This is as 5-star as it gets. I can highly recommend going for the scones – we arrived to find them ready to go with jam and cream in the fridge, plus a gorgeous teapot ready to be filled for a proper Devonshire tea. It’s a small room but feels so spacious, same with the bathroom – big shower, plenty of space for two. And the outdoor areas are really lovely too. We played Scrabble in the sun while birds flitted around us and kangaroos hopped past. Absolute bliss

We had a wonderful, relaxing stay at The Retreat at Amryhouse. The cottage is in a beautiful, peaceful spot, surrounded by gum-trees and with its own private outdoor seating area. We were greeted by a dozen kangaroos relaxing under the trees when we arrived and serenaded by kookaburras each evening. The cottage is really comfortable and was set up with everything we needed and more. The cottage is just a short drive from the surrounding towns, which made it a great base for day-trips. Thanks so much, Mary and Derek!

We had such a peaceful, romantic, relaxing stay. Waking up to the view of lush bush-land and kangaroos in the morning. Highly recommend the scones for breakfast. Most comfortable bed we’ve ever slept in! Can’t wait to go back.

Thank you for a lovely Melbourne escape. I spent the afternoon yesterday painting in your beautiful garden

Tranquil, beautiful, and relaxing. Loved my stay and highly recommend.

It is a great location, and the surrounds are nice and peaceful. The cottage itself is very comfortable and warm with a good heater and some good breakfast supplies also. We enjoyed seeing the kangaroos and kookaburras in the area – didn’t spot the wombats tho!. Even though the weather was rather cold and grey during our time there it was still a very enjoyable and relaxing stay. Thanks again.

Wow wow and wow! What a hidden gem. Mary and Derek have literally thought of everything and made our stay so enjoyable. Especially loved the bath and the chiminea ready to be used.

Thank you so much Mary and Derek! We loveeeed our stay! Thanks for having the place warm and cozy for us when we arrived and for letting us check out a little bit late! It was so great staying on your property!

The Retreat is a wonderful simple little cottage away from the city to relax and enjoy the bush surroundings. A short drive to Woodend gives you the option to eat out or stay in and enjoy the well-appointed cottage. The bed was soooo comfy too!! The wildlife is abundant on the property which keeps you entertained while enjoying your morning coffee on the balcony. Highly recommend a stay here – Mary and Derek are awesome hosts – Thoughtful and caring about our comfort. Communication with them was easy and thorough.

A very clean, thoughtful and cosy cottage surrounded by serenity. You will love your stay here!

Thank you so much for your kind hospitality. Simple pleasures – enjoying the serenity, the wildlife. Sitting under the Mt Fuji Cherry brought much needed joy and peace. Such tranquil surrounds. Waking to a kookaburra’s “laugh” and a magpie’s warble. Such a credit to you both, the cottage is so warm and welcoming. A beautiful retreat. Mary, so lovely and friendly. Kind Regards Carol & Eric

We loved our stay in The Retreat. The cottage was so cosy. A beautiful, quiet location with amazing wildlife on the property.

Great accommodation, spotless and lots of thoughtful touches. Highly recommend.

From the minute we turned into the driveway I knew we were going to have a great stay. Mary & Derek’s place looks amazing with all of the lovely gardens and the mini lake. We drove around past the main house to the cottage which was so cute and very private. First drama was wine on the veranda or in the outdoor area as they are both lovely, we did both & lit the chiminea that had been set up for us ready to go. Kangaroos hop past and have a sticky beak and it is just so quiet and relaxing we didn’t want to leave. In the cottage is everything you need with very generous breakfast supplies, a coffee machine and the world’s most comfortable bed with beautiful linens. I forgot shampoo, it was provided. I needed mozzie spray; it was there. The cottage is actually better than staying in a top end hotel and beautifully designed. We will be back this year without a doubt.

What a gorgeous property in a super private, beautifully landscaped garden setting with a woodland backdrop, a short drive from Woodend. We absolutely loved our stay at Mary & Derek’s retreat. The Villa was sparkling clean, the comfiest bed, coffee machine, perfect breakfast provisions and everything else we could possibly need. There is a lovely outdoor area complete with a Chimenea well stocked for an outdoor fire too.

Extremely well-presented cottage with great attention to detail and nice fittings/decor. My partner and I had a lovely stay. Ten min drive to Woodend for interesting old buildings and great cafes.

Great place! A fantastic spot to imbibe in nature and the serenity… will be back! Everything was provided

We had a brilliant stay at Mary & Derek’s place. It was peaceful & calm with very thoughtful touches. Would highly recommend for a country getaway.

Great place to stay. Was very welcoming and lovely to stay in. Enjoyed the little touches that made you feel like you were staying in a home away from home.

Would definitely return to Mary and Derek’s place. Very clean, with lots of thoughtful touches throughout.