One on Last, Beechworth review: Weekend Away

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This was published 9 years ago

One on Last, Beechworth review: Weekend Away

By Anthony Dennis
Views to behold: This self-contained stay overlooks Woolshed Valley.

Views to behold: This self-contained stay overlooks Woolshed Valley.

Valley views and fine dining in Beechworth.

THE SETTING

Beechworth, one of a plethora of handsome towns built during Victoria's 19th century gold-mining glory days, makes for a fine detour if driving from Melbourne to NSW or vice versa. Tucked away on Beechworth's Last Street, a few blocks from the town's busy main thoroughfare, is One on Last, a new self-contained stay overlooking Woolshed Valley.

Vintage modern: This is a stylishly renovated four-bedroom weatherboard house.

Vintage modern: This is a stylishly renovated four-bedroom weatherboard house.

THE SPACE

A stylishly renovated four-bedroom weatherboard house - designed in what the unseen erstwhile Sydneysider owners call "vintage-modern" style - is big enough to accommodate up to 10 guests. But it's not so large that you won't find it comfortable enough as a couple. There's a sizeable back deck where you can have a barbecue in summer or just plonk yourself down to watch the sun setting over the valley. If you're sharing the house be the first to score the main king-size bedroom, with its en suite bathroom. There's a second bathroom for the rest of the crew.

THE KIT

Design features of the house show there's an impressive commitment to quality.

Design features of the house show there's an impressive commitment to quality.

From basics such as lighting shades to ceiling fans, carpeting and tiling, there's an impressive commitment to quality. Though the laminate faux floor-boarding in the cottage's public areas are a minor letdown. Each of the tasteful bedrooms and living areas are well-furnished and uncluttered. We love the thoughtful touches, such as the eye-level window slit in the main bedroom en suite affording bushland views during ablutions, and the wine barrel bedside tables in the main bedroom. There's a wood heater in the living room, slimline heaters in the bedrooms for winter and airconditioning and ceiling fans for summer.

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COMFORT FACTOR

There are generous amounts of space in which to relax and lounge, both indoors and outdoors. In the main bedroom is a sofa next to the TV, should you wish to sneak away from the rest of the group.

THE FOOD

There's a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances and utensils, though Beechworth has no shortage of dining-out options. The town's signature restaurant is Provenance. It is a two-hat winner in The Age Good Food Guide and chef Michael Ryan's Japanese-inspired degustation dishes impress. Elsewhere, head to Cellar Door Wine Store, a wine bar, cafe and upscale grog shop in one, for a relaxing afternoon of tasting fine local drops alongside charcuterie and cheese plates. A few doors down, a pleasant spot for lunch is the Ox and Hound Bistro, set in a old-style Beechworth shopfront.

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

Not only is there no shortage of diversions in Beechworth, being home, among other attractions, to the historic, atmospheric courtroom where Ned Kelly was arraigned after his arrest; the town is also an excellent base for exploring other charming towns such as Yackandandah and Stanley, and beyond, the high country of north-east Victoria. Falls Creek is just under two hours away. Closer to home are the imposing ruins of Beechworth's old hospital, dating to 1871.

THE VERDICT

A beautifully renovated house, heavy on chic and light on chintz, that may be out of the price range for some couples unwilling to splurge, but is also perfect for holiday groups. For anyone planning to open a bed and breakfast or a holiday house, One on Last is a model of how to do it.

HOW TO GET THERE

Beechworth is three hours' drive north of Melbourne and seven hours south of Sydney. Turn off the Hume Freeway at either Wangaratta or Wodonga (if coming from the north) and follow the signs. There are regular flights from Sydney to Albury, from which cars can be hired at the airport. One on Last is near the corner of Church and Last streets, about three blocks north of Ford Street, Beechworth's main artery.

ESSENTIALS

One on Last, 1 Last Street, Beechworth, Victoria, costs from $500 a night, with a minimum of a two-night stay at weekends. Extra beds are included in the price and pets are welcome. Phone 0403 952 057, see oneonlast.com.au.

The writer was a guest of Tourism North East and One on Last.

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