The Potager
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Overview
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
6 guests
Minimum stay varies
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Cottage
The Potager is an historic 1870's sandstone cottage in the heart of the central victorian goldfields.
Added to and restored over the years the cottage revolves around a superb living area with exposed stone walls, huge open fireplace, slate floors, floor to ceiling glass doors that open out onto a terrace and a 20m swimming pool beyond which lies The Potager Garden. The garden was originally laid out in a semi formal design with stone walls, winding paths and raised beds full of roses, herbs and perrenials. The whole rich and fragrant tapestry is lined on each side by espaliered apple and pear trees.
Situated alongside Forrest Creek which was one of the richest alluvial goldfields in the 1850's, the valley exudes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility with lots of walking trails and an ab...
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Bathrooms
2 Full baths
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Reviews (8)
Wendy W
Romsey, Australia12 contributions
One of my favourite places on earth
From turning into the dusty lane off golden point road to arriving at the glorious old stone house I knew I was in for a treat. Huge poplars line the driveway, rosellas dart through the trees.
The main house is full of treasures. Beautiful period furniture and old rugs, paintings. A truly civilised house. But it is not for everybody. If you are seeking en suite bathrooms and posh small bottles of shampoo etc this is not a property for you. The swimming pool is huge, the Potager garden wild and somewhat overgrown but still glorious. I would have loved to have stayed longer. Jane said a judge had booked it for three weeks this winter whilst doing the north central circuit. Lucky him. But I will return
Visited February 2017
Written 1 March 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Noodlesam
173 contributions
A step back in time - a country-style cottage!
We stayed here for a long weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed the 'oldness' of the cottage and its' clear history and age! A beautiful location to visit and grounds, and we often found ourselves discussing what it would have been like to live here in the early goldrush days!
A great choice if you're looking for a real getaway with it's own historic tale. A really old cottage with a great fireplace and quiet surrounds, plus close to Castlemaine and other locales. Jane looked after us when we arrived, and made sure we were ok. Thankyou!
Visited April 2016 Travelled as a couple
Written 2 July 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kulas_chris
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Picture Perfect
Our weekend stay at The Potager was perfect. The tree lined driveway was our first impression and numerous "wow" moments followed. On entering the house the aura is one of homeliness and comfort. The beds are extremely comfortable and the linen cotton and cosy. The kitchen has fantastic cookware and crockery. Jane added some lovely touches like fresh eggs and bread, gourmet biscuits, butter, milk and fruit. The coffee machine was a hit too. The weather was warm so the pool was fully utilized. Surrounded by trees and birds, it is an incredibly relaxing place for a swim.The pool is big, deep and clean. The garden is diverse and lovingly tended to, which attracts a huge variety of birds. Plenty of room for parking. It's a great house for groups as there is much space inside and out, you can find a place to come together or find a quiet nook, so it works well over the course of a weekend.
Overall I couldn't recommend it highly enough. The host Jane is great to talk to and is very unobtrusive. We all loved our stay and will most definitely return.
Visited February 2015
Written 15 February 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PurpleGreenGirl
Melbourne, Australia59 contributions
Rustic peaceful garden retreat
Our family of 5 and dog stayed here in the peak Christmas/New Year period ($2,500 for the week). The property is lovely and private, in a delightful garden setting with lots of native birds, rabbits grazing at dusk, and even a kangaroo a few metres from our bedroom window one night. Lots of secluded spots to sit, relax, read a book and contemplate life. The pool was my favourite spot to sit, under the shade of an apricot tree.
The cottage is gorgeous, with stone floors and walls, even the bathrooms bath/showers were made of stone. It is a rustic retreat though, no dishwasher and only ceiling fans (not airconditioning) for cooling. However, the main cottage seemed to stay very cool on a 39 degree day (but the lounge and bungalow got a bit uncomfortably hot).
In winter you would need to keep multiple wood heaters running (kitchen is a fair distance from the lounge area), but there are electric blankets in the bedrooms. The 2 bedrooms in the main cottage are inter-connected and the doorway between them doesn't have a door, which may be a privacy/noise issue.
Just a short drive from Castlemaine, maybe 5 or 10 minutes, so easy to pop in and sample the fabulous cafes there.
Visited December 2014
Written 3 January 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KayDunc
Clare, Australia9 contributions
Unique old world experience
Wonderful experience in lovely location. Comfy bed and great host. Really great place to relax and get away from the modern world.
