australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
THE STONE COTTAGE
BEECHWORTH
 |
 |
 |
 |
Just around the corner from Beechworth’s historic main street, the Stone Cottage (pictured left) nestles behind a picket fence with roses and deciduous trees framing mellow stone walls. It’s a picturesque rendition of an English Cotswolds cottage, very carefully crafted in granite by owner Geoff Palmer.
There’s a big helping of olde-worlde personality built into the cottage, right down to massive rough-hewn timber beams and whitewashed interior walls. Fortunately, there the semblance rests. Guests have the pleasure of a big spa bath in the bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, cosy lounge with wood heater, plus a loft QS bedroom that stays nice and warm through some of those freezing winter nights that hit Beechworth every year - sometimes it snows.
Geoff found his first cottage so popular with guests that he’s built another, called The Barn, which has two QS bedrooms (one loft style with spiral stairs), an ensuite bathroom with double spa, plus small kitchen and lounge. It’s well heated but doesn’t have a wood fire. Big barn doors hinge from the windows, offering a sense of privacy yet allowing winter’s sunshine to cast warming rays into the bedroom.
A tiny stream borders the long swathe of informally landscaped gardens behind the guest cottages. Just bring along whatever you want for brekky, and the rest of the time you can eat out – these days, Beechworth has a couple of good dining venues, fine local wines and decent pubs.
My last review visit was in May 2008. The Barn cottage has new furnishings, the autumn garden looks a treat.
WHERE: 6 Tanswell Street, Beechworth. 270km north-east of Melbourne via Hume Freeway, about 3 hours drive.
HOW MUCH: Normally $150/couple mid-week, $160 at weekends.
CONTACT: (03) 5728 2857, mobile 0411 324 797.copyright PETER ROBINSON 2008 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED