRIMEET
BRIGHT
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The English Tudor appearance of Merrimeet homestead isn’t just skin deep – it’s as close to authentic as modern building practice allows, right down to hand-adzed timbers and hand-worked scrim. Guests can only admire Phillip and Lesley's yoeman’s cottage, but not stay there. However, the alternative is entirely agreeable - a choice of Tudor-style apartments or the River Cottages, which are surrounded by beautiful English gardens only a few paces from the clear-flowing Ovens River.
The three Garden Apartments are well designed: each has its own private entrance, lounge with wood heater, kitchen or kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom with double spa. Two are on the ground floor, while the third is upstairs - and is huge, running the length of the building.
The River Cottages are a little different: recently completely refurbished, they have everything for a lengthy stay if that fits your plans, plus a wood fire and double spa, galley kitchen. One spacious cottage has two bedrooms. All Merrimeet’s luxurious apartments and cottages are extremely well furnished and scrupulously clean. All are self catering - breakfast basket available on request only. Lesley has certainly put her artistic talents to good use in room furnishings and decor!
Wandering the garden or riverside is a treat - Merrimeet's hosts have obviously worked long and hard in the extensive gardens, and the result is sensational. Bright is famed for its Autumn colours and I consider Merrimeet to have one of the finest gardens in town. My re-visit in May 2007 confirmed Merrimeet as a fine establishment.
WHERE: 40 Showers Avenue, Bright; 310km north-east of Melbourne via Hume Freeway, a little under 4 hours drive.
HOW MUCH: from $145 to $240 per single night. It's worth spending at least a couple of nights here and the rates are cheaper for more nights - ring and ask.
CONTACT: Phone (03) 5755 2040 or 0419 558 134
email: stay@merrimeetcottages.com.au
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED