Welcome to Gertrudes on the Branch

A delightful self contained garden suite with own private access in beautiful sculptured gardens in the historic St. Albans locale. Parking is directly in front of the entrance with a verandah that is both private but easy access to different garden levels - with mostly Australia native shrubs. Guests can readily access the MacDonald River as well as explore the 75 acre property. If really keen there are bush trails heading up to the escarpment as well as a large protected reserve nearby The space You have a quiet private space on the ground floor of a recently built large cottage on a 72 acre property. The house was built by the owners over an 18 year period hopefully in part emulating some of the build characteristics identified with houses from an earlier period. Corrugated walls, long verandahs and utilising slopes and sun exposure to take full advantage of the natural elements. The house in Feng Shui terms has been built, if you like 'within the belly of the dragon' utilising a bend in the river to encompass the property. You get a better idea of this when you use 'Google Earth'. Guest access Guest have the complete ground floor garden suite. with own entry and walk around verandah with access to the garden. And car parking directly in front for easy entry . The garden suite is fully self contained with a complete kitchen, bed room/lounge area as well as snug room for reading or work space. In addition there is also a complete laundry and bathroom. Other things to note Well first of you need to bring your own food stuffs. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can test you culinary skills. However you still enjoy a satisfying European style breakfast with cereal, a compote, fresh fruit and croissants and if we are up to it home baked bread, Not forgetting a coffee capsule machine supplied with Victoria Coffee. But so you don't feel totally isolated we have a Bistro style restaurant called the 'The Pickled Wombat' in St. Albans proper. Not too difficult to miss as there is also another option for pub fare and beverage and that is of course at the 'Settlers Arm' 200 metres away. You will need your own vehicle to access these and other sites such as the 'Commons' a protected land grant by Queen Victoria for the grazing of cattle during periods of drought. a great place for photography at dusk or dawn. Registration Details Exempt