Surrounded by beautiful bushland with amazing views across the valley to Hanging Rock, SkyHouse Mount Macedon is perfect for a country getaway. Just 50 minutes from Melbourne, this lovely three-bedroom cottage is set high on the north side of Mount Macedon and offers self-contained accommodation for up to six people, making it an ideal place for catching up with friends and family. The two-storey house has a relaxed open-plan feel with cosy couches and armchairs, an eight-seater dining table and polished honey-coloured floorboards.
Home comforts
The classic timber kitchen, which overlooks the verandah, features a gas cooktop and dishwasher, and is also stocked with cookware and basic provisions so you can whip up meals at any time. These can be enjoyed in a variety of spots, such as the sun-dappled table in the garden or on one of the two verandahs. The toasty wood-fire heater is ideal for cold winter nights, while reverse-cycle air-conditioning keeps guests cool in the warmer months. For entertainment there’s an LCD TV, Playstation 3, blu-ray DVD player and a stereo with iPod dock. Upstairs you’ll find two generously sized queen bedrooms, one decorated in an elegant French-provincial style, the other featuring a more modern twist thanks to its contemporary ‘curly’ bed, and both are equipped with doonas, blankets and pillows. There’s also a small sunroom with a gorgeous wisteria-draped balcony where you can sit and take in the views of the valley. The third bedroom is downstairs and has two single beds and easy access to the ample bathroom – which features a lovely claw-foot bathtub and large showerhead – and separate toilet, making it well-suited to children, additional guests or those not keen on climbing stairs.
Going bush
If you’re feeling energetic, why not head down to the mini sports oval for a game of petanque? You could also take a walk along the many bush tracks around Mount Macedon, such as those to Camels Hump and the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross. Being surrounded by native forest, SkyHouse is home to a number of native animals, including wallabies, wombats, koalas and echidnas. You can also test out your birdwatching skills, with many local species such as crimson rosellas, kookaburras, cockatoos and honeyeaters attracted to the pretty bushes and flowers around the cottage – you’re even provided binoculars and bird guides to help get you started. While in the area a visit to Hanging Rock is a must. Made famous by the classic Australian film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, it was originally named Mount Diogenes by explorer Major Mitchell, later becoming known as a hideout for bushrangers. These days, Hanging Rock plays host to one of the state’s prettiest horseracing tracks as well as the annual Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock. When you’ve enjoyed a stroll around the rock, treat yourself to a delicious snack at the great little cafe nearby.
Wine and dine
With its fantastic restaurants, cafes, galleries, historical buildings and wineries, the Macedon Ranges have plenty to offer the keen explorer. Mount Macedon village isn’t far from SkyHouse, so it’s easy to try The Trading Post where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch, plus dinner on some nights, then you may like to consider a tour of the stunning English-style open gardens. The town of Woodend, just five minutes away by car, has a great range of places to eat, including the Victoria Hotel, which has lovely outdoor seating for summer, and the Holgate Brewhouse, which has a terrific bar menu and comfortable lounge-room style furniture to relax on. So if you’re looking for fabulous food, picturesque surroundings and a relaxing atmosphere, SkyHouse Mount Macedon is an ideal option for your next getaway.
SkyHouse Mount Macedon
35 Glover Road, Mount Macedon Vic
Phone: 0409 027 765; international: +61 4 09 027 765
Email: stay@skyhouse.com.au
www.skyhouse.com.au
Story by Lauren Broomham