CHILDREN HALF PRICE & LINEN AVAILABLE See note below
Hazelwood Cottage is a charming 2 storey farmhouse providing self contained accommodation and is well-equipped with most things you would find in your own house, to give you a comfortable and relaxed holiday. It is designed and equipped for people with disabilities including those who need high care, but is also a wonderful place for small groups, couples or families to share a holiday (children half price - your quote may therefore be inaccurate. See note* below to calculate price. Owner will adjust final price)
Downstairs there are 5 bedrooms which sleep 11, including a set of bunks, 5 single beds (4 are hospital-type and adjustable - one being hi-lo type) and 2 double beds. Three cots are available (and 2 highchairs).There are 3 bathrooms downstairs, (one with a small bath) and a separate toilet in the laundry. Upstairs in 2 rooms are 3 single beds and a double bed with a shared ensuite. The comfortable beds are provided with pillows, woollen blankets and doonas. Some electric blankets are available, as well as heat bags. Linen and towels can be hired with the option of visitors making up the beds themselves or having the beds made up for an extra charge.
The kitchen is large and well equipped with a full range of utensils, large oven and dishwasher, and a beautiful view of the distant mountains. It opens into the dining/ living area with large dining table, lounge chairs and couches where holiday-makers can relax and enjoy the Yarra Valley views, or sit around the cosy wood fire. The house is also equipped with 2 reverse cycle air conditioners and some fans and extra heaters. In summer the house is also cooled by the shade from century-old English trees.
Outside there are balconies and verandahs to sit on, overlooking the garden containing huge old rhododendrons and azaleas, waratahs and proteas. The abundant bird life provides much enjoyment as do our friendly farm animals. A gas barbeque is provided on the front verandah. There is a fire-pit on the front lawn.
Because we are in the shadow of Mt Victoria there is no TV or WiFi reception at Hazelwood Cottage but a DVD player and DVDs are provided. There are also board games, books and our pianola is particularly popular. Attached to the house is a large wired-in recreation room containing toys and a table-tennis table. The room also doubles as a fly-free eating area in summer.
For people with disabilities the house has many attributes to make for an enjoyable stress-free holiday. Doors are wide, the downstairs area and garden can be accessed without the need for steps, bathrooms have rails, raised toilets, stepless showers with wall seats, large over-hang on the dining room table for wheelchairs, 4 adjustable hospital beds (some with rails and monkey bars and one hi-lo), much of the garden is accessible including a 110 metre long asphalt path meandering through a variety of trees and flowering shrubs. (Also great for children with bikes!) There is a separate small shed filled with aids which people are free to use, including a hoist, (BYO sling) wheel chair and walking frame.
The large informal garden provides a wonderful place to wander or sit and a fantastic play area for children to make cubbies or run around and explore. Beyond the garden are walks into the forest, leading to fern gullies and more wonderful views from the top of the property. The walk leads past our two spring-fed dams which supply us with an abundant supply of spring water and mean that throughout summer our garden and lawns can be kept lush and green. A gate at the top of the property gives access to the Yarra Ranges National Park and the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - great for bike riding and longer walks.
The scenic township of Warburton set on the Yarra River is 6 kilometres away. It has an interesting selection of shops and restaurants and coffee shops, bike hire, an Eco Display and information centre, Upper Yarra Arts Centre (gallery and films) tennis courts, superb golf course and a medical clinic with 24-hour phone contact available. Within the town and further afield are beautiful walks and day trips to such places as Donna Buang, Upper Yarra Dam, Healesville Sanctuary, Gulf Station, Hedgedene Maze,The Chocolaterie, the Dandenong mountains and Puffing Billy, Marysville, Lake Mountain and the many Yarra Valley wineries.
*Please note: Rates (off-peak) from $160 pn for 1st 2 adults, thereafter each additional adult is $30 pn, children $15 pn plus there is a one-off booking fee per booking which is $180. Linen (inc. towels) is extra: $22 supplied, or $28 per bed if beds are made up.
Bedroom configurations:
Downstairs:
Bedroom 1: i double bed- opposite laundry containing toilet and bathroom with small bath and shower recess with fold-down seat and rails (6cm step)
Bedroom 2: Single bunks and 1 single bed
Bedroom 3: Double bed (high) ensuite accessible bathroom
Bedroom 4: 1 maual hospital-type adjustable bed with monkey bar and rails.
1 electric hospital-type hi-lo bed which can be 250cm. from the floor.
Shares large accessible ensuite with Bedroom 3. Access to balcony.
Bedroom 5: 2 hospital-type beds with rails (one electric) and one with monkey bar, ensuite accessible bathroom (toilet and stepless shower). Access to balcony.
Upstairs:
Bedroom 6: 3 standard height single beds ensuite (toilet and shower)
Bedroom 7: 1 double bed - standard height - shares above ensuite, Access to balcony and outside stairs.