Taking A Break In The Dandenongs
The Sunday Age
Sunday July 18, 2004
ATTIC HOUSE
Surrounded by the charming Dandenongs blend of English gardens and Australian eucalypts, Attic House is an imposing cedar dwelling with broad verandahs, balconies and dormer windows - a style reminiscent of grand guesthouses found in the hills 100 years ago. Hosts Judy and Colan carefully planned this roomy house to have the best of both worlds - traditional in-house hosting and private guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Check the top 10 list of things to do, many within an easy walk such as the William Ricketts Sanctuary.There are only three guest rooms, with the huge attic room an absolute haven - king-size bed, double spa and windows at tree-top height. In keeping with the best of B&B traditions, a full cooked breakfast is served at a time of your choosing.WHERE: 1438 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mt Dandenong. Tel: 9751 1397 HOW MUCH: From $150 midweek with full breakfast. See www.attichouse.com.au.OBSERVATORY COTTAGESBarely 100 metres from the top of Mount Dandenong, Observatory Cottages is a retreat with beautiful old-world gardens where couples often marry. All four cottages and three suites are equally luxurious and it's hard to choose between them: perhaps a fairyland view of the city's twinkling nightlights, or a warm cottage with flickering log fire and soaring cathedral ceilings. Cottages have a cosy, rustic charm about them but don't let this fool you - they're beautifully finished to include every possible luxury.Local restaurants are at hand, or order in-room dining with fine wines - after a massage and spa, of course. You can rest assured of privacy, and the late check out is appreciated. Breakfast goodies are ready to cook at your leisure.WHERE: 10 Observatory Rd, Mt Dandenong. Tel: 9751 2436HOW MUCH: From $170 per couple mid week, bed and breakfast. See www.observatorycottages.com.au.GLEN HARROWImmensely popular Puffing Billy heritage train leaves its Belgrave station a minute's walk from the cottages' gate, and when you hear the distant whistle and chuffing steam engine, it'll transport you to a bygone era. The cottages and eight hectares of wildly overgrown fragrant gardens (established in the 1870s) reflect the personalities of the owners - artistic, flamboyant, and ultimately loveable.Each cottage - there are four - has a different design and layout, but they're all old world and filled with antiques and Australian collectibles. You'll have an open fire, double spa bath, breakfast provisions and every comfort to ensure a totally private, romantic retreat. Excellent Dandenong Ranges restaurants are within a few minutes of the cottages; Sherbrooke Forest is at the front door.WHERE: Old Monbulk Rd (past Puffing Billy railway crossing), Belgrave. Tel: 9754 3232 HOW MUCH: From $195 per night mid-week. See www.glenharrow.com.au.
© 2004 The Sunday Age