1. The historic Rochford Schoolhouse in Lancefield 2. Scando-style at Harpsichord House in Kyneton 3. Traditional romance at the historic St Agnes Homestead in Kyneton
A winter-inspired guide to hibernating in the Macedon Ranges
In no particular order, below are 12 ideas on where to book a getaway this winter in the Macedon Ranges. All the places we’ve featured have fireplaces to curl up in front of like a cat. They are so cosy you may simply not want to go anywhere. Which is okay. That’s the whole idea…
1. Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat
If the sound of a mountain retreat is right up your alley, then Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat should be high on your list.
Stuart’s Cabin, Jim’s Cottage and the Homestead Suite all boast toasty warm wood fireplaces and comfy sofas for lazy days.
Go wine tasting at nearby Mount Macedon Winery or Mount Towrong Vineyard and bring your favourite bottle back to enjoy in your cottage.
Or pack your winter hiking gear and explore trails in nearby Macedon Regional Park to get the heart rate pumping. Alternatively, just chill out at the local Mount Macedon Hotel for some pub grub and mulled wine.
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2. Rochford Schoolhouse Lancefield
Perfect for a romantic getaway, Rochford Schoolhouse is a beautifully renovated, self-contained accommodation near the village of Lancefield. It oozes rustic charm, with exposed brick walls and many of its original features including fireplace, high windows and a soaring vaulted ceiling.
With plump sofas in front of the fire and wonderful cellar doors nearby, this boutique abode is just the place to get away from it all.
Tip: Time your trip with the monthly Lancefield Farmers’ Markets to pick up some wholesome local produce. Held on the fourth Saturday of the month (3rd Saturday in December), this accredited farmers’ market sells all the ingredients for a gourmet tasting platter to enjoy by the fire.
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3. St Agnes Homestead Kyneton
St Agnes Homestead is a heritage property located a couple of minutes’ drive from the heart of Kyneton’s restaurant, bar and shopping precinct. Set on six stunning acres with pretty gardens, vineyard and original Coach House, it’s no wonder St Agnes is an immensely popular destination for lovebirds.
Restored to its original charm, St Agnes offers a choice of four boutique accommodations each with their own special features, such as a stained glass conservatory, chandeliers, fireplace, claw foot bath or self-contained kitchen.
You can turn this winter escape into a seriously gourmet adventure too. Kyneton is well-known for its foodies scene, such as the award-winning French bistro Midnight Starling, local gin digs Animus Distillery and Bar and the champion of local food producers, Colenso restaurant.
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4. Wurrung B&B Woodend
Pooch friendly! Situated a short distance from the charming village of Woodend, Wurrung B&B is ideal for couples, friends or a small family. Located on six acres of park-like gardens, this newly-fitted out one bedroom cottage has a modern kitchenette for brekkie cook ups, and of course, a log fire.
The hosts will even organise use of their two-seater Mercedes Benz SLK to explore the area, if you are looking for an extra special experience.
Note: Pets are welcome if well-behaved and well supervised. Wurrung B&B is also elegantly fitted out for people with mobility limitations.
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5. Rimba Retreat Mt Macedon
Resting on the northern slopes of the Macedon Ranges, Rimba Retreat is a private sanctuary hidden amongst pristine wilderness and wonderfully secluded from the chaos of everyday life. This two-bedroom retreat offers so much more than contemporary accommodation – taking exclusivity to a new level, once you arrive at the retreat you won’t want to leave.
While you’re there, get back to nature with a hike in Macedon Regional Park or experience something truly unique on a llama guided hike with Hanging Rock Llama Treks.
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6. Shop House by Flop House Kyneton
Once a butcher’s shop and residence, this chic two-bedroom retreat is tucked away off the main street in Kyneton.
Right in the heart of Kyneton, near the corner of Piper and Mollison Street, Shop House displays all the charm of a heritage building whilst having all the modern comforts we’ve come to expect. Plu it has a toasty warm fire to curl up in front of.
While in Kyneton, book an appointment with Ellenis Day Spa for a touch of pampering, or treat yourself to a holistic massage experience at Maiaveda Holistic Health Retreat & Spa.
Kyneton cafes are known for their fantastic breakfasts with a focus on locally grown and laid produce, so make sure to plan your stay around a brunch at the likes of Little Swallow Cafe, Duck Duck Goose & Larder and Home Grown on Piper Street.
In the evening, take a stroll to Animus Distillery on Piper Street for a gin cocktail.
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7. Malmsbury Barn House B&B
The Malmsbury Barn House B&B is a purpose-built traditional bed & breakfast in the quaint little village of Malmsbury (only ten minutes’ drive from Kyneton or accessible via V-Line train).
It is self-contained and sleeps up to four people in two separate bedrooms, making it perfect for longer stays or a group of friends.
