Mr & Mrs Smith

This former cattleman’s hut is arranged around the parklands of Lake Sambell and sits snugly at the end a quiet lane, giving a sense of both space and total privacy.

Crossing the original timber-planked threshold of 1860 Luxury Lodge is like stepping back in time. But hang on, is that a flatscreen television with DVD on the wood-clad walls? What’s this about free WiFi and a Smeg dishwasher? This joint may hark back to days of yore but it’s eminently set up for present-day luxury self-catering.

The hut is divided in two with vaulted ceilings soaring over both areas; an open-plan living space one side, and a spacious bedroom and bathroom the other.

The main room has a rustic stone fireplace, squashy leather sofa, club-chair and a gigantic pair of leather bellows, relocated from a nearby blacksmith which makes a quirky coffee table. The most striking feature in the room, however, is the stunning Australian red gum and jarrah flooring.

The ultra cosy bedroom has a king-size bed with claret leather headboard and an en suite bathroom with a deep, two-person bath. A typical day here is a veritable storming of the senses. Start with an espresso on the long verandah, breathing in the crisp alpine air, then set off on a caffeinated bike ride along the magnificent Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, just behind the property. Stop off at one of the many cellar doors and vineyards en route and stick a few bottles of good plonk in your saddle-bags. Historians will enjoy dissecting the area’s gold rush past so head to the honey-coloured town of Beechworth, with its wealth of gastronome-luring restaurants, shops and galleries. There are also several stunning national parks encircling the town, replete with waterfalls and walking trails. 

Head home, light the fire and enjoy a chilled glass of 2006 Beechworth Riesling. The most taxing decision of the evening will be whether to plump for a firm or soft pillow.

The 1860s back-to-basics charm coupled with 21st-century trimmings means that even dyed-in-the-wool sybarites will feel very much at home.