This was published 11 years ago
Bellview Hill Bed and Breakfast, Gippsland review: The way to make hay
Farm fresh ... the balcony offers views of pastoral Bellview Hill.
Lisa Stones wakes to glorious countryside and tractors in action.
The countryside surrounding the secluded Bellview Hill Bed and Breakfast can be described as typically South Gippsland. That is, deep green rolling hills as far as the eye can see.
The landscape is so different to the stark, flat vistas of Melbourne that when you reach the top of a hill and the view opens up, it's magnificent.
The aptly named Bellview Hill property is a purpose-built bed and breakfast established by Angela and Rob Morris about five years ago. It includes the main homestead, as well as a standalone cottage - our home for the weekend.
Set on about 28 hectares, with almost one hectare set aside for the garden, it's in a predominantly dairy-farming area. When we visit, hay making is in full swing.
Despite the lateness of our arrival on the Friday night, our hosts happily show us all of the cottage's features. It is spotlessly clean and the requested roll-in bed for our daughter is in place.
The cottage is fully self-contained, with a kitchen, dining area, bathroom with spa bath, a queen-size bed in the bedroom and a double sofa bed in the living area. Roll-in beds are available on request.
You can choose to have breakfast cooked for you in the homestead or provisions in the cottage. We opt for the latter, which includes beautiful strawberries fresh from the garden and home-made jams. Complimentary bottled water in the fridge is welcome as the temperature reaches almost 40 degrees the following day. There is also a batch of home-made almond biscuits.
There is airconditioning, but opening the french doors to the balcony provides enough breeze to cool the interior. There is also a gas log fireplace for use in the cooler months.
We awake on our first morning to views from the balcony of two tractors winding their way around a hilly paddock cutting hay, with the Strzelecki Ranges framing the background.
Two guest suites, Wattle and Blue gum, are in the homestead, with king-size or twin beds available. Both rooms have french doors opening to the verandah.
Angela also offers residential cooking classes in the homestead's commercial kitchen, where she teaches beginners to more advanced cooks using seasonal produce, with an emphasis on what is available locally.
And then we ate The Poowong Hotel at 1 Ranceby Road, Poowong, is nearby and serves dinner from Wednesday to Saturday and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday.
It serves typical pub fare with a good selection of daily specials.
Dinner at the homestead is an option for those who book it in advance and prefer to stay in.
The deal maker The silence. The road to Bellview has just been upgraded in several sections after heavy winter rainfall. There is almost no traffic or noise.
Stepping out Visit the Koonwarra food, wine and produce store, a well-known local cafe and providore specialising in Gippsland cheese, deli items and wine. The all-day menu focuses on local, seasonal and organic fare. The Koonwarra Farmers' Market, on the first Saturday of every month at the Memorial Park beside the Koonwarra Hall, is open from 8am until about 1pm and features fresh local farm produce.
Visit Victoria Road in Loch for antiques, craft shops and cafes. The popular Gilded Lily restaurant serves dinner from Thursday to Saturday, as well as lunch on Sunday, when there is live music.
Loch also has a village market every second Sunday of the month from November to April. The market features crafts, plants and produce and gives the town a welcome buzz.
VISITORS' BOOK
Bellview Hill Bed and Breakfast
Address 270 Soldiers Road, Loch.
The verdict Beautiful rural location. Ideal base for exploring South Gippsland and Prom Country.
Cost Cottage: $240 a double for weekends (Friday-Sunday) and public holidays; $220 a double midweek. Each extra person is $60 a night. Weekend package for two nights with dinner on one night is $575 a double.
In the Homestead, Wattle or Bluegum suites: $195 a double for weekends and public holidays; $175 for singles. Midweek it drops to $185 a double and $165 for singles for one night. Weekend package for two nights with dinner on one night is $485 a double.
A two-night minimum stay applies on long weekends. Check-in time is 3pm, with checkout at 11am.
Bookings Phone 5659 7285 or email enquiries@bellviewhill.com.
Getting there Bellview Hill is a 1½-hour drive from Melbourne via the Monash Freeway and South Gippsland Highway.
Perfect for Couples in the homestead and families or couples in the cottage.
Wheelchair access Yes.
While you're there Historic Loch has a market every second Sunday of the month from November to April. The village comes alive on market Sundays with local and eclectic shops.
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