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.

Thank you so much for having us. We both love it here and cannot wait to return. The attention to detail didn’t go unappreciated. We hope to stay again once COVID has calmed down.

What an absolute wonderful cottage you have! We appreciated all the small details that make this place perfect – you have thought of everything and the building is beautifully constructed – hats off to your husband’s craftmanship. Thank you for hosting us and helping make my birthday a memorable and special one during these uncertain times.

Hubby & I enjoyed our stay so much! It was so cosy & so clean. The breakfast & all the extra goodies provided were also really impressive. Surrounding towns were a short drive away, close & so beautiful. We will definitely be back. Perfect little getaway

This place is everything advertised and more! My girlfriend and I had the best stay. The cottage is incredibly well designed and styled, we enjoyed the delicious breakfast, a bath, the kangaroos on our doorstep, we had an evening fire that Derek kindly lit for us and even played some basketball. Would absolutely recommend.

Amazing winter weekend away in Mary and Derek’s beautiful property. If you want
to rewind in a peaceful and comfortable setting – stay here! Spotlessly clean, lots of extras included, fantastic location.

Mary and Derek have created a luxurious B’n’B, surrounded by beautiful Australian bush and local wildlife. There are huge amounts of thought and care that have been put into this gorgeous cottage (and surrounds) which makes for a special experience for guests. Thank you for the impeccably clean space, glorious breakfast options, incredibly comfortable king-sized bed and amazing restored bathtub!

We enjoyed a very restful time at Mary’s quiet cottage.