Just the two of us

Located in the beautiful village of Olinda in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, Folly Farm Rural Retreat is ideal for a romantic getaway.

Story by Lauren Broomham

Photography by Mark Fergus

Set on an original hill-station property that was established in 1910, Folly Farm is owned by ‘mountain changers’ Belinda and Robert Rooth and home to 10 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens, a blueberry farm and chestnut plantation. It’s also where you’ll find a sweet little cottage, which Robert built himself, that’s perfect for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. On arrival, enter through the dry stone pillars that guard the entrance and make your way along the long driveway to the bright and sunny cottage, which has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Inside, the property features a spacious bedroom with a stunning handcrafted four-poster bed and wrought-iron chandelier, plus an opulent ensuite with a spa bath that’s just made for a long, calming soak. The modern kitchen is equipped with plenty of provisions, including home-baked bread, eggs from the hens, espresso coffee and more. From the deck, you can take in the spectacular views to Mt Dandenong and across the dry stone walls to the historic gardens Belinda tends herself. These stunning gardens were established by the Cox family and re-designed by renowned landscape designer Edna Walling in the 1930s. In Walling’s style, all the rocks for the gardens were sourced from the property, with the rockwork created by Ellis Stone and the lovely pond built by Eric Hammond.

These days, the gardens, which are dotted with English Ash, Poplar, Juniper and Walling’s signature Silver Birch, have been classified by the National Trust, and guests are welcome to take a stroll around their little pathways and beds full of sweet-scented anemone nemorosa, woodland cyclamen and erythronium. The pretty perennial garden that surrounds the cottage was designed by Craig Wilson of Gentiana Nursery in Olinda to be drought tolerant and features an amazing selection of rare salvias, phlox and rugosa roses. As well, Folly Farm Rural Retreat has its own secret hideaway – an English shepherd’s hut designed and built by Robert that’s adorned with forged wheels crafted by a local third-generation blacksmith. Designed to be a home to the shepherd who could not leave his flock for long, it’s a lovely place to enjoy the gardens in winter or summer.

To make your stay extra special, spoil yourself with some of the treats the Retreat has to offer, such as delicious chocolates and a bottle of wine, or a carton of organic ice cream served with Folly Farm’s own homemade blueberry sauce. In the cooler months, curl up in front of the fire with the fittingly named ‘Stay in and relax platter’, a delicious selection of smoked salmon, cheeses, dips and more. Guests can also indulge in the ‘Ultimate antidote to stress’ package, which includes a one hour massage with aromatherapy and soothing music.

The Farm is also only a short drive to the Yarra Valley, where you’ll find nearby wineries such as the Yarra Ranges Estate, take a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train across the Dandenongs, or see views of Melbourne from the SkyHigh Observatory from Mt Dandenong. Garden lovers will also enjoy a visit to the National Rhododendron Gardens, which is just across from Folly Farm’s front gate. Run by volunteers, these gardens are set on 110 acres, complete with lakes, walking trails and a rare plant nursery.

Just over one hour’s drive east of Melbourne, Folly Farm Rural Retreat offers a welcome respite for couples looking to get away from it all.

Folly Farm Rural Retreat
192 Falls Rd, Olinda, Victoria 3788
Phone: (03) 9751 2544
Email: enquiries@follyfarm.com.au

www.follyfarm.com.au

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