Included in your stay is a generous Continental brekkie and the large lounge-library room with wood burning fireplace is ideal for enjoying a bottle of local wine. You can pick one up from a nearby cellar door such as Zig Zag Winery or Birthday Villa.
When you’re not sipping wine by the fire, take a peaceful stroll to the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, where you can meet the resident geese and enjoy picture-perfect views to the ancient bluestone viaduct railway bridge.
Cooking on holidays not your cup of tea? Malmsbury may be a small country village but it has plenty of options for dining out.
Nip into to the local pub for a beer and schnitzel, pick up a flaky pastry pie at the wonderful Malmsbury Bakery, or chow down on a wood-fired pizza at The Stables, overlooking the Botanic Gardens. There’s also Small Holdings, a rustic country cafe located inside what was once an old weatherboard church.
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8. The Lancefield Lodge
The Lancefield Lodge is all about nostalgia for early motel travel in Australia. At The Lancefield Lodge you can still drive right up to your room door, yet instead of the basic decor of traditional motels, you will find 20 spacious, spotless & individually styled rooms.
The new addition of a Wine Tasting Room is where they proudly showcase our local boutique vineyards. The lodge is cosy and warm in cooler months with an open fire to warm your tootsies. You’ll love their rustic bar and restaurant too.
Time your visit with the Lancefield Farmers Market held on the fourth Saturday of the month, or embark on a Laneways of Lancefield winetasting adventure.
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9. Hanging Rock Views Woodend
Set on a 135-acre property are four purpose-built luxury suites. Each suite at Hanging Rock Views is individually decorated and named after the geophysical features viewed from your room: Hanging Rock, Mount Alexander, Mount William, and Spring Hill.
Hanging Rock Views is home to hundreds of kangaroos who graze right up to the rooms, plus wombats, deer, and numerous birds such as kookaburras, eagles, and parrots. The property also has many species of native flora, as well as cascades and a waterfall on site that can be viewed on your wanders through the bush.
Off the lobby is a formal garden, BBQ area and fire-pit for use by guests. The views of Hanging Rock from here are outstanding and you will be drawn to this space. Whether you choose to go hiking at Hanging Rock, wine tasting at Hanging Rock Winery, gin tasting at nearby Big Tree Distillery or enjoying a meal in Woodend – there’s so much to do, or choose not to do, for the perfect winter escape.
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10. Harpsichord House Kyneton
This Scandinavian-style retreat in the heart of ‘old Kyneton’ sleeps up to four people. The loft displays works by local artists and designers, and exquisite textiles from around the world, making this getaway ideal for lovers of style and interiors.
Harpsichord House has chooks in the backyard for that true country vibe, bikes available for a leisurely spin around town, and a wood fireplace to warm your toes. A luxurious, king-sized bed awaits for lazy winter morning sleep ins and a private garden to pick your own winter produce. Sounds like bliss, yes?
Even better, it’s proudly ‘pooch friendly’ too!
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11. Mirkwood Woodend
A rustic escape in Woodend, just a hop, skip and a jump from Mount Macedon, Hanging Rock and fabulous cellar doors.
Mirkwood offers two comfortable, self-contained cottages, one with an indoor two-person spa and one with an outdoor spa. It’s set up so you technically don’t need to go beyond the property to be entertained. You can even go trout fishing (equipment provided) or use their bikes to go for a cruisy ride.
With freestanding wood heaters for warmth and comfort, a large selection of movies and a Nespresso coffee machine, you have everything you need to relax and unwind.
Hibernate the entire time and cook meals in the cottage’s fully equipped kitchen, or splash out on a meal in one of the many fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants, including The Wine Collective, Holgates Brewhouse, The Victoria Hotel, The Milko, The Cravat Club Wine Bar and Kuzu Izakaya.
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12. Woodend Cottage
Woodend Cottage is a self-contained quintessential French Provincial cottage located in a rural setting just out from Woodend township. This rustic yet modern cottage is totally unique and is ideal for couples, families and groups of friends.
Upon entering, you are transported into a French Provincial Farmhouse Cottage with high cathedral ceiling and open plan living complete with a wood fireplace. The cottage is incredibly private and secluded within an acre of garden in a tranquil bushland setting.
Pooch can also come on your winter getaway (pet friendly by negotiation). Plus there are two alpacas as residents and you’re amongst native animals of kangaroos, koalas and abundant birdlife.
Five minutes and you’re in Woodend where you can enjoy cafes, pubs and restaurants, while Mt Macedon is only 10 minutes’ drive.
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Just the Tip of the Iceberg
There are so many more places to stay in the Macedon Ranges, we couldn’t possibly list them all. From a hemp farmstay on Bunjil Farm, a to a vineyard retreat at Cleveland Winery, Hesket Estate or Gisborne Estate Winery, there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy. Click here for more ideas on where to stay this winter.
