Lyrebird Cottages - Great Places to Stay

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Lyrebird Cottages

from $190 per night for a couple

Please tell your hosts you found them at GPTS

Hosts: Tessa and Stewart Lockhart

Address: 140 Moora Road, Healesville VIC 3777

Tel: (+613 or 03) 5962 3343

Fax: (+613 or 03) 5962 3343

Mobile: 0414 920 939

Email: tessa@lyrebirdcottages.com.au

Property Setting: The 10-acre property nestles into the Yarra Ranges National Park in the Mt Toolebewong area.

Hours/KMs from Melbourne: 1 hour 15 mins / 70km (Melway map 627 K4 or Key Maps page10, VicRoads 80 B5)

Nearest main town: Healesville (12km)


	Imagine yourself on a mountaintop in an architect-designed mudbrick and timber cottage with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Now complete the landscape with lyrebirds, wallabies, sunsets and huge starry skies. This is the space and peace of Lyrebird Cottages. Go down into the valley, to vineyards, a river, sophisticated wining and dining and friendly shopkeepers with time for a chat. Frame all this with a dramatic range of mountains covered in pristine native forest. Is there any better way to spend a break? AAA Tourism rating 4 STARS (2008)

Property Description:
There are two private and spacious cottages with identical layouts, each surrounded on three sides by dense shrubs and trees. On the fourth side is an unobstructed, spectacular view down the mountain across the valley and west towards a distant Melbourne. The main living area in each cottage is oriented to the view. Sunset is a time not to be missed and in warm weather the deck is the favoured spot, but indoors by the fire is just as good when the air is chilly.

The construction materials and the layout combine interest and sensitivity. Mellow, natural tones featuring exposed mudbrick walls and rich, polished timber surfaces evoke a strong connection with the environment and generate a warm feel about the place. The living area is open plan but also cosy and interesting - more like interconnected spaces with a mudbrick dividing wall between the lounge and kitchen, and an inset corner where the balcony opens out to a deck. Light floods in from skylights and the wall of windows (although there are Venetian blinds to control intense light if necessary). The décor is sparing, allowing the textures of nature to provide the character and ambience. Quality fittings and attention to detail are evident throughout.

The property includes 7 acres of bushland forest dominated by tall mountain ash and silver wattle. A track meanders through the forest where wildlife visitors are not unexpected. Two legged guests are also welcome to investigate the veggie and berry patch near the owner's residence.

Special Features:
The cottages are well equipped for self catering and there are local outlets such as Yarra Valley Pasta and The Harvest Produce Store where you can purchase great ingredients and even pre-cooked gourmet meals. Even more convenient is Susanna's Menu. The menu has a range of appetisers, main meals and sweets prepared by Yarra Valley chef Susanna Luebbers. The ready-to-heat and serve dishes will be waiting in your cottage fridge. Orders can be placed in advance or up until 6pm on the day.

Number of Units: 2 cottages each with one bedroom

Maximum number of Guests: 1 couple per cottage (single bed available for 1 extra person)

Bathroom Facilities: Ensuite

Suitable for Children: Infants and children over 12 by arrangement

Disabled access: No

Smoking restrictions: No smoking inside

Guest Pets Allowed: No

Resident Pets: No

Check In/Out: In from 3pm / Out 12 noon

Description of Rooms/Units:

The cottages comprise a bedroom with a queen size bed, with electric blanket. The ensuite has a double spa bath, a separate shower and heated towel rail.

The lounge area has a couch and one or two armchairs arranged around a potbelly wood heater. There is also a reverse cycle air-conditioner, television, DVD and CD player.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a full size cooktop and under bench oven, a mid-size fridge and a microwave. The kitchen construction showcases local craftsmanship. As for dining spots, take your pick from a café-style table and chairs by the window, stools at the kitchen bench and an outdoor setting on the deck.

Breakfast: Provisions supplied for each day's stay include homemade bread, jams, butter, milk, free range eggs, free range organic bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms. Breakfast cereals, ground coffee and teas are provided, along with fresh oranges and a juicer.

Dining Options: Local options include Thai and Middle Eastern cuisine, the gourmet Healesville Hotel, and diverse winery restaurants. If you prefer to eat in, you can pre-order ready-to-heat meals (see Special Features above) or fully self cater.

Guest BBQ Facilities: No

Please confirm tariff with hosts prior to reservation.

Tariff: (per couple, including full breakfast provisions)
Weekends: $450 for two nights (Fri-Sat or Sat-Sun)
Single night Friday or Sunday - $210
Midweek: (Mon-Thu) 1 night $190, 2 nights $370, 3 nights $525, 4 nights $660
Weekly: $1200 for 7 nights
Other combinations available on request

Minimum Stay: Two nights on weekends (when Saturday is included)

Deposit: 50% required to secure the booking

Cancellation Terms: Less than 14 days' notice - the deposit may be forfeited. No shows will be charged 100%

Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard

Visit the property's own web site: Click here

Disclaimer: Information presented on this web site has been supplied by individual properties and collected from reputable tourism resources. Great Places to Stay endeavours to keep the information accurate and current, however it takes no responsibility for errors and omissions, and the information is subject to change without notice. Intending guests should confirm pricing and other details at time of booking.