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| In the
hustle and bustle of the 21st century, it's all too easy to
lose track of those things which are important and become disconnected,
not only from one another, but from our environment and the
natural beauty which surrounds us.
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At
times we need to pause a moment … to escape our
busy lives and re-discover simple pleasures whilst the
wonder of the Aussie bush and its unique native
inhabitants work their magic.
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Just
ninety minutes from Melbourne, Kingbilli provides you
with just such an environment - an ecologically harmonious
and tranquil
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world on the
banks of the Little River in the beautiful Cathedral Valley.
Kangaroos
may greet you as you turn between stone wings signalling the entrance
to the long curving driveway. Llamas graze
contentedly ... your mobile reception drops to nil ... and slowly
the pressures of everyday urban life slip away.
First opened
to the public in 1985,
Kingbilli's enchanting 'old-
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world' cottages
... built of bluestone, timber and slate ... are shaded and secluded.
Thick stone
walls ensure they remain cool during summer, yet retain the warmth
of an open fire on wintery nights.
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Set in naturally
beautiful surroundings, against a backdrop
of towering trees and green rolling hills ... and graced occasionally
by visits from Kingbilli's resident wildlife
... they emphasize the value of simple pleasures and so have become
a favoured destination for courting couples, wilderness-loving families
or busy business folk seeking to exchange their often too hectic
schedules with the slower, gentler pace of Australian country life.
Each
cottage has its own distinctive atmosphere and is
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completely self-contained ... with a separate living/dining room;
bedroom(s); bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen ... enabling guests
to remain self-sufficient and undisturbed during their stay.
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All have cable
television; DVD, CD and cassette players; video recorders; BBQs
... and are supplied with mountain bikes, fishing rods and tennis
racquets.
Those seeking
more challenging pursuits will such find activities
are plentiful ... and should wining and dining be on the agenda
... there are many delightful coffee shops, restaurants,
and country pubs closeby.
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The
Studio
The true
hermit, seeking the ultimate in isolation, will adore the
Studio. Tucked
into the elbow of the creek at the foot of the hills, this
secluded cottage is shaded beneath a canopy of eucalypts and
hidden by a profusion of native shrubs.
A walkbridge
over a gently flowing creek and lilypond, leads Studio guests
to their own
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private
island ... with rose-covered
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For families
with adventurous children or travellers
wishing to holiday with friends, the Studio also has
the option of a second bedroom with 2 single beds and a loft-style
bunk.
Visitors
to the Studio are privileged to have as their nearest
neighbour that most timid of all Australian mammals, the Platypus.
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A
family of these extraordinary little creatures has its
home in the bank of the Studio's creek ... but
only a quiet and patient observer will be rewarded with
an introduction.
Meanwhile,
jacuzzi fans may find themselves engaging in conversation
with the incumbent cheeky Brushtail
Possum, as she scampers from her residence in a
nearby acacia, to partake of her favourite delicacy
... the roses growing over the Studio gazebo.
In
fact, the Studio is favoured by all wilderness
lovers, as when staying here, one never knows just who
may come calling!
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gazebo, fernpool,
waterfall and
heated jacuzzi spa.
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| The
Cottage - currently unavailable |
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The uniquely
designed two storied Cottage has soaring timber ceilings
and sunny loft-style bedroom - with queen-size bed - opening onto
a private balcony with panoramic views across the valley to Cathedral
Mountain and the Blue Range.
Old-fashioned
casement windows, a country-style kitchen and soft leather furnishings
complement the stone and slate, there's a large stone fireplace
... and to ease the worn and weary … in the bathroom is a deep
luxurious twin spa bath.
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Ballards
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Volunteer Accommodation
Beside
a gently flowing creek is Ballards
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... the mews-style cottage provided for participants
in Kingbilli's international volunteer
program.
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From
its rooms, lit softly |
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by delicate
leadlight windows and warmed by a brass-canopied open fire,
French doors open onto a long, low rose-covered
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| verandah,
perfect for lazy lunches or summer evening barbeques. |
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Pink
paved steps lead to a trellised creekside summer house
and in a leafy garden corner a hot jacuzzi bubbles.
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| Some
may find it takes more than a few days for the slow, seamless
pace of country life to impose itself upon their psyche. |
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Others
might simply let the solitude and beauty of the landscape
overtake them ... sitting to meditate on the rustlings of
leaves in the cool evening breeze ... or the
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filament-like reflections of trees and rushes on the still surface
of a dam. |
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