Mr & Mrs Smith

The Kilns

The High Country, Australia

For a contemporary take on the traditional Australian homestead, look no further than The Kilns in Victoria’s High Country. Converted from the historic corrugated-iron tobacco-drying shacks that were common in this region in the 1950s, they feature soaring ceilings, picture windows framing the rural landscape and chic yet simple designer finishes: Italian furniture, cowhide rugs and wood fires are just the start. The Kilns is actually two separate retreats. The first, Cavedon’s Kilnhouse, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms – one with spa – and sleeps up to six (there are bunk beds in the third bedroom) in two restored kilns. Panoramic views over Mount Feathertop from a long desk – not to mention wireless internet access – make this an ideal escape for writers. Located far enough away to ensure privacy is Chinaman’s Kilnhouse with two bedrooms and an internal courtyard. Surrounded by vineyards and farmland, both houses offer rural seclusion in an area renowned for skiing in winter, cycling and hiking in the warmer months, and exceptional food and wine year round.

Need to know

• Rates information From AU$275 a cottage a night for two (Monday–Thursday)–AU$400 for four (Friday–Sunday, and public/school holidays).
• Ideal for Foodie couples or older families seeking adventure in the great outdoors.
• Sleeps 2-4,5-10
• Property style Historic corrugated-iron sheds rebuilt and renovated to the highest standard with polished, heated concrete floors, washed timber interiors, soaring ceilings and designer fittings and furniture. It’s a country retreat with every modern convenience.
• Grounds The houses are set far enough apart on this working cattle farm to ensure privacy. Cows graze outside, there are vineyards on the property, and there is an amazing vista of Mount Feathertop and the snow-capped mountains of the Alpine National Park.
• Minimum hire Two-night minimum; one night possible by arrangement only, with extra tariff.
• Children This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!
• Booking process A deposit equal to one night's stay is required within two weeks of booking. Full payment is due ideally one month prior to scheduled stay. Once payment is received, a letter will be dispatched confirming the booking with directions and details for picking up the keys. The extra tariff for one-night stays by arrangement is AU$100 for one-night only for two people, and AU$50 a person for over two people. This property does not accept credit cards.
• Also An extra guest can be accommodated at either cottage for AU$50 a night. Both properties are non-smoking and pets are not allowed as this is farmland, with cows around.

Floor plan

• Bedrooms

  Chinaman's Kilnhouse (sleeps four): this cottage includes two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and the other with two long single beds that can be made up into a second king-size bed.

  Cavedon's Kilnhouse (sleeps six): the main bedroom at Cavedon's features a king-size bed and adjoining ensuite bathroom with a spa bath, as well as floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Buffalo and the nearby vineyard. The second bedroom has a king-size bed; the third, two long single beds that can be converted into another king-size bed. Both bedrooms share a bathroom.

• Kitchen The open-plan kitchens and dining rooms are an entertainer's dream and close to the living area so that chefs can feel part of the action. Stainless-steel appliances, plenty of bench space and lots of crockery and glassware mean you could entertain a small army.
• Living room Set in the original kilns, the living areas of the houses have lofty ceilings and cushioned picture windows big enough for two to perch. Modular leather couches, cowhide rugs, reading lamps with stands made of branches, drinks tables fashioned from log ends and fireplaces complete the picture.
• Dining room The inside dining areas seat up to eight. Depending on the weather, there's also the option of eating under the stars on the deck. At the rear of Cavedon's Kilnhouse, there is another table under a shady awning.
• Poolside There is no pool but the nearby Buckland River has some lovely swimming holes.
• Gardens The houses are surrounded by grassy paddocks complete with lovely black Angus cows. There are lemon trees, as well pots of mint and rosemary next to the barbecue area at Cavedon’s. It even has its own small veggie patch.
• Private parking There is a lockable garage at each house with room for one car, as well as a gravel area at the end of the long driveway for any extras.