Gracedale Yarra Valley, review: Winter comforts

Michelle Potts discovers a plush bolt-hole in the Yarra Valley.

Running late, as always, there's no time to pilfer pantry produce. Fifty minutes out of Melbourne, we stop outside Gateway Estate in Coldstream. Part grocer, deli, farm gate and cellar door, this pint-sized emporium is the perfect pit stop for good-quality comestibles. Minutes later and with a well-stocked boot, we're back on track, pulling into the carport at the 17-hectare hillside weekender with 360-degree views of the Yarra Valley.

Gracedale is an expansive low-rise property with a contemporary feel, architect-designed in sympathy with the landscape.

After warm greetings from the hosts, we're ushered to the west wing. We're in the corner suite and there's another next door. Chocolate and mint hues distinguish subtly different room layouts. Both suites are light-filled, spacious, open-plan in style and share private access separate to the owners' living area in the east wing.

Interior design-wise, it's plush yet understated. As you walk in, there's a white pedestal dining table with two moulded ply chairs near the king bed. Abstract local art adorns the walls. A modern curved glass coffee table maximises space. And glass sliding doors open to a timber deck but it's too cold to pull out the directors' chairs. Instead, we drop our bags, sink into the soft leather chaise sofa and peer through the windows to spot a few eastern grey kangaroos bounding across the plains.

Minutes later, the entertainment director finds the wardrobe, dons the tracky dacks, programs the heating and takes charge of the remote control. With his iPod playing Hotel Costes, rugby screening on the massive HDTV and some DVDs for backup, he's lounging for the long haul.

Best I unpack. Behind a sliding door, a compact kitchenette with fridge, microwave and tea and coffee-making provisions runs along one wall and a walk-in wardrobe along the other. Smart thinking. I spy thick towelling robes, an extra blanket, an iron and ironing board but no chunky house-baked cookies left. Only crumbs. Flashback to the chocolate thins on the bedside tables. I pounce on the bed to find empty wrappers.

Time to claim some bench space. There's an impressive bathroom - double shower, Natio pamper pack, under-floor heating and luxury Kohler spa overlooking the valley. A cleverly designed mirror reflects nature's art through soaring spa-to-ceiling windows. There's something therapeutic about watching cattle graze.

I snap out of my mesmeric gaze, read magazines for a while and flick through the compendium. It's filled with all sorts of information from a welcome note, how everything works, emergency numbers, things to do and restaurant suggestions to a pillow menu and in-house cellar list. Considerate.