Imagine my delight when I swung open the picket gate to find a beautifully restored 100-plus-year-old house. Healesville House was going to be my home for the night. My companion ran straight up the red brick path, climbed the stairs and danced on the veranda, as if to say ‘Mum, this is beautiful!’.

Take the live tour here.

When you enter it‘s obvious the house has been tastefully updated and as a result, the interior is fresh, modern and comfortable. The entrance hall opens into an open plan living area. Here you‘ll find a moderate-sized kitchen, European Laundry and living area complete with gas fire and television. Bifold doors open to a small courtyard where you can enjoy the fruits of your Yarra Valley forage.

The two bedrooms mirror each other with a queen-sized bed, walk-in-robe and ensuite boasting a bath. A bride and her entourage will find plenty of room to prepare and dress, while couples will find the rooms intimate and families will love the separate rooms providing space for one and all.

Location, Location, Location

No matter what your interest, Healesville House is perfectly situated.  

For the foodie: a stroll down the main shopping precinct will not leave you empty-handed.  Not only will you find all your grazing needs, you can also find essential supplies at the local Coles. Hint: wood fire pizza is only a stone’s throw away with Bodhi Tree Cafe and Giant Steps as close neighbours.    

For the sightseer: a short drive will find you at Maroondah Dam with delightful gardens and trails to challenge. Plan a progressive wine tour of some of the Yarra Valley’s finest wineries or let the team at Yarra Valley Experience plan one for you. If you‘re interested in a tour, mention it when booking your stay.   

For families: Healesville Sanctuary and Hedge End Maze are a 10-minute drive away and ensure that a day of exploration and fun will follow. Birdwatching and bush-bashing is always on the itinerary at Badger Weir, a popular picnic spot.

For the art lover: Healesville House is a short walk from Healesville Memorial Hall. If you have booked tickets to a show and feel you‘d like to make a night of it, look no further as your accommodation is sorted.

 

My Visit

Once my little man had completed his happy dance we entered the historic home (formerly part of the original horse riding school of Healesville) and took the tour before my housemates arrived. The two bedrooms were the perfect fit for our ‘Mumma and Bub getaway’. The interior is extremely child-friendly with the toddlers finding little to destroy and lots to enjoy (namely their own company and the ottoman – don’t ask). Once we were settled in, it was time to head out.  

Exploring the shopping strip of Healesville saw us stop off to pick up some supplies from Kitchen and Butcher and drop in at Herd – only to find open mike night may not be the best time to sit down and dine with children. On the way home we decided to try Bodhi Tree Café. Although two toddlers jumping up and down on the metal flooring did not go over well, the pizza was soooooo good. I would rethink dining out with the kids and absolutely order in. Honestly, with the gas fire roaring, the kids in their pj’s and a cheese board waiting for Mummy-free time, why would you want to leave the burrow?

If you‘re looking for a winter break, you will find Healesville House welcoming, clean and cosy. Your stay is what you make it with this beautifully appointed piece of Healesville History. Enquire here or browse here.