This settler’s homestead lies in lovely countryside at Newmerella, which means "Valley of Plenty” in aboriginal language, beside the popular East Gippsland Trail overlooking the Snowy River Valley.
The location of the 2-hectare property – at Grandview Lookout – offers a clue to the spectacular vistas. A loop trail links the best vantage points where you can enjoy views over the Snowy River flats far below and the town of Orbost. The historic homestead was built on the plain in 1891, but relocated to higher ground after the severe floods of 1893. A few magnificent trees, planted in the garden more than a century ago, still grace the surroundings – most notably a statuesque bunya pine.
Your hosts, descendants of the district's pioneering families, have added purpose-built accommodation in a separate building that blends with the colonial architecture of the homestead and incorporates modern facilities. The four rooms – each of which has a king-size bed (which can convert to two singles) and en suite bathroom – are all named after the garden's great trees, and one - 'Flame' - also features a double spa. All are elegantly furnished with timber bedheads, leather chairs, colonial style light-fittings and smart heritage colour schemes. Facilities include flat screen television, clock radio, hair dryer, individually-controlled split-system heating and air conditioning, and a room safe.
The rooms open onto a spacious deck, built around the bunya pine, each with it own table and chairs. The large lawn has a firepit where you can sit and enjoy the clear, cool nights. The ‘Kurrajong’ room houses the reception and lounge/dining room where a traditional cooked breakfast is served; there are tea/coffee-making facilities, a well-stocked minibar, plasma television and a range of books and board games. Evening meals, such as roast lamb cooked in a camp oven over the firepit, are by prior arrangement. Shared barbecue facilities are available, otherwise nearby Orbost has a range of cafes, restaurants and hotels. This is a no-smoking property.
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