Pennyroyal Farm

Suitable for children

Yes

Disabled access

No

Smoking restrictions

No smoking inside

Guest pets allowed

Yes - dogs are most welcome

Property Description

As you approach this property along the winding country road through Pennyroyal Valley you know you are well and truly escaping city life. Rolling pasture and stands of forest fill the landscape this side of the swathe of the Otway National Park, on the other side of which, some 20 minutes away, is the ever popular seaside resort of Lorne. And while Lorne can become a hectic place during the summer break, Pennyroyal Valley is blissfully peaceful all year.

The working property is engaged in farming cattle and forestry, as well as a few designated acres devoted to country cottage accommodation for visitors to the region. It started with the original farm cottage and expanded as a further four buildings were constructed, each in its own private, fenced setting. Natural wavy-edged cypress timber cladding gives the cottages their very distinctive appearance. Together with green roofs and painted trim they sit sympathetically in their now mature, native garden surroundings. A few goats help keep the grass down in front of the cottages. Moreover, concern for the environment is demonstrated in the use of green electricity and of timber grown and milled on the property, supplemented with handpicked recycled timber. 20,000 trees were planted for the property's ongoing firewood and building needs. Each cottage has a wood fire plus most have reverse cycle air-conditioning/heating.

Most of the cottages have valley views, large verandahs, and cathedral ceilings with loft bedrooms that will appeal to children. Natural timber is also featured in the kitchens and ceilings and chunky outdoor settings. The interiors are simply and comfortably furnished featuring practical leather lounge suites, and the flooring is a combination of cork and carpet.

Cypress Lodge and the Barn Studio form one of the later buildings. They offer separate or combined accommodation. The Lodge sleeps 6 while the Barn sleeps 2.

The Original Cottage overlooks a small orchard of fruit trees, vines and berry plants. Vines have been trained along the verandah. A lower roof profile with a brick chimney and straight timber weatherboards are part of the character and charm of this older, extensively renovated cottage. The accommodation is all one level and there are two living areas. The spa bath has views through windows on two sides.

The Dairy has joined the collection of cottages. A renovation has transformed the original dairy, a basic brick building, into a romantic retreat for two. The walls have been bagged, a deck and lots of windows added, but the centrepiece is a sunken spa in the middle of the living room close to the fire and the television.

Pennyroyal Farm also manages another two cottages, located on two different properties.Vine Cottage is set on a vineyard in Deans Marsh not far from Pennyroyal Farm. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Another is located on a property north east of Deans Marsh at Bambra. Stringybark Cottage has an open wood fire in the living room and a spa outside on the deck. It is more secluded with no neighbours close by and wallabies and kangaroos can be seen grazing outside the cottage.

Special features

Pet Friendly Accommodation
Dogs are especially welcome at the cottages, indoors and outside in the individually fenced, grounds of each dwelling. Dog beds, stainless steel bowls, towels, couch cover and a doggie treat are among the items provided for guest pets and there are many great country walks and a local dog-friendly café and bar 2km from the farm. There are some house rules to be observed.

Seasonal activities include the opportunity to pick-your-own berries at two local berry farms, which also have cafes open during the berry season. A local olive farm has a cafe open most of the year. Martians Cafe, in the nearby township of Deans Marsh, is becoming well known not only for its food and rustic atmosphere, but also for live music almost every weekend of the year.