Harvest Homestead Farm & Flowers in the Dandenongs

Escape to this charming farmstay cottage in Upwey, at the base of Dandenong Ranges National Park, just 45 mins from Melbourne city. Located on the property is a regenerative micro flower farm, Ferny Creek, an enclosed permaculture orchard, vegetable gardens and a few farm animals. Perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a unique experience that combines the tranquility of a countryside retreat yet so close to Melbourne. The space The farm styled home has high beamed ceilings, wood flooring and a generous rustic indulgence - from the fresh flowers, to the opulent bed linen, to the handmade shelving crafted from wood hewn on the property. It is a place for those who love beautiful surroundings and industrial farmhouse chic. Relax and unwind in luxury in front of the wood fireplace on cold evenings or sit on the deck enjoying the private flower filled garden. Take a stroll through the flower gardens filled with dahlias (from Feb-Apr), pick seasonal fruit in the orchard, pick the herbs in the vegetable gardens for dinner or just enjoy the serenity down by the creek. The main bedroom has a queen bed overlooking the beautiful gardens, the second bedroom has a single bunk bed and the living room has a queen sized sofa bed allowing for total of six persons (although six adults may find the place too cosy). For cold seasons, each bedroom has a heater unit, there is a reverse cycle air-conditioner for the living area and of course the wood fired heater with well stocked wood. The kitchenette has some appliances (airfryer oven, portable induction cooktop, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, sandwich grill, slow cooker, coffee machine, nutribullet, kettle and fridge) and cookware required to cook amazing farm style meals. A separate laundry is available to wash and dry muddy clothes. There is a separate toilet and bathroom with a shower/bath combination suitable for adults and children alike. All towels and natural, organic cleansing products are provided for use. A large TV, DVD player and wifi are available. There are toys, books, DVDs and board games for the kids to help keep them occupied indoors. Guest access Guests are welcome to wander through the entire property - from the manicured flower gardens, to picking seasonal produce in the vegetable beds to sitting by the permanent stream that flows at the back of the property. Supervised children are welcome to feed the guinea pigs and sheep. Children will love the extra large trampoline. There is an abundance of natural wildlife to admire, particularly king parrots, crimson rosellas, sulphur crested cockatoos, possums, kookaburras and wood ducks. Guests are welcome to meander through the gardens and discover the hidden seating areas to enjoy a moment of tranquility in nature. Other things to note As the owners live on this property with their children, there is strictly no smoking or vaping allowed on property grounds. There are two resident very friendly Golden Retreiver dogs on the property, Sandy & Cheddar. They love company and pats, but small children may find their friendliness overwhelming. The gates to the cottage may be closed to exclude them from the private garden. From Feb-Apr the farm opens for You-Cut flower sessions approx 3 times a week. There may be up to 10 additional cars parked on the property for 2 hours a session, but the cottage will still be private and guests should not be disturbed. If there is a session and farm tour on during a stay, guests will be invited to join free of charge. Although the listing allows for six persons, this caters for families with mostly children. As two will be sharing a sofa bed in the living room, six adults may find this arrangement too cosy. Please be aware this is a working hobby family farm with uneven ground, farm animals with sometimes unpredicatable behaviour and animal poop...we hold no responsibility or liability for any injuries caused during a stay and enjoying the property is solely at your own risk. Please bring boots in wet weather as the ground can be muddy and slippery.