THE PLACE
Enchanting 360-degree views command consideration at this gorgeous hillside property the place olives timber thrive. It sits on the foot of Mount Buffalo in north-east Victoria surrounded by the fertile Ovens Valley. Expect vibrant cerise-streaked skies at dawn and sundown, birdsong and heady eucalypt scents – serenity reigns supreme right here.
THE LOCATION
The Grove Estate is a two kilometre drive from the picturesque village of Porepunkah that sits beside the meandering Ovens River. The busy vacationer city of Bright, identified for its autumn splendour, quaint outlets, galleries, cosy cafes, brewery and eating places, is a 10-minute hop. Bright is a 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne and 1.5 hours from Albury Airport.
THE LOOK
The sprawling architecturally designed four-bedroom homestead with a wrap-around deck has been handled to an elegant renovation however it’s these majestic views from most rooms that star. Anyone wanting “me” time can escape to a hidden nook or wrap your palms round a espresso on the deck and gaze out at a paintbox of inexperienced and blue hues. Striking artwork and bespoke furnishings characteristic in all rooms that beckon you to place your toes up. Light the wooden hearth because the temperature drops and cosy up on the leather-based couches. Aspiring grasp cooks can star within the spectacular industrial grade kitchen, then serve a vacation feast on the timber eating desk or on the deck overlooking the olive grove. Stretch on the yoga garden, take a look at the backyard sculpture and take a dip within the close by pool. The two spacious loos and powder room are stocked with Hunter Lab merchandise and regionally made soaps by Gather & Harvest.
THE ROOM
Moroccan recollections spring to mind in the master suite with a black king-size timber bedhead and daring crimson and navy bedding together with timber flooring and comfortable woven rugs. Intriguing paintings by regional artists and Margie Sheppard’s Woman as a Landscape characteristic. There’s a sitting space with cow disguise mat and leather-based chairs plus a spacious comfortable gray tiled toilet with twin basins. Blinds could be lowered however we decide for the scenic views and busy birdlife within the backyard. The different bedrooms even have eclectic decor and views.
THE FOOD
Bright’s eating scene is buzzing with the addition of chic Elm Dining the place government chef, Kauri Watkin’s modern menu showcases one of the best of regional produce. Restaurant supervisor Sarah Volpe suggests beginning with a Beekeeper cocktail with native orange blossom honey or Rosy’s Rhubarb, a nod to the proprietor Rosy Seaton of Traverse Alpine Group. Order a la carte or indulge within the seasonal degustation menu with treats together with Elm tartare, duck breast, sirloin, cucumber apple wooden sorrel and gin sorbet and a finale of kanko cheesecake. Sommelier Matt Cridge is aware of his wines. The charming historic Victorian cottage, now adorned with eclectic paintings, was the docs’ residence for a century, and later Simone’s restaurant (see elmdining.com.au). Casual eating options on the adjoining The Yard eatery. Visit The Peaks Artisan Cheesemakers (peakscheese.com.au, Shop 5, 4 Ireland Street, Bright) for cheeses made by Luke Armstrong and Vanessa Lipscombe who use cow and goats’ milk from a small Kiewa Valley natural farm.
STEPPING OUT
Hit the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Bright to Myrtleford or a part of it and when you love the wind in your hair, cycle downhill from Mount Buffalo Chalet, inbuilt 1910. Cool off in Bright’s river pool and later get misplaced within the close by Wandiligong Maze with two kilometres of winding pathways. Stock up on produce at Bright’s Make It Bake It Grow It market on the third Saturday of each month.
THE VERDICT
It’s a blissful haven peppered with a rural vibe and surroundings overload.
ESSENTIALS
From $1200 an evening – two-night minimal features a regional produce hamper with Bright’s Morses Creek Bakery bitter dough, EV Olive Oil, Bright Brewery beer, Feathertop wine and Sixpence Coffee. Sleeps 4 {couples} with a separate cabin accessible for a fifth couple. The Grove Estate, 307 Mt Buffalo Road, Porepunkah. Phone: 0488 554 888. See brightboutiqueaccommodation.com.au
HIGHLIGHT
Those magical views and luxe nation buzz.
LOWLIGHT
Tempting laden olive timber that are not fairly ripe for selecting.
OUR RATING
★★★★½
Sue Wallace stayed as a visitor of Tourism North East.
Source: traveller.com.au