Highlights

One-bedroom self-catering bush cabin

Historic town of Beechworth

TV and CD player

Short stroll to local shops and restaurants

Wealth of vineyards in the immediate area

Murray to Mountain Trail on your doorstep

Guestbook

‘We’ve been truly spoiled! We experienced the beauty and craftsmanship of this old settlers' hut, rough-hewn and handcrafted, complete with 21st century modern conveniences. Gina & Matt, we couldn't fault a thing – it has truly been a work of passion.’

‘Seldom does a brochure mirror exactly the beauty and quality of the accommodation. 1860 has fulfilled its promise of a true luxury getaway. We had a wonderful stay.’

Smith tip

How to pan for gold:
Step 1: Buy a gold pan, a suction pipette and display vial.
Step 2: Head for an established Gold Creek and position yourself at the edge by slow-moving water, where fine sand and pebbles have been caught in the rocks.
Step 3: Place a few handfuls of sand in the pan. Keep the edge of the pan in the water and move in a circular motion so the lighter materials flow out.
Step 4: Lift the pan out of the water and tip from side to side, slowly draining the water and sand. Repeat this process until most of the material has drained out, bar a few pebbles and flecks of gold. Since gold is heavier than sand, it will either stick to the side of the pan or to the bottom. Use the pipette to pick it up and place it in the vial.

More photos

1860 Luxury Accommodation

Victoria, Australia[view map]

Style: Refined rusticity
Setting: Historic gold-rush town

This charming bush cabin was constructed in the 1860s, just to the east of Melbourne. The current owners dismantled and painstakingly reassembled it in Beechworth between 2004 and 2007. It has been carefully restored to its former glory and has retained the atmosphere of a simple 19th-century settlers’ hut, without skimping on 21st-century luxuries. 1860 – Luxury Accommodation bursts with character; the decor is simple yet elegant and the owners have made a pioneering effort to provide everything you could possibly need for a stylish self-catering stay.

Need to know

Rates

$265 a night from Monday to Thursday and $285 per night from Friday to Sunday, with a 10 per cent discount if you stay for four nights or more, excluding Christmas and Easter.

Sleeps

Ideal for

Romantic weekend escapes, keen cyclists, lovers of fine food and wine, and impassioned prospectors.

Minimum hire

Two-night breaks, apart from Christmas and Easter holidays when the minimum hire is three nights. Occasionally, one-night stays are possible with a 20 per cent surcharge.

Booking process

Smith deposit taken when you book.

Property style

Charismatic cattleman’s cabin

Grounds

The hut sits on a well-kept lawn and is fringed by a wooden picket fence. It overlooks a grassy paddock, lined with mature trees, and the crystal clear Spring Creek. A wide veranda with a comfy couch runs along one side of the hut.

Also

Pets are not allowed and smoking is only permitted outside.

In the know

Eating and drinking

1860 Luxury Accommodation has three hand-carved stools at the kitchen island and a sturdy wooden dining table, which comfortably seats six. Eat breakfast in the garden at the quaint wrought iron table, which comfortably seats two. Order a deluxe, cheese or antipasto platter for, on average, $50.00.

Housekeeping

The hut is not serviced but is cleaned between rentals.

Entertainment

There’s a flatscreen TV and CD/DVD player, as well as an excellent CD/DVD library and a selection of good books.

Provided

All linen, electric blanket, French soaps and shampoos, and a hamper filled with locally sourced produce for the first morning of your stay. All guests staying for more than three nights receive a bottle of premium Beechworth wine.

Packing tips

Keen pedallers should pack Lycra shorts and bicycle clips and follow the terrific Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.

Eco policy

The hut has been rebuilt with original and reclaimed timber, and is powered 100 per cent by green energy – meaning that there are zero carbon emissions. Provisions are mostly local, free-range and organic.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: No.

Smith card offer

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