It's pouring with rain, I've just carefully navigated through a severe weather event from Yarra Valley to the Dandenong Ranges and it's cold & dark. I pull up at my accommodation for the night and it's like a mirage, the most cosy, warm and inviting sight you ever did see with fairytale street appeal.
The charming owner Peta, provides the warmest of welcomes and has already anticipated my arrival with lights blazing and heating the cottage, it's a welcome sight. As I reluctantly ask where I should venture out in the wet to track down some dinner, Peta informs me there are gourmet meals already prepared in the freezer. Best news I've ever heard!
Thawing out, I take in the magnificent surrounds. Twilight Cottage is impeccably styled, straddling that country charm appeal perfectly without falling into clichéd lacey, doily territory. Instead Peta has styled the cottage with the help of interior designer Justin Bishop in a neutral colour scheme with quality furnishings.
The cottage makes a romantic escape for two with a sweet little table and chair set in the bay window and comfortable couch in front of the fireplace to complete the cosy lounge room. The compact kitchen has every conceivable inclusion including stove, cooktop, microwave and coffee machine. From the gourmet meal stash I opt for the Angus Beef Stroganoff, which only takes moments to reheat before I'm enjoying hot, gourmet, comfort food. Bliss.
Down a few stairs is the sunken bedroom with corner spa bath. The skylight above allows you to soak in the spa and gaze at the stars above. Meanwhile, the king size bed is like a cloud, draped in luxurious linen and stuffed with cushions and even an electric blanket to keep you warm during the cooler nights.
At Twilight Cottage, it's all about the thoughtful touches including turn down chocolates, umbrellas and warm jackets to borrow during your stay, fresh flowers filling the cottage, water jug by the bed and complimentary homemade chocolate brownies to enjoy with a soothing tea. It's these extra touches that make for memorable moments, beyond the first class facilities and inclusions.
Breakfast is included in your stay and it's a beautifully presented continental hamper prepared by Sassafras Providore including freshly baked bread, cereal, preserves and sufficient for two days of indulgence.
Dandenong Ranges is a sleepy hillside town popular for cosy romantic getaways or getting back to nature. Despite the restful nature of the region, it's pleasing to see some new additions breathing new life into the destination.
Celebrated chef Shannon Bennett has a rather extraordinary vision to restore an iconic mansion and estate to create a dining destination and boutique hotel in the Dandenong Ranges called Burnham Beeches. Watch this space on the transformation into a luxury retreat, however the first phase to open is the Piggery Café and Bakery. It's bringing a bit of hipster to the hills, serving burgers (pictured above) and baked goods to a hungry audience. Outside a slew of tables look out to lawn bowls, croquet and bocce pitches.
If you do decide to leave the warm haven of Twilight Cottage, try Coonara Springs Restaurant for a special occasion dining experience. Recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment, it ticks all the boxes for a Dandenong Ranges restaurant including open fireplace, gorgeous gardens, restored heritage façade, stunning views and quality cuisine.
Dandenong Ranges is an ideal romantic getaway less than 1 hour from Melbourne and within easy drive to Yarra Valley wine country. Twilight Cottage is a fairytale cottage, thoughtfully appointed to ensure you have a magical stay.
Twilight Cottage
9 Monash Avenue, Olinda
Book Twilight Cottage here.
Have you been to the Dandenong Ranges recently? What were your favourite things to see and do in the region?
The writer was the guest of Twilight Cottage.Image credit IG @alluxia
