Svarmisk, Mount Beauty review: Playing it cool

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This was published 14 years ago

Svarmisk, Mount Beauty review: Playing it cool

Position perfect ... Svarmisk's reception area.

Position perfect ... Svarmisk's reception area.

Kay O'Sullivan, with teenagers in tow, finds a place of Scandinavian style to rest before tackling the summit.

You can't miss Svarmisk. Nor, I suggest, would you want to if you are looking for somewhere to stay in the Mount Beauty region or are on your way to Falls Creek and don't want to drive up the mountain after the long haul from Melbourne.

To me, that drive up the Bogong High Plains Road is like the last run of the day down the slopes, it's when things can go wrong. Stopping to draw breath and get some shuteye before tackling those twists, turns and hairpin bends in the light of day could be a lifesaver.

Svarmisk is perfectly positioned for those who want to make tracks when the snow is fresh.

It's 30 kilometres from Falls Creek – we're talking 40 minutes to the village, even for "nervous Nelly" drivers.

Svarmisk occupies the site of the former Mount Beauty Chalet. It had been closed for 14 years when Lena and Andy Mero decided this spot, with its sweeping views of the Kiewa Valley and that all-important access to Falls Creek village, was the place to realise their dream of a year-round resort complex. One look at the sharp angles of the glass-and-steel structures and you know you are not going to find a lace doily within coo-ee. It's different, distinctive and uber-cool, in an inner-urban contemporary way.

The six apartments and the just-opened cafe-produce store and reception area are as modern as tomorrow. That said, the Meros were mindful of the heritage of the site and recycled much from the old chalet, even going to the extent of turning what couldn't be used in the building work into mulch for the two-hectare gardens.

No prizes for guessing the name is Swedish but so, too, is Lena who came to work as a nanny at Falls many moons ago, fell in love with Andy and, two babies and six apartments later, is chatelaine of all she surveys. Svarmisk translates into visionary, dream, romantic or fanciful in Lena's mother tongue and it fits the bill for what this energetic young couple has achieved.

Svarmisk opened three years ago but you wouldn't know it, not if our three-storey, three-bedroom apartment was an indication. There was not even a smudge of a fingerprint to suggest others had occupied it. Nor was there a thing out of place and everything you could need was there. We were here for one night but we could have happily holed up for a week.

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Once my mob of four teenage boys saw the big-screen television, the sound system and hot tub, they stopped complaining about why we weren't going all the way to Falls. They were even impressed with the instant pebble fire that added a soft glow to the living area.

The final seal of approval came with the speed with which the driver-turned-cook delivered the dinner from the microwave. And they were extremely grateful for the stainless steel dishwasher. There is a limit to my love for my two boys and their friends. I drive, I cook but I don't clean up after people who are a lot taller than me. Nor do I sleep anywhere but in the best bedroom, especially when I am paying and they are not. And this bedroom was a beauty, occupying the top floor, with a walk-in robe and separate bathroom with spa bath and toilet.

The six apartments were stage one of the Meros's plans to build a resort for all seasons. Stage two, the reception area and cafe-produce store, has just opened. On the agenda is a spa, bar, recreation facilities and resort rooms.

Skafferi is a European-style cafe. Again, the Meros have meshed heritage and modernity, making use of beautiful Baltic boards, pendant lights and the chairs from the old chalet in the light and airy space that seats 30.

The name means pantry in Swedish and the food has a Scandinavian edge with generous platters of meats, breads and cheeses. Lena has drawn on the best suppliers to compile the menu served from an open kitchen. It's simple, clean fare but hearty enough to provide fuel for teenage boys until at least 11am. At present, Skafferi is open from 7am to 6pm with plans to open later on the weekend and to do takeaway meals. In the meantime, there's plenty of tempting produce to fill your Esky. The adjoining reception area with its forest of birch trees also demands a mention for its inventive beauty.

I loathe driving up mountains but Svarmisk is the kind of place even I would consider driving up and down to Falls each day for. And coming from the original nervous Nelly of a driver that is the highest praise of all.

VISITORS' BOOK

Svarmisk, Mount Beauty

Address 84 Bogong High Plains Road, Mount Beauty.

Bookings Phone 5754 4544, see svarmisk.com.

Getting there About 4 hours' drive from Melbourne via the Hume Highway.

Summary Stylish, modern, well-equipped. Works for families as well as couples.

How much One-bedroom apartment $295, two-bedroom $370 and $515 a night for the three-bedroom apartment.

Verdict 18.

The score: 19-20 excellent; 17-18 great; 15-16 good; 13-14 comfortable.

All weekends away are conducted anonymously and paid for by Traveller.

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