Skyhouse, Macedon Ranges

Macedon Ranges, VIC

35 Glover Road, Mount Macedon

Phone: 0419 348 917; 0409 027 765

Email: stay@skyhouse.com.au

Web: skyhouse.com.au

The location An hour from Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges boast gorgeous boutique vineyards that cling to rolling, granite-strewn hills and beautiful historic country towns. Some, like Kyneton, have become foodie destinations. Another, bustling Woodend, has a handful of great cafes and functional shops, and is close to the region's spiritual heart: the haunting Hanging Rock.

The place SkyHouse's exquisite view of Hanging Rock from the lounge, kitchen, deck and upstairs balcony is a magic that pervades this pristine double-storey holiday home, perched on the side of Mount Macedon and 10 minutes' drive from Woodend. With its spotless timber floors, impeccably stylish furnishings and three smartly appointed bedrooms - two with queen beds, the third with twin singles - SkyHouse is a great escape for families and groups of friends.

The experience The generous gardens, which include a mini-sports oval complete with pétanque set, are ideal for slow summer evenings enjoying the ample birdlife and stunning views. In the heat of the day, retreat indoors to the air-conditioned comfort of the house, where the open-plan living space also provides an excellent viewing platform from which to enjoy Hanging Rock and the picturesque plains below. The fully equipped kitchen makes dinner for big groups easy, and there are four outdoor picnic tables, one of them under cover and next to a barbecue.

Don't miss The beauty of Hanging Rock (open daily except Christmas; $10 car entrance fee) is justifiably famous. To enhance your visit, rent Picnic at Hanging Rock from Woodend Video (03 5427 4011, next to Woodend train station) and watch it on the house's DVD player. Wine buffs can get a tasting map of local vineyards from Woodend Visitor Information centre. For foodies, The Village Larder cafe in Woodend (81 High Street; 03 5427 3399; thevillage larder.com.au) is a must, while serious gastronomes shouldn't miss the renowned home-grown fare at Annie Smithers' Bistrot (72 Piper Street, Kyneton; 5422 2039; anniesmithers.com.au, bookings essential). Plus, if you're staying on New Year's Day or Australia Day, there is horse racing at Hanging Rock Racecourse.