Our cosy, 1860's cottage has a self checkin entrance & sits in a private garden with views to the old barn. The living room, kitchenette, bedroom & bathroom make an ideal getaway for couples. Set on four acres, the property backs onto a treed area alongside the Werribee River. It has chickens & friendly alpacas to visit, but is a mere 5 minute walk into town. Ballan is the perfect base from which to explore Daylesford, Trentham, Blackwood, Creswick & Ballarat. All are within a 30 minute drive. The space Westcott dates back to the mid 1860’s, but while the rustic charm and history of the building is on show, the interior has been updated with modern day comforts. The accommodation is set up in the original cottage section of the house. Although semi detached, it is separated from the main house by the original, exterior stone walls of the cottage, making it exceptionally quiet. The cottage has its own entrance and a private garden with views to the old barn. There's no neighbours to look at, just the odd magpie, honey eater or possum! Situated on four acres in Ballan, the property backs onto the meandering Werribee River. The river valley is a quick, easy walk across the old Ford. Here you’ll often come across wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and an array of birdlife. Listen out for the kookaburras and keep an eye out for the occasional eagle hunting for prey. It’s equally close to the centre of town, just a 500m stroll away to cafes, supermarket, op shops and pub. Our family consists of Buddy our beautiful Border Collie & his little Sis, Sissy. Our lovely feathered girls are happy to provide eggs for your breakfast (except during their winter break). Our alpacas - Nell, Betty, Olive & Stare-bear come running when they see guests bearing treats of apples or carrots. Feel free to visit them anytime! None of the fur or feather family members have any access to your private space! It’s all yours. Guest access Guests will enjoy a completely self-contained cottage with a private entrance and access via an outdoor key safe, so your arrival time is flexible (3pm-8pm). The garden area outside the living room is for your own private use and is a lovely shady spot to enjoy a barbecue or glass of wine on a warm day. It's also a great place to watch the many birds cool off in the birdbath under the trees. You’re also welcome to access the treed river area beyond the alpaca paddock. Check out our property information sheet for directions to this area. Platypuses & water rats frequent this section of the river, water levels permitting. There's also wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and the occasional koala. The alpacas can be fed treats from the fence line along here ... their favourite being apples. You may be stalked if they notice a bag of apples in your hand! The accommodation consists of a cosy, light filled living room which includes a dining table with views into the pretty cottage garden. There’s a spacious bedroom, a bathroom and a small kitchenette. The kitchenette is well equipped for simple meal preparation & contains a microwave with microwave cookware, an air fryer (mini oven), toaster, sandwich maker, electric jug, coffee plunger, chopping boards, crockery & cutlery. Please note there's no stove top or oven, but the air fryer & BBQ should provide suitable cooking options. There’s some basic pantry supplies - salt, pepper, oil & balsamic, and a selection of teas and ground coffee This area also contains a small fridge and washing machine. The barbecue is directly outside the living area and sits in a sheltered outdoor space, which makes it suitable for cooking even if the weather isn't ideal. Perfect for a breakfast cook up or to prepare a more substantial meal. The bedroom contains a queen size bed with a fluffy goose down doona and extra blankets to ensure you're totally warm enough. There’s also heating in the bedroom and electric blankets for those cold, wintery nights. A coat stand provides some hanging space and a chest of drawers adds storage. The living room is bright and cosy and has a comfy sofa with many cushions for you to snuggle up on. It also has a small dining table, looking out over the sunny garden. A good space to utilise if you have any work to finish during your stay. There's a smart TV with a range of free to air channels available. Netflix is also set up and free for guests to use. A Bluetooth speaker to play music from your own device can also be used in the garden. There’s a selection of reading material including tourist information on the area. Electric panel heating & throw rugs will keep you warm! Other things to note You’ll find a well-stocked local Country Grocers in the centre of Ballan – perfect for grabbing fresh fruit and veggies, meat, snacks and alcohol ... for a small town their selection is good. The Ballan Farmers Market runs on the second Saturday of each month. There's also a few cafes, a great local butcher. For those who want a quick, no fuss option for food there's a pizza shop, a local pub and the Ballan bakehouse and Bar. Also Springfields Garage regularly hosts various food vans. There are many excellent wineries and eateries in this area. Please check out our little ‘tourist info folder’ for information on the area with some of our favourite places highlighted. The local St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong is home to various music and food festivals throughout the year and does tastings on weekends and pizzas on Sundays. Ballan has a wide range of other amenities, including a swimming pool, golf course, medical clinic & hospital. Hopefully the later won’t be required during your stay. PLEASE NOTE: Guests are not permitted in animal enclosures or in areas marked 'private’. While a 2 night minimum applies to most times, public holiday weekends and Easter may be a 3-4 night minimum. This will be confirmed upon booking request.