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.

We had a great stay. The retreat was private, serene, and very clean, and it had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. We really enjoyed the wildlife and the local walks and the seclusion away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Will definitely go again. Thanks Mary & Derek.

Very charming little space that is extremely clean and has one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in. Lovely and quiet setting too, with kangaroos regularly hopping by. Mary and Derek had great explanations for how to use everything, and an informative guidebook, and there was also generous breakfast spread. Except for the bathroom, the little house is open plan (all one room), so it’s best for a couple’s getaway which is what we were looking for.

One of the best retreats we have ever experienced. The cottage was beautifully presented and very comfortable. It had everything we needed and more! The setting is very peaceful and relaxing. We loved watching the kangaroos every day and the garden was delightful with lavender and flowers. Overall an outstanding retreat, not too far from Woodend. Many thanks to Mary and Derek, who made us feel very welcome. Hope to be back soon!

Mary’s retreat was ideal for a getaway not too far from Melbourne. The stay was very comfortable, peaceful and enjoyable. Mary was very easy to communicate with and we can’t wait to go back.

The Retreat was welcoming, with generous supplies and thoughtful touches everywhere. The interior was superbly decorated with every possible thing one could desire to make our stay comfortable and special and the verandah was a special place to relax, surrounded by the heavenly scent of lavender and views of wildlife. It was an ideal venue, close to so many interesting places to explore & friendly Hotel staff in Woodend, where the Bakehouse is not to be missed.

Mary and Derek were the most perfect hosts! It is truly a hidden gem tucked away which is quiet and beautifully appointed with everything you could need. Woodend is a great spot which is close to Daylesford and Mount Macedon. Would highly recommend a stay and hope to go back.

A beautiful place to stay. Mary and Derek were fabulous hosts. The cottage was lovely and the surrounding garden including tennis court were perfect.

Thanks very much for hosting us! We had a lovely, regenerative few days staying at this property near Woodend. The cottage was stunning and immaculate. It was very well stocked with everything we could need. It is a very peaceful setting, and perfect too for stargazing. We played tennis, went for walks, saw lots of roos and kookaburras. Would love to visit again!

Immaculately presented, would recommend highly. The care and attention to detail is truly amazing. Thank you.

Melissa came for some alone time – A wonderful, serene place to relax and recharge with nothing but the sounds of the wind, rain, and wildlife. The bed is extremely comfortable too!! Thank you, Mary and Derek.

An absolute gem of a property. Can’t wait to come back and enjoy for a much longer stay! Loved every moment of it.

This is a wonderful, secluded, peaceful and well-appointed cottage in the beautiful Macedon Ranges near Woodend. We had a wonderful stay and cannot wait to return, Mary is a wonderful host with a tangible passion for making sure guests have a magnificent stay at The Retreat. We will be back very soon!

(Back Again!) Thank you once again for having us! We found the camping chairs and lay in the sun yesterday which was heaven. Also had a play of tennis. Had such fun and slept so well. Cannot wait to come back.