This was published 11 years ago
The House at Smoko, review: Catch up on down time
Peaceful... The House at Smoko.Credit: Mark Condon
Mountain views help Sue Wallace relax after a morning's fishing.
There's a touch of "fish envy" going on as I hook my first trout for the morning, while fellow anglers look on in amazement. With thoughts of fish for dinner, we are trying our luck in the pristine waters of the Ovens River that meanders through north-east Victoria and the tiny hamlet of Smoko, near Bright.
But the size of my fish calls for a "Rex Hunt revival kiss" and I toss it back and rebait - without further luck.
Cosy chic in a light-filled cottage interior.Credit: Mark Condon
After a riverside picnic of local goodies, we head to our home for the night - The House at Smoko that lies in the shadows of majestic Mount Feathertop.
On 11 hectares of grazing land and native bush with the Ovens River flowing gently on its boundary, the the seductive retreat between Bright and Harrietville is surrounded by a magnificent garden with chestnut trees, red geraniums, colourful flower beds and towering Dutch elms and English oak trees - ideal for games of hide and seek.
Built from local stone, recycled timber and galvanised iron, you can spot the design influences with the architecture reflecting tobacco drying kilns and high country cattlemen huts of the region.
While the exterior is sympathetic to the surrounds, inside the three-bedroom, three-bathroom house it is cosy chic with plenty of spacious light-filled rooms.
The well-equipped galley kitchen has red gum benches that contrast with the blond hues of the Baltic pine timber floors and is stocked with pantry staples and extras such as T2 Teas and a coffee machine.
There's a welcome gift of chocolate and a note inviting guests to pick ripe vegetables and fresh herbs from the garden.
The open plan extends to a vibrant living room with a split system for instant heat and an open fireplace with plenty of wood and kindling stacked nearby.
With a bright citrus-coloured two-seater sofa, a large four-seater grey couch and a leather chair, it is perfect for lounging back to watch a movie, television or listen to music.
The adjoining dining room is fashioned on the lines of a kiln house design and features a stunning picture window complete with a day bed, where you can gaze up at the mountain.
The heated polished concrete floor provides extra warmth and a circular bookcase, stacked with interesting magazines, is a talking point.
The master bedroom with a king bed has views to the garden, a spacious dressing room, large en suite with bath, walk-in shower and organic bathroom products.
A wood fire heater in the hallway ensures all is warm and cosy and there's a small study where you can escape to. As well as a concealed laundry, a drying cabinet is ideal for wet ski gear.
And then we ate
For lunch we fire up the barbecue on the timber deck and sit in the autumn sun around the stone fireplace.
The deal maker
It's a place where time seems to stand still - no matter how short the stay you are enticed to slow down, curl up, relax and sit among the towering trees or just gaze up at Mount Feathertop and the peaceful rural vistas.
Stepping out As for that fish dinner, try Harrietville's Snowline Hotel for a tasting plate of regional food, followed by a local trout with preserved lemon, pesto and barley salad and a good local drop. It sure beats catching your own.
Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
VISITORS' BOOK
The House at Smoko
Address 1691 Great Alpine Road, Smoko.
The verdict Eclectic high-country luxury retreat with a touch of chic.
Priced From $300 for two people a night Sunday to Thursday, $350 for three people a night and $500 for six people a night. Weekends from $360 a night for two people, $480 a night for four and $600 a night for six.
Bookings Phone 0448 992 960; see thehouseatsmoko.com.au.
Getting there Smoko is about 350 kilometres from Melbourne or about four hours on the Hume Freeway, then turn on to the Great Alpine Road and travel for 85 kilometres. Smoko is about 17 kilometres from Bright.
Perfect for Families and couples after stylish country seclusion.
Wheelchair access No.
While you're there Dine at Snowline Hotel at Harrietville and try a home-made ice-cream at Morries Ice Creamery, a short walk from the hotel. Head into Bright for a great Italian-style dinner at Simone's of Bright. Go mountain biking or cycling on the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail, try kayaking in summer, or head to the nearby slopes in winter. Enjoy a local drop at Boynton's Feathertop Winery or an ale or two at the Bright Brewery.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.