The Hosted Home Movement
Instalment 003 - By Emma Hearnes
A few years back, my partner and I had big travel plans. We were going to take on the classic 4WD round trip of Australia – coasting from the beaches of Bondi to the Barrier Reef, covering our tyres in the red dirt of central Australia, watching the sunset at Cable Beach and sipping shiraz in the Barossa. Young and eager, we thought we must see all the must-sees and snap all of the pictures we’d seen on postcards.
We’d been planning it for years, the pandemic pushing it further and further into the future. But in Spring 2021, with lockdowns over, Covid numbers dwindling and vaccines widely available it seemed like our time. By October we decided to head off and hang around Victoria until all the state borders opened up – surely only a couple of weeks, we thought. If you haven’t (understandably) blocked out the entire pandemic from your memory, you may recall how wrong we were. Borders were firmly closed and staying that way for much longer than anticipated, and reluctantly we accepted that this once epic road trip was going to be confined to our home state of Victoria.
I’m going to be honest, I was bummed. I had nowhere in Victoria on my bucket list. I grew up here, in the smallest Australian mainland state. Surely I’d seen all there was to see.
I’m sure you’ll be shocked to hear it, but it turns out my twenty-two-year-old self had no idea what I was talking about.
We spent five blissful weeks travelling this little state. We swam in the pristine beaches of the surf coast, walked among the rainforest canopy in the Otways, 4WDed through the dunes of Little Dessert, stumbled upon hidden waterfalls and breathtaking views in the Grampians, hiked through the high country and explored the rugged coastline in Gippsland, drank world-class wine and sampled the
freshest produce. We visited towns we would have driven straight past on our way to get to somewhere on a must- see list. Following our noses and asking locals for advice, we camped at unbelievable locations, stayed in unrivalled Airbnbs and ate unforgettable meals – that all may have gone unnoticed if we were jetting between Australia’s big cities and iconic sites.
Victoria may be small, but every inch is packed with unique adventure, beauty and charm. From cosy cabins to beachfront bungalows, there’s an Airbnb to make your stay even sweeter. Here is a collection to get you started.
Foletti’s Barn | Daylesford
Don’t let the name fool you; there’s nothing agricultural about Foletti’s Barn. Named after the property’s original owner and one of Daylesford’s earliest publicans Piettro Folleti, this super sleek and modern guest house cuts an impressive figure with an all black exterior and towering second-storey floor-to-ceiling windows. Step inside and that sharp facade is softened with sumptuous furnishings and everything needed to ensure a stress-free stay. While the house itself is tucked away at the back of the owners’ half-acre property, it’s still just a few minutes walk to the breathtaking Lake Daylesford and a good stroll will take you into the town centre for boutique shopping and eateries. Hosts Liz and Scott went looking for their own weekender back in 2011, but instead found a renovation project too good to pass up in Foletti’s old pub and guesthouse. They took the plunge and transformed that building into their much-loved home, using extra space on the block to create their own cosy retreat for those looking for a country escape.
Tips from the locals : An ideal day starts with breakfast at Cliffy’s Emporium before a full body relaxation session soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. The owners also recommend sampling a glass of wine or craft beer alongside a charcuterie board at Winespeake Cellar + Deli or dinner at Beppe, Bistro Terroir or Kadota Restaurant.
Longmeadow Estate | Tyrendarra
Disconnect from the outside world to reconnect with family and friends at this sprawling ten-acre country estate on the Shipwreck Coast. Rambling rose vines and manicured gardens surround the gleaming white house, but take a wander across its windswept fields and you’ll find a private track to your own secluded beach – perfect for long afternoons spent exploring the dunes or catching a glimpse of passing whales. Longmeadow Estate is well suited for large get-togethers, with seven bedrooms and three bathrooms catering for up to 18 guests. It’s no surprise it’s become a popular wedding destination and repeat bookings are rolling in. Host Sophie signed up for the Hosting Master Class during Covid and delighted in revamping Longmeadow’s interiors to take the property to the next level.
Tips from the locals : Swap your alarm clock for the sound of crashing waves and take in the stunning sunrise view from the master bedroom. The owner says an early morning stroll along the beach is ideally followed by freshly baked sourdough and hot coffee from The Bakehouse in nearby Portland.
Pemberley Cottage | Macedon Ranges
This rural retreat exudes country charm from the moment you arrive, inviting guests to leave their city stresses at the front gate. That’s also where you’ll likely meet the owner’s much-loved miniature Highland cows and pet sheep, which can be hand-fed before you collect eggs from the chook pen if a taste of life on the land is what you’re looking for. Captivated by the magic of all four seasons in her picturesque pocket of the Macedon Ranges, host Olivia felt it would be a shame not to share her escape from the everyday with others. Pemberley Cottage is a celebration of character and history, its exterior clad in century-old galvanised iron and reclaimed timber from the property’s old cattle yards. It comfortably sleeps six with a generously stocked kitchen opening onto a large deck to take in sweeping views of the beautiful Malmsbury Reservoir. Toast marshmallows over the fire pit, soak in the outdoor bathtub or simply stop for a stargaze; this place is a breath of fresh country air.
Tips from the locals : Take a wander down popular Piper Street in the nearby village of Kyneton for a leisurely look in boutique shops The Woolshed Australia, The Farmers Wife, Red Cart Vintage and OAKLANE & Co. The owner recommends Little Swallow Cafe for breakfast, Donkey Kyneton for burgers and margaritas, and drinks on the balcony at Botanik Bar.
Roam Merrijig | Mount Buller
Tapping into the restorative power of nature is made easy at this relaxing refuge with breathtaking mountain and valley views from every room, including the laundry. Fuelled by her deep love of nature, snow chasing and adventure, owner Yuen embarked on an exhaustive design process to create the ultimate Aussie cabin with all the luxury of a European ski chalet. Roam sits five minutes from the Mount Buller gates and sleeps up to 10 people. It’s an ideal base for skiing, hiking, mountain biking or simply sitting back and soaking up the high country tranquillity. The building wouldn’t be out of place on ‘Grand Designs’ and a crane breakdown when its prefabricated modules were being lowered onto the site could have made for compelling television. All that hard work feels like a distant memory to Yuen now, able to stand back and marvel at the “quiet luxury” she’s brought to the rugged mountain countryside.
Tips from the locals : Don’t wait for the snow to visit! Mount Buller is truly a year-round destination. Have your own ‘Yellowstone’ moment without the flight to Montana with a guided horse riding tour of the high country. The owner also recommends a visit to Delatite Wines or Swiftcrest Distillery.
The Old School | South Gippsland
Inspired by their experiences as members of Soho House clubs for more than 25 years, hosts Samantha and David wanted to bring the same level of luxury and sophistication to this rural retreat. When the couple purchased the property in 2022, the historic Hallston school was a rundown relic, but the pair saw potential to create a boutique accommodation offering, rich in history and character. A painstaking renovation project saw the school house reimagined and The Old School was born. Now it offers travellers the comforts of a crackling wood fireplace, copper rain shower and charming country kitchen stocked with fresh provisions ready for a relaxing breakfast amongst the gum trees. It’s also an ideal base to explore the natural wonders of South Gippsland including the renowned Great Southern Railway walking track and rugged coastlines of Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Tips from the locals : The nearby villages of Mirboo North, Loch, Meeniyan and Leongatha offer a delicious taste of local culture, with charming cafes, markets and wineries to explore.
If you’re interested in seeing more of our work - we hope you’ll consider subscribing to our physical paper here.