A little piece of heaven

Located in the historic town of Koroit, Patrick’s Small Luxury Hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway or a quiet weekend away.

Story by Lauren Broomham

Set on the northern slopes of Tower Hill, this beautiful, impressive building and former convent is an elegant blend of English country house and French chateau. The original St. Patrick’s Convent was built from local Warrnambool sandstone to house 20 nuns, with the foundation stone laid in 1906. Opening a year later, the convent was used as a secondary school with lessons taught in what are now the billiards and breakfast rooms. After St. Patrick’s was closed in 1972, the property was operated as a school camp for 30 years before being purchased by current owners Craig and Kim Fraser in 2003. It took the couple five years to completely renovate the building and convert the 100-year-old convent into a luxury hotel, but it was well worth the wait.

Surrounded by two acres of pretty gardens, Patrick’s Small Luxury Hotel has all the modern conveniences of a five-star resort, while maintaining the charm and character of the historic building. Downstairs caters to guests’ every need with a lounge room, formal dining room, breakfast room, library and billiards room, and a lovely courtyard garden and summer house outside. Each room has been magnificently decorated with antiques and vintage furniture, as well as pieces from Craig and Kim’s extensive collection, to create a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere. The five working fireplaces ensure that a stay at Patrick’s in the cooler months is always warm and toasty.

Upstairs, guests can choose from five gorgeous bedrooms, each individually furnished with period furniture, and rich fabrics such as silk and velvet, evoking an opulent, glamorous feel. All are well-appointed with comfortable beds and luxurious linen, an LCD television, DVD player and CD player with iPod dock, free WiFi and controlled heating and air-conditioning. One room in particular, featuring a king-size bed with an antique bedhead, a comfortable lounge area with an open fireplace and original arched windows that overlook the garden, is a favourite of Craig and Kim’s. Each room also offers a spacious ensuite, four of which are equipped with a splendid separate bath and rain-head shower – just what you need for a relaxing bathing experience! Luxury finishes include lush toiletries, heated towel rails, soft Egyptian cotton towels, and cosy bathrobes and slippers.

Guests are welcome to play a game of pool, borrow a book or magazine from the library or take a stroll through the lovely gardens. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a light afternoon tea in your room, with T2 teas, plunger coffee, sherry and port all provided. Patrick’s is available for groups to hire out for weekends, or even a whole week, so why not host a catered dinner party during your stay? This can be held in the dining room, breakfast room or the original chapel upstairs. And, included as part of their stay, guests receive fully cooked breakfasts and a bottle of French sparkling wine on arrival; other meals may be arranged if desired.

When you want to explore Koroit, Patrick’s Small Luxury Hotel is just a short walk away from the main street where you can take a stroll through the botanic gardens, stop in at the local antiques shop for beautiful imported French pieces or enjoy a quiet drink at the Irish pub, Mickey Bourke’s Hotel. Patrick’s Small Luxury Hotel is the ideal stopover when travelling along the Great Ocean Road or between Melbourne and Adelaide, so why not make it a must-stay on your next getaway?

Patrick's Small Luxury Hotel
55 Anzac Avenue
Koroit, Victoria, 3282
Phone: 0428 416 104
Email: info@patrickshotel.com.au
www.patrickshotel.com.au

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