The Pipers Cottage

Built in the late 1800’s and nestled in the Heritage-listed gardens of the Ard Choille hill station estate, the Pipers Cottage offers comfort and luxury in stunning botanical surrounds. Ard Choille is one of the best of the renowned Mt Macedon gardens. A rare opportunity to stay in comfort at a historically significant property and wander the gardens and its surrounds, relax by the fireplace, unwind, and enjoy the serenity as the mists flow down the Mountain in the evening. The space Ard Choille is heritage-listed and is of local, historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to the Macedon Ranges. The gardens of Ard Choille date back to the 1890s when Scotsman William McGregor found a piece of the Australian bush at Mount Macedon in Victoria reminded him of his native Scottish highlands. The estate was designed by famed William Sangster in the Scottish manner with a chain of seven lakes. Ard Choille is one of the best of the renowned of the famous Mt Macedon hill station estates. Sprawling over 12.5 acres with a finely detailed and elegant curved fernery, sweeping lawns, lakes, the arching frames of stately Rimus, Japanese Cedars, Tulips, Birches, Beeches, Elms, Oaks, Firs, Lindens, Rowans, Dogwoods, Conifers, and numerous tree ferns. There are also masses of rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas. In spring, the hills of the estate come alive with thousands of daffodil bulbs. The fernery is housed in a rare 19th Century metal shade house, the only in existence in the southern hemisphere. The Pipers Cottage was built to house McGregor's personal Bagpiper who would play for McGregor when he was in residence as the mists rolled down the Mountain. The Pipers Cottage has been renovated in keeping with the historic style. It has two bedrooms, each with its own entry, fully equipped kitchen and dining area, modern bathroom, lounge with wood burning fire, TV and free WIFI. Every window provides a picturesque view of the magnificent gardens. The Pipers Cottage itself has its own private gated small garden. During your stay, you can still wander to the spring fed top lake (Fern Loch) take in the history and tranquility. The owners are happy to offer a tour if booked in advance. The gardens flow through lawns and gullies, secret bluestone lined pathways in the shade of laurels weave down to "House Lake" that was formed in the shape of Australia and now edged by camellias, rhododendrons, cabbage trees and laurel. For children, there is much to marvel at. A secret fairy garden with a hut and swing is hidden next to a stone-lined brook running through a sheltering grove of laurels. Through a holly hedge, there is a potager garden shadowed by ancient walnut trees providing a stunning sunset view to Hanging Rock. Ard Choille is in the perfect position to explore the entire Macedon Ranges. The restaurants, cafes and convenience of Woodend are a quick (7 min) drive and it is equally easy distance to the beauty of Hanging Rock (10 mins), Mount Macedon (10 mins), Kynton and Gisborne (15 mins). The Daylesford spa area is an easy 45 minute drive. Other things to note Pipers Cottage is set up a Queen bed in the first bedroom and the 2nd bedroom as two King Singles each with their own electric blankets. PLEASE NOTE: Please see the floor-plan in the photos. The two bedrooms in the Pipers Cottage are interconnected. The main bedroom has access to the lounge and the 2nd bedroom has access to the 1st bedroom and its own external access. This would suit with a family with children, or a two couples who require separate access.