Fernbrook: Luxurious country retreat

Imagine a place not far away, but a million miles from all the stresses of city living. A fully renovated, modern home among the gum trees with space for all the family, and only a couple of minutes from Cockatoo, a picturesque country town that is big enough for a supermarket, but small enough that the locals have time to stop and chat. Less than 50km from central Melbourne, in the Dandenong Ranges, is Fernbrook. A stylish 4 bedroom home with full kitchen, laundry and two and a half bathrooms. The space You will love spending time at Fernbrook. Whether it is having a barbecue on the tree-top deck overlooking the garden, kicking a football on one of the lawns or perhaps you prefer the firepit and conversation circle in the front garden. There is also a wood fireplace and, nestled at the bottom of a beautifully landscaped native garden, a burbling stream surrounded by giant tree ferns. You can wander down to the stream for a picnic under the pergola or even dangle your toes in the water and look for fish from our bridge. There is something to discover around every corner at Fernbrook. Kids and nature lovers will love Fernbrook. Kookaburras, rosellas, king parrots, cockatoos and honeyeaters are always around. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot Charlie, our resident wombat, or Spike, our local echidna. Inside the house your every need is catered for, with 4 bedrooms, the master bedroom with full en suite, giant wardrobe with makeup vanity, wall mounted TV and luxurious King Size bed. The second bedroom also has a TV with a generous Queen Size bed, while the third and fourth bedrooms sleep 2 people each in bunk beds, and also have bean bags, kids’ books and games. The kitchen with integrated breakfast bar is fully equipped with fridge, pantry, electric induction stovetop, oven, microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee maker, allowing you to whip up a storm if you want. If the outdoors is not for you, you can snuggle in front of the slow combustion wood fire, or take it easy on the couch in the open-plan lounge room (which rolls out to be an extra double bed). You can read one of the many supplied books, or settle in front of the large screen TV with Netflix and a huge selection of DVD’s. Behind you in the adjoining dining room, the dining table is big enough for everyone. What about home made wood-fired pizzas, or hot bread rolls? The wood fire even doubles as a pizza or bakery oven. (Pizza stone is supplied, bring your own ingredients.) To keep you supremely comfortable, the house also has ducted central heating. Along with the en-suite, the family bathroom with full size bath, double vanity and separate toilet can accommodate everyone’s needs. There is even a fully equipped laundry with washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board. Amenities are supplied for you, including shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, laundry and dishwashing tablets. Cooking utensils are also supplied, along with basic herbs, spices and oil. Guest access Guests will have exclusive access to the entire property. - Fernbrook has an unfenced natural stream at the bottom of the garden, approximately 30-50cm deep, and is therefore not suitable for unsupervised infants. - You can check in yourself at any time after your designated arrival time, using the keys in the on-site lock box and the code that will be sent to you prior to your arrival. - Fernbrook is located 400 metres along a well maintained, unsealed road. There is parking for 2 cars on site, plus street parking. - Fernbrook is a rural property with a sloping garden. The house is on one level, but the garden contains steps and/or rough paths. Other things to note When you want to get out of the house, or just need provisions, Cockatoo is only a couple of minutes away, with its IGA Supermarket, bakery, cafes and friendly locals. The Avalon Castle reception centre is nearby, and the entire area abounds in beautiful forests and forest walks, including the acclaimed Wright Forest Bushland Reserve. Cockatoo Country Market is the first Saturday of every month, and Mt Burnett Observatory is just down the road. And right through the middle of town runs Puffing Billy. If you listen at the right times, you can hear his cheery whistle from Fernbrook as he steams along between Gembrook and Emerald. Gembrook is just 6km from Cockatoo, with ‘The Local’ Gembrook Pub and acclaimed ‘The Independent’ Argentinian restaurant (highly recommended), Motorists Museum and Bunyip State Park. Just 6km in the other direction lies Emerald, with its cafes, restaurants, award winning bakery, Emerald Lake Park and ‘Pick-Your-Own’ berry farms. And beyond that, of course, the entire Dandenong Ranges is there for you, with the famous townships of Belgrave, Sassafras and Olinda, celebrated gardens, quirky shops, stunning forests and beautiful drives. So come and get away from it all at Fernbrook! * ’Snuggle Up’ Winter Spring Special! **FREE** firewood supplied for the duration of your stay for all winter and spring bookings! * And Don’t Forget: 30% discount for weekly bookings! Things to Note: -The kitchen is equipped with a modern electric induction stovetop. If unfamiliar with these, please read the supplied instructions before use. The supplied pots and pans will work on this stovetop. - Please remember our three house rules: no parties, no smoking, no pets. Failure to comply will incur extra charges. - Local Council and CFA regulations ban fires outdoors during the declared Fire Danger Period, usually during the summer months. All fires, and any activities that may cause sparks, are banned on Total Fire Ban days. Contact Cardinia Shire Council if unsure. - We want our guests to feel welcome at Fernbrook and to make themselves at home. You will have exclusive access to the entire property. All we ask is that you respect our neighbours, don’t leave any rubbish lying around and keep noise outside to a minimum after 10.00pm.