There is something about leaving behind the city and heading out on a road trip into the country. The fresh air. The clarity of the stars in the night’s sky. The tranquility. And with the snow season in full swing in Melbourne’s highlands, Bright is a beautiful destination that will even please those who, like me, don’t know one end of a ski pole to another. Because tucked away five minutes out of town and a short drive to the snowfields of Mt. Buffalo is The Buckland Retreat.
After having travelled the world with their corporate careers, the owners wanted to create a luxurious country bed and breakfast that provided them with a balanced lifestyle and their guests a relaxing retreat from their hectic lives. They worked extensively with an architect to create stunning eco friendly chalets that harmonically converge with their natural habitat to create the perfect getaway from the city.
Perched in the natural beauty of the surrounding farmyard pastures and bush lands, each of the five chalets are located at least 60 metres from each other offering the ultimate in seclusion and privacy. The outdoor decking of Studio 4 beckoned us each morning to breathe in the majesty of Mt. Buffalo and stunning views of the valley, whilst enjoying the solitude of our surrounds.
The decor of the chalets seamlessly sweeps the serenity of the natural exterior into the interior. The bathroom’s glass wall to floor windows enable you to shower against a backdrop of nature and the wood fire creates a beautiful ambience for the kitchen and living area, as did the stunning mood lighting in the bedroom.
Breakfast is served daily from their cafe and is lovingly prepared with local produce. The organic eggs were a particular highlight with Sabine collecting them from a woman who she says treats her chickens like they live at the Taj Mahal. If the colour of those yolks is anything to go by, then they are certainly getting the royal treatment.
There is also a commitment to environmental sustainability with water collected in rain tanks, solar heat pumps, green energy and the retreat having planted 2500 shrubs with another 5000 to be planted over the next 5 years.
Four of the chalets are rated 4.5 stars and they also have a 5 star luxury pod. They are perfect for a romantic getaway, or groups can book all 5 chalets for a unique holiday experience. Flicking through the comments of the guest book, it was easy to understand why many guests have returned over the years.
The Buckland
stay@thebuckland.com.au