Merrow Cottages

These Edwardian-style weatherboard cottages reflect the charm of the 1900s with none of the inconveniences. Painted in a subtle grey, they are all but hidden in an untamed garden that is a haven to birds, possums, wombats and the occasionally sighted black wallabies. The cottages, owners' residence and garden occupy a corner of the property that was once an orchard, while the majority of the ten acre property is left to natural open forest, with tall mountain ash providing a canopy for the regenerating indigenous understorey. A rudimentary walking track provides a circuit through the forest.

The two guest cottages are quite restrained in their reproduction of Edwardian architecture, with simplified veranda fretwork outside and internal details that include elegant cornices and skirting boards, brass light switches, cloth cords for pendent lights and frosted glass lampshades. The four-poster beds are ornate reproductions but the overriding decor is reserved and positively free from twee knick knacks, doilies and old world fuss. The floors are timber, and the Blackwood kitchen and bathroom bench tops and the fireplace mantels were cut from a fallen tree on the property. Both cottages have large spas, double showers and genuine open fireplaces with stone hearths.

The Gatehouse

The larger of the two cottages has a main room with an archway that separates the bedroom from the living area. Curtains can be drawn across the archway or left open to view the living room fire from the king size four-poster bed. There are also two couches by the open fire. The room is equipped with television, DVD and CD players.

A central hallway leads to the bay windowed spa room with its large square spa surrounded by indoor and outdoor greenery, as well as cedar venetians for complete privacy. Off the hallway, on the right, is the separate bathroom with twin vanity basins, towel warmer and a double shower. Opposite is an eat-in kitchen, equipped with an upright gas stove with oven and grill, fridge, microwave and compact dishwasher. Double doors from the kitchen open onto a small deck furnished with table and chairs for two. In addition to the wood fire, the cottage has central heating.

Forest Edge Cottage

The more compact layout of Forest Edge Cottage has a front verandah (with table and chairs) and an entry through the galley style kitchen to the main bed/sitting room. Everything you need is arranged around the queen size four-poster bed. A window nook has a small dining table. The television occupies another corner. A two seater couch sits at the end of the bed directly in front of the open fire and a double spa is tucked into another curtained alcove. The ensuite features a double shower and heated towel rail.

Facilities include a four burner gas cooktop, microwave, bar fridge, mini dishwasher, DVD and CD players, iron/ironing board, phone, and electric heaters in main room and ensuite.

Both cottages are supplied with breakfast provisions, bathrobes, linen, quality toiletries, candles, port and chocolates.