This was published 11 years ago
Themeda Cottage, Wandiligong review: Among old friends
Cosy corner ... a wood stove is at the centre of Themeda Cottage's open-plan living area.
Justine Costigan enjoys walks, wineries and mountain views in a pretty village.
Heading to the state's north-east from Melbourne on a wintry Saturday afternoon, our first taste of country is the hint of smoke in the air. It's late afternoon, the light is fading and the call of an open fire is irresistible.
We're heading to Wandiligong, one of the regions' prettiest villages, with old friends.
With four children under 12 between us, we're planning to have at least one day in the snow, do some mountain walks and maybe visit a winery or two.
Themeda Cottage sleeps eight with two double bedrooms and a loft area sleeping four. Built in classic miner's cottage style, it's less rustic than expected.
Completed in 2008, the interior is contemporary: polished-concrete floors in the living areas, thick wool carpets in the bedrooms, leather sofas, wool throws and cushions, and a large wood table that generously seats eight.
Two sparkling bathrooms (one en suite) and a powder room make it feel like a luxury hotel. Thick wooden posts, from the trees that were felled when the house was built, support the roof and the verandah.
A wood stove is at the centre of the open-plan living area but there's also a reverse-cycle airconditioner so the house is warm even when the fire isn't lit.
The kitchen is small but well organised. Three options for making coffee (plunger, stovetop and capsule coffee) keep everyone happy.
The owners have left us a bottle of local Snowy Creek shiraz, a block of chocolate and gingerbread biscuits.
There are lots of games and toys for the children and the surrounding garden is a great place to play. A trampoline and sandpit would be well used in warmer weather.
The tiny village of Wandiligong is in a steep valley so most properties are built on the side of the mountain. Themeda Cottage sits above the valley and faces north, with mountain views from almost every window. A large verandah with a rustic wooden bench is a great place to view the landscape.
You can't ignore nature here. After a perfect day at Mount Buffalo, with powdery snow and sunshine, we arrive back at the cottage pink-cheeked and tired. The interior is soon warm, with a roaring fire, the children are playing happily in their cosy loft, there's a bright sky full of stars and its time to open a bottle of red.
And then we ate There's no shortage of great restaurants, pubs and cafes in this region but after a day on the mountain we can only think of hot baths and a home-cooked meal. Themeda's kitchen, unlike so many holiday rentals, has all the equipment you need to make a great meal.
We settle for a rich tomato ragu with pork sausage and basil with penne, a crisp salad with local Milawa King River Gold washed-rind cheese and crackers to follow. Bright has several supermarkets, a bakery and produce stores if you don't want to bring your own supplies.
With an open fire, toasting marshmallows is the most satisfying end to the meal, and not just for the children.
The deal maker Sitting on the verandah of Themeda Cottage, a tiny snapshot of the region's mountain beauty can be enjoyed with a morning coffee or a late afternoon glass of wine.
Stepping out Divide your time between enjoying nature and the region's food and wine, and you won't go wrong. The pedal-to-produce trail cleverly combines both. Pick up a map at the Bright Information Centre, then start riding, or simply drive to Milawa and take it from there.
The trail passes by cellar doors, honey, olive oil and cheese producers and is easy riding. If you're prepared to be ready by 7am, catch the Snowball Express to the ski fields.
Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
VISITORS' BOOK
Themeda Cottage
Address 124 Centenary Avenue, Wandiligong.
The verdict A stylish and comfortable family holiday or romantic retreat.
Price From $260 a weekend night for two couples or four people, then $20 extra a night a person. The cottage has two double bedrooms and a loft with four singles.
Bookings Phone 0418 312 598 or 9807 5793, see stayz.com.au/33775.
Getting there Themeda Cottage is about four hours' drive from Melbourne's CBD. Take the Hume Highway past Seymour and Benalla until you turn onto the Great Alpine Road. Follow the signs to Bright, then continue to Wandiligong.
Perfect for A mountain holiday with plenty of options: snow, cycling, walking.
Wheelchair access Yes.
While you're there Drive up to Mount Buffalo for stunning mountain views and snow-play or take a day trip to Falls Creek or Hotham. Cycle the Bright-to-Porepunkah loop (15-kilometre trip) and reward yourself with some of the region's produce: Milawa cheeses, wine, nuts and apples. Dine at Simone's, the nearby Sam Miranda winery or Provenance in Beechworth.
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