Merrow Cottages

Two turn of the century inspired cottages, just off the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road two minutes from Olinda. Set well apart from each other and the owners' house, surrounded by tall trees and lush hedges, both are completely private. Perfect for couples seeking romantic, restful breaks, long, short or medium. "Merrow" has its own 8-acre Mountain Ash forest inhabited by assorted wildlife, furred and feathered, and guests are welcome to walk there.

'The Gatehouse ' - large, sumptuous and colourful - has an ornately carved King sized four poster in a dramatic rich red bedroom opening to the sitting room with its large open log fire. In a softly lit, plant-filled conservatory is a spa the size of a double bed. Huge separate bathroom, and full-sized kitchen with French doors leading to the private rear deck under holly trees make this one ideal for long stays.

'The Cottage' - intimate and sweet - is at the far end of the drive under enormous sycamore trees. The bed/sitting room has a queen sized four poster, very large two-person corner spa behind muslin drapery, and a cosy dining alcove facing Merrow's forest - all within sight of the open fire. The compact kitchen is galley-style, with 4-burner gas cooktop.

Each cottage has TV, VCR, DVD and CD players, electric blankets, double showers, towel warmers, cooling fans, portable evaporative coolers, modern heating, and a phone for local calls. Generous breakfast provisions (cooked and continental), snacks, port and chocolates, fluffy robes and fine toiletries are supplied. Barbecues are available in summer.

The property is a two minute drive from tearooms, restaurants, art, craft and antique shops, and a short walk from the William Ricketts Sanctuary. It is also an ideal base for Yarra Valley day trips.