Visited June 2014 Travelled as a couple
Written 20 June 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carole S
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
A wonderful escape
Driving down the poplar lined lane to arrive at The Potager is much like leaving behind the 21st century. The stone miner’s cottage, nestled at the foot of a hill is warm and welcoming, with a curl of smoke from the chimney, the call of frogs in the air, towering eucalypts and beautiful gardens. There’s even a babbling brook at the bottom of the garden! Days were spent enjoying Castlemaine and surrounding areas, and buying up local produce and wine to enjoy in front of the roaring fire, or a sunny spot in the garden. The Potager is very well appointed, with comfortable beds, beautiful linen, fully equipped kitchen and bookshelves and big comfortable sofas. Flat screen TV and electric blankets are a nod to modern lifestyle. A wonderful weekend and we definitely have plans to return in summer to relax by the pool!
Visited September 2013 Travelled with friends
Written 14 October 2013. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne G
29 contributions
A Little Bit of Heaven
I spent a 'girl's' weekend at The Potager, and it was wonderful. The sandstone miner's cottage welcomes you the moment you step inside. Stone floors, scrubbed wooden tables, lovely soft sofas, bookcases to keep you occupied for days in front of the huge fireplace. The house is decorated with flair and personality, giving you the feeling that you are visiting a friend's home. The beds are really comfortable and there is an amazing view from every window. There are 4 acres, which include a huge swimming pool and an amazing herb and vegetable garden, espaliered apple trees, sculptures, a creek and huge old poplars and gum trees. There is also a beautiful self contained stone studio within the grounds, if you need more accommodation. At sunset, the cicadas and frogs come out in force, and the eucalyptus reminds you that you are in Australia. We sat outside for an evening glass of wine enjoying the beauty surrounding us, before cooking dinner in the well equipped kitchen. A truly special experience.
Visited February 2013 Travelled with friends
Written 3 September 2013. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
obble78
6 contributions
Enchanting hideaway
The Potager was just the tonic my husband and I needed after a busy few weeks at work. The house is a charming renovated 1880s miner's cottage and has kept much of its original rustic charm; the furniture an eclectic mix of antics and more moderns finds.
Four fireplaces require constant tending to keep the house warm (the only downside), but it's certainly a quaint way to wile away the hours! The main lounge area is spectacular complete with enormous fireplace, cosy couches perfect for nestling into and panoramic views of the surrounding bushland.
The owner gave us thorough instructions and promptly left for Melbourne for the weekend, leaving us with a set of keys and the opportunity to enjoy the farm for ourselves with minimal distractions! An inground pool would make this the perfect place to visit during warmer months.
Castlemaine is a 10 minute drive (by car) with a few restaurants and antique stores to chose from - perhaps not as much to do here as nearby Dayelsford and it lacks some of its polish (though some might argue it's part of the charm).
We absolutely loved our weekend away at The Potager, though it was fairly expensive. Be prepared to stock up on food prior to arrival (it's not provided) and stoke the fires yourself throughout the weekend. Otherwise you risk a very frosty and hungry weekend!
Visited July 2009 Travelled as a couple
Written 24 August 2009. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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What this rental offers
Outdoor amenities
- Shared outdoor pool (unheated)
Things to do
- Cycling areas
Indoor amenities
- Fireplace
Nearby
- Hiking areas
- Countryside area
Location info
- Kid friendly
- City getaway
Bathroom and laundry
- Towels provided
- Linens provided
Property features
- Ceiling Fans
Entertainment
- Television
Map
Getting there
Melbourne Airport
84.2 km
Bendigo Airport
36.7 km
Restaurants
Das Kaffeehaus and Coffee Basics
5.3 km
Railway Hotel
5.3 km
Saff's Cafe
4.6 km
Origini Cafe
4.9 km
Attractions
Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation & Wildlife Education Centre
4.6 km • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
5 km • Gardens
Castlemaine Art Museum
5 km • Art Galleries
The Mill Castlemaine
5.2 km • Breweries
About the neighbourhood
The Potager is nestled beside the historic Forrest Creek where 1850's Goldrush began. This 1870's sandstone cottage is set on 4 acres with a swimming pool and potager garden, a place to sit and reflect or enjoy with the company of friends and family.
About this property
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All bookings are direct with the owner
All bookings are direct with the owner Property #FKN2223273849
Frequently Asked Questions about The Potager
- The Potager is able to accommodate up to 6 guests. See all property details.
- The Potager has 2 bathrooms available. See all property details.
- The Potager has 3 bedrooms available. See all property details.
- Stays at The Potager must last at least 2 nights. See all property details.