Steeped in history, Amber Cottage hails from c.1880s, affording a rustic romance. It’s named in honour of the Valley of the Liquid Ambers, located a short stroll from the house. The name Amber was chosen to allude to the fossilised tree resin, admired and appreciated for its colour and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Valued from antiquity to the present as a gemstone, Amber is used in jewellery, decorative objects and as a healing agent in folk medicine. The space Our hope is that Amber Cottage allows guests to step back to a simpler time, admire her rustic beauty and afford an escape for the soul to revitalise. Tapping into the rich history of the house and the area, the owner has poured creativity into the refurbishment and update. It is more like an evolving project than a traditional renovation, some things are still a work in progress but the pictures are a representation of the spaces at the time of booking. The house is updated between stays and so are the pictures, so while the house might be a thing of history, her listings and pics are fresh. ABOUT THE HOUSE From the moment you walk into the cottage, our hope is that you feel the beauty and romance of yesteryear. The central hallway not only acts as the main thoroughfare but as a statement piece of the home. Complete with timber panelled walls, Victorian fretwork arch, crystal Empire chandeliers, rustic double milking stool and Harry Potter inspired floating book micro library. Amber Cottage sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms: 2 King bedrooms and a third as a Queen bedroom. When we say 6 guests, please keep in mind that there is one common bathroom. All bedrooms have electric flame look fireplaces, and reverse cycle (individually controlled) air conditioning, sumptuous bedding and rustic-style drapes to add to the romantic charm of yesteryear. One of the king bedrooms also includes a desk from those who need to work, while most of our guest come for a break, we know that the cottage also makes the perfect escape for the digital nomad or writer (and of course there is free high-speed NBN). The cottage is positioned right in the heart of historic Heathcote, pleasantly behind main street. The location is bliss, and within seconds you can enjoy the local delights, complete with bakery, cafes, antiques shops, local wine and produce stores. Once you park the car, behind the secure gates, it’s likely to stay there for the duration of your stay, after all cars weren’t needed in simpler times. Throughout the house you can see builders' craftsmanship of a bygone era, with the wood panelled walls and other ornate carpentry. She might have had a few knocks over the years but her perfectly imperfect interiors make Amber Cottage so much more beautiful. She's been recently painted and carpeted so don't let the fact she is 140-ish years old fool you. The ample sized sitting room with colonial windows overlooks a sun-kissed yard, beyond is the sunset view between the gums to the old rail trail where kangaroos and wallabies visit at dusk. Again, no need to worry about the heat or the cold as the temperature is easily maintained with yet another reverse cycle air conditioner. Just sit back, sip some wine and admire the large chandelier and curated furnishings. The kitchen is an eat in style and is equipped with a 6 seater antique dining setting, oven, dishwasher, microwave, gas cooktop, toaster, kettle, and coffee machine. We did include the mod cons but if we're honest, the pubs, restaurants, brewery and gin house of Heathcote are more likely where you'll want to be. The cottage also has an alfresco dining area. An evolving space, the cottage is flanked by huge neighbouring cypress trees affording it with the perfect amount of afternoon shade. Sitting at the 6 seater outdoor dining setting is made delightfully memorable with good company, good food and good wine. Please keep in mind that the house is an Victorian/Edwardian cottage and the block is tiny. This is no country homestead but rather a cute little house and a small yard for you to unwind and relax. MANCHESTER Linen and towels are provided. Beds will be made up for arrival to the number of guests specified in the booking. We also provide cabana stripped 'beach' towels for the adventurous who wish to visit the local outdoor pool (only 40 meters away) or those who wish to venture to nearby lake Eppalock (a 20min drive). Guest access Guest have use of the full house. There is parking on-site for up to 3 cars behind lockable gates. There is also ample parking on the street with free boat and caravan parking across the road. Everything in town is walking distance, however if you wish to venture beyond the cafes, shops and cellar doors of main street, there is a local transfer service available and details can be provided upon request, a great way to get around to the nearby cellar doors and country towns - a visit to the Reedsdale pub, Tooborac Hotel and Brewery or Tooleen Hotel and Tin Shed always seem a favourite amongst guest. Other things to note WEATHER AND CLIMATE Heathcote’s location on the northern fringe of the Great Dividing Range means it enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The region avoids extremes in weather such as snow and strong winds and averages 240 rain free days per year. With the average January temperature of 29 degrees and 12 degrees in July – the variation between the seasons is very pleasant. Heathcote is still one of the few places in Australia that you can enjoy all four seasons. The weather makes the region ideal for producing delicious wine. The SHIRAZ of Heathcote is world famous, additionally there are a number of other varietals produced locally with of 40 wineries in the region. WANT TO KNOW MORE? For more information of what to do, see, getting there, and the WORLD FAMOUS WINE of Heathcote and the region, please check out the Heathcote website via a simple internet search (Airbnb doesn't allow us to tell you the local visitor information site, however if you search for it you'll be able to find plenty of information on the area). The local IGA is impressive with an ice-creamery, fresh sushi and roasts, artisan cheeses and gourmet foods. Heathcote might be a simple country town but it has all the food and drink delights you could ask for, no need to pack the groceries or cook when staying at Amber Cottage, nothing could be more convenient than the luxury of everything on your doorstep. Heathcote has a golf course and swimming pool (outdoors, opened summer months) and rail trail to walk or cycle along. Camp Hill is located just across from the house and the local historical society is located in the old gaol lock-up on the hill. For the more fit and able a hike to Viewing Rock Look-out is highly recommended, after all Heathcote is nestled at the foot of a National Park. STAY LONGER We offer fantastic rates for longer stays. Thinking of coming for the weekend, why not make it a long weekend, a week or even a month? Heathcote is the gateway to central Victoria and a wonderful base to explore nearby towns. Travel times are as follows: MELB CBD: 90mins Daylesford: 60min Castlemaine: 45min Bendigo: 35min Echuca: 60min Lake Eppalock: 20min Shepparton: 75min FINALLY If you have any special requests or a date you are after is unavailable please send a message and we will try to accomodate your needs. Heathcote is a beautiful town and the locals are very friendly, so we would love for you to have a magical time at Amber Cottage.