Rural retreat

Set on a beautiful property in north eastern Victoria, Mount Pleasant Luxury Accommodation is ideal for a quiet and relaxing break.

Photography by Juliet Morris and Jonathan Hawley
Story by Lauren Broomham

Just 8kms from the town of Wangaratta, the homestead is located on a beef-producing farm run by owners Noel and Ruth Amery. The property has been in the Amery family for three generations and the original farmhouse has recently been extensively refurbished to create a lovely self-contained bed and breakfast.

Surrounded by an acre of well-established gardens and large, shady trees, the retreat offers the perfect place to unwind, all in complete comfort. Inside, the homestead is an eclectic blend of old-fashioned elegance and modern conveniences. Ruth is passionate about textiles, textures and colour and has decorated the home to give it a light, bright and airy feel. Many of the stunning pieces adorning the rooms are family heirlooms which have been carefully restored, while others were purchased at local auctions, such as the spectacular hall stand which graces the front entrance.

There are two stylish bedrooms, each with a queen-size bed, built-in wardrobes, luxurious bedding and linen, and ensuite bathroom – guests have the choice of either the one with a spa or the other with a bath. Each has its own separate shower, granite-top vanity and heated towel rail – just what you need on those chilly mornings! Why not help yourself to a coffee using the espresso machine and coffee grinder in the fully equipped kitchen? A gourmet cooked breakfast is included in your stay, or choose from delicious toasted Milawa cob bread with homemade local raspberry jam or marmalade, or homemade fruit and nut muesli, plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.

In the cooler months, curl up in front of the wood-burning fireplace or relax with a DVD in the lounge room, which is equipped with a widescreen LCD television, surround sound and Austar. On warmer days, enjoy the morning sun on the verandah, which provides impressive views of the distant mountains, including Bogong, Feathertop and Mount Buffalo. There is also a paved outdoor area with a gas barbeque at the north end of the house which is shaded by Golden Ash trees and ornamental grape vines. The pretty gardens are home to many species of colourful native birds, including grass parrots, rosellas, blue wrens and kookaburras.

Ruth and Noel love meeting their guests and sharing the beauty of north east Victoria with them during their stay. Mount Pleasant is a stone’s throw from the wonderful Milawa gourmet region, where visitors can sample locally produced cheeses, breads, olives, honey and mustards and see the many regional wineries, such as Brown Brothers, Sam Miranda, Woodpark and Ciavarella. There are also plenty of opportunities to celebrate the best food and wine the region has to offer with the Alpine Valleys Wine and Food Festival in March, Winery Walkabout over the Queen's Birthday weekend in June and La Dolce Vita in the King Valley in November.

Situated just off the Hume Freeway, Mount Pleasant Luxury Accommodation is the perfect stopover for those travelling between Sydney and Melbourne or couples looking for a peaceful and secluded escape.

Mount Pleasant Luxury Accommodation
181 Wightons Road, East Wangaratta, VIC, 3678
Phone: +61 3 5722 2616 Mobile: 0419 862 156
Email: ruth@mountpleasanthomestead.com.au
www.mountpleasanthomestead.com.au

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