Heart of gold
Dubbed Australia's "first notable town" by the National Heritage Trust, Maldon is almost perfectly preserved, and an incredible place to visit. Just taking in the historic streetscape is an experience, let alone the vintage railway, antique shops and the mines themselves. On top of that, the cafes, restaurants and wineries offer the region's finest, while the galleries display a unique range of arts and crafts.
But perhaps most seductive of all is The Parsonage, an elegant Georgian manor in the heart of the town, which offers luxurious bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation for up to eight guests. Like the town itself, the building is steeped in history. It was built in 1858, on the site of the first sermon ever preached in Maldon, as the vicarage to the first permanent church on the Victorian goldfields.
You can choose from one of four gorgeous rooms or, for a holiday you'll never forget, hire the whole building. The rooms are styled in a French provincial theme, and come complete with Egyptian cotton bed linen, quilted throws, woollen blankets, hand cream and bathrobes. The Parsonage also prides itself on the versatility of its rooms; the first offers a king and a single bed, the second a queen and a single, the third two king singles and a single, and the last a queen.
Your culinary needs are also covered. There's a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen and fresh herb garden at your disposal, along with gas barbecue facilities and an alfresco dining area set with Tuscan-style furniture - the perfect place to relax and soak up the surrounding beauty of the formal gardens and fountains. Even the bathrooms are an experience. The palatial main bathroom comes with a high backed traditional claw-footed bath, exposed brass plumbing, double Edwardian vanities and, believe it or not, a grand fireplace!
All in all, it's hard to imagine a better place to relax and unwind. This gorgeous B&B, and the old mining town that surrounds it, is nothing short of a golden experience.
The Parsonage Country Retreat
1 Fountain St, Maldon Victoria
0411 474 649
Email: relax@theparsonage.com.au
www.theparsonage.com.au
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