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| from $220 per night for a couple |
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| Please tell your hosts you found them at GPTS |
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| Hosts: Karl Sietins and Cheryl Johnston |
| Address: 81 The Crescent, Sassafras, VIC 3787 |
| Tel: (+613 or 03) 9755 1773 or 1800 681 773 |
| Fax: (+613 or 03) 9755 2729 |
| Email: enquiries@monreale-estate.com.au |
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Property Setting: Located deep in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, in the peaceful, lush, forest environs along The Crescent of Sassafras, near Sherbrooke.
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| Hours/KMs from Melbourne: 1 hour / 50km (Melway map 66 F11) |
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Cottages a Monreale is a multi award-winning hideaway, with a serious commitment to winning the hearts of its guests.
Imagine yourself in one of the private and luxurious cottages at historic Monreale, surrounded by three acres of superb gardens and lush rain forest in the heart of the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Relax in a luxury spa bath filled with warm spring water from Monreale's very own natural spring. Wrap yourself in a luxuriant, fluffy bath robe with the glowing warmth of the fire in the background. Gaze out to the garden vista while sipping on a Yarra Valley wine and grazing through a delicious gourmet platter. |
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Property Description:
Monreale's heritage can be traced to the early 1900s. City folk would visit the guesthouse to enjoy the beautiful forest setting, the fresh mountain air and long forest walks - many of the same reasons that attract today's guests, although there are now many more romantic reasons to venture through the front gate.
Spread around the property are four architecturally designed, free standing cottages amidst individual forest garden settings. All enjoy complete privacy and large picture windows that showcase the wonderful surroundings. The interiors are spacious and can accommodate one couple in luxury. The dr reflects a classic country theme. Slow burning wood fires and double spas are featured in every cottage.
The original Monreale guesthouse went through various changes and extensions in the intervening years. In more recent times the three storey structure has undergone a major redesign to incorporate two self-contained guest apartments or Retreats as they are known. Although the retreats occupy different floors of the building, the sloping site means they each have a completely private front door at a different ground level. The staircase that once connected the levels has been removed entirely so there is no internal access between floors.
The property grounds include three acres of temperate rain forest and beautifully integrated gardens. Stately deciduous trees, planted more than a hundred years ago, share the environs with indigenous Mountain Ash and tree fern grottos. Thanks to the presence of natural spring water, the garden has many delightful water features, such as cascading waterfalls, creeks and ponds with rainbow trout and water lilies. Bridges, steps and winding paths invite discovery of the many picture perfect garden scenes.
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Special Features:
Natural spring water is used to fill the spa baths throughout Monreale.
Massages and spa treatments can be provided in the privacy of your cottage by Monreale's experienced therapists.
In-house meal hampers are available on request. Cheryl's dinner hampers are a true feast, with platter after platter of freshly prepared fare, comparable in quality to a fine restaurant.
As well as the passing parade of native birds (such as the colourful parrots who help themselves to the fruit of the old apple trees, new tree fern fronds and spring flowers), there are some 20 free range chooks, a variety of friendly wild ducks and two resident cats. They have all been spoiled by past visitors and will readily call in on guests. It is recommended to keep your door closed to avoid unwanted visits.
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Function / Conference Facilities:
Small weddings, mini-conferences and dinner parties can be arranged in the country house dining room or a catered marquee. Special conditions apply.
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| Number of Rooms: 5 x one bedroom, 1 x two bedroom |
| Maximum number of Guests: 14 |
| Bathroom Facilities: One bathroom or ensuite in each cottage & retreat |
| Suitable for Children: Yes, by arrangement |
| Disabled access: Please enquire for details |
| Smoking restrictions: No smoking inside |
| Guest Pets Allowed: No |
| Resident Pets: Two cats, around 20 chooks, and often a horse. |
| Check In/Out: In 3pm / Out 11.30am |
Description of Rooms/Units:
Watergarden Cottage and Oakbrook Cottage are similar in design but with unique settings. They are spacious cottages with large return verandahs. Inside both are exposed timbers in the cathedral ceiling, comfortable leather lounges, Coonara wood fire and corner spa in the open plan living area, which flows through to the bedroom with its king size bed and picture windows on two sides. A kitchen, ensuite and separate toilet complete the floorplan.
Right outside Watergarden Cottage, a waterfall splashes into a large pond where rainbow trout live and water lilies grow. A grove of Japanese Maples borders the path around the pond to the cottage entrance. The view from the spa windows takes in the adjacent 20 acre forest.
Oakbrook Cottage sits beside a towering oak tree, in blissful seclusion on the edge of another trout pond that is rimmed by emerald green tree ferns.
Steeple Cottage is set on the side of a hill overlooking the gardens. The bedroom (queen size bed), corner spa and living area form an L-shaped open plan space on one level. The slow combustion wood fire and the television can be seen from the sofa and the spa. Timber lined ceilings, large picture windows everywhere, kitchen and a pretty entry verandah add to the features of the cottage.
Tranquillity Cottage is a romantic loft cottage with characteristic angles. The front garden path is lined in clipped box hedge ending at the steps to the verandah. The spa and the lounge area overlook the verandah to the gardens, and to the tree ferns on either side. The loft bedroom, Coonara wood fire, Toile window furnishings and timber features - wall panelling, ceilings and staircase - are part and parcel of its particular country charm.
Lyrebird Retreat is a cosy apartment for two located on the lower level of the original guesthouse. A charming porch-style verandah reflects the original character of the building. The interior has been remodelled in favour of an open plan layout that includes a spa alcove, lounge and kitchen. The bedroom has a queen size bed with an adjoining ensuite. A centrally positioned antique French wood burner and period style furnishings enhance the romantic atmosphere.
Magnolia Retreat was also part of the original guesthouse. It is now an intimate two-bedroom apartment, completely self-contained with its own front door and private courtyard entry. The original brick open fireplace has been retained as the focus of the lounge room. The dining and kitchen have been integrated into the living area. A doorway leads off to two bedrooms, one with a king size bed and one with a queen size bed. Another door accesses the bathroom which has a bath with an overhead shower. The ambience of Magnolia Retreat is very much that of a bygone era.
Each of the above has a fully equipped kitchen with an under bench fridge, mini bar, electric oven, gas cooktop, microwave, workspace and cupboards. |
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| Breakfast: The tariff includes a country produce breakfast hamper for two with cereal, muesli, milk, bread, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, and beverages. For an extra charge, you can order the special Hot Breakfast Hamper and avoid cooking yourself. |
| Dining Options: All cottages and retreats are well equipped for self-catering. Eating out is also very convenient as Olinda and Sassafras villages are only a short distance from the property and have an array of restaurants and eating establishments. |
| Guest BBQ Facilities: Yes |
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Please confirm tariff with hosts prior to reservation.
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Tariff: (per couple, includes breakfast provisions)
Midweek (Mon to Thurs): $220 to $300
Weekend: $520 to $690 for two nights
Single Saturday night: $325 to $431 |
| Minimum Stay: Two nights preferred on weekends |
| Deposit: 50% non-refundable on booking |
| Cancellation Terms: With 21 days written notice, the deposit may be applied to another date. 7 days notice and failure to arrive - the full amount is payable. If a vacancy is later refilled, a refund may be granted at the owners' discretion, less a $75 fee. |
| Credit Cards Accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Amex |
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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. |
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