Romantic getaway

Indoor spa, Private living and recreation areas ,

Guests at St Andrews Talbot are provided with a bottle of local, Amherst Winery wines to help to unwind over.

Holiday house

But the twist or two is not in Talbots's past or present, not its winding streets. It is in St Andrews itself.

St Andrews is a simple Gothic former house of worship, an 1864 landmark from the bypass road. Its soaring interior is crowned with a splendid timber ceiling, lovingly handcrafted and as fresh as the day it was built.

The building has been carefully conserved with its airiness and heritage respected. Outside, meditate by the Japanese rock garden, or watch one of Victoria's largest wind farms quietly generate electricity.

Opening the original front door reveals the first twist - a stunning Chinese screen, carved and gilded more than 150 years ago and mounted on the rich red vestibule walls to display its intricacy to perfection.

There are two spacious living areas and all the modern conveniences of stereo, television and DVD players.
St Andrews' brilliant acoustics are perfect for lounging with a good book while music of your choice resounds around you.

The new open plan kitchen is well-organised with a cooktop and oven and the large, glass-topped dining table seats eight with ease in comfort and splendour. Adding another oriental touch is the superb Qing Dynasty Imperial robe overlooking the dining area.

Feng shui has influenced the inner sanctum with its cleverly conceived dividers of ranks of well stocked bookshelves. In turn, these and folding screens reveal two bedrooms: one king size; the other two large singles; and both with crisp linen - perfect retreats. Two folding beds can be added to sleep additional children.

The former vestry now houses a roomy bathroom with separate shower and double spa bath - a 'play room' in its own right.

For longer stays, a fully-equipped laundry is cunningly concealed.

Throughout, St Andrews is furnished with paintings, artwork and rugs collected by the owners in Asia, particularly Vietnam and China.

Languages spoken: Chinese(Conversation)  English(Conversation)  Japanese(Conversation)  vietnamese(Conversation)

"The Verdict: Take a pew - there are still two inside the entrance at St Andrews - for a weekend with a difference. A beautifully restored 19th century church with all mod cons and an Asian twist, in a region full of history." The Age "Short Breaks", 16th September, 2006

Locality

All in all, St Andrews is a cosy escape for a mid-week or weekend retreat from hustle and bustle to the tranquillity of the country. It is also the ideal base for a longer stay to explore the outstanding wineries of the Pyrenees, the beauty and difference of Paddy's Rages National Park, the box and ironbark forests and the rich history of gold country with the other Villages of the Old Goldfields, which include nearby Clunes and Creswick.

The Talbot Farmers Market is a must-see on the third Sunday of every month when local produce from around the region is available for sale.

Property

Selected as one of the 52 weekends away in "The Good Weekend", and reviewed in "Coxy's Big Break", Channel 9's "Postcards", and "The Age".

A breakfast hamper is provided with orange juice, bacon, local free range eggs, milk, bottled water, a selection of cereals, tea and coffee is provided. Dinner is available from the local pub, a very short walk away, and tasty brunches and lunches are served at the local cafe.

Holiday experiences

Accessible, Adult retreat, Family Friendly, Gay & Lesbian friendly, Heritage Trail, Luxury, Romantic getaway, Wine Appreciation

Facilities

Accept MasterCard, Accept VISA, Bath, BBQ - Gas, Books/Magazines Supplied, CD Player, Continental breakfast provisions supplied, DVD, Ensuite, Fans (ceiling/standard), Kitchen, Laundry facilities, Linen supplied, No smoking, Spa Bath, Stereo, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Television, Videos/DVDs Supplied, Wheelchair accessible facilities

Accessible

Step or lip exists to the entry door, Shower has shower bars and a moveable shower head, Chairs are permitted in the shower, Door frames are wider to suit wheelchairs, Unimpeded wheelchair access from car parking to the property, Some stairs, described below, Toilet is big enough to fit a wheelchair.

There is only one step to get into the property and then the entire property has no steps. The toilet and shower does not have a rail but both are very large and easily accessible. We have a disabled bathing chair in the bathroom which can also be placed in the shower.

Adult retreat

Property not suitable for children, Tranquil and quiet with no interruptions, Privacy from other guests in living and activity areas, Adult-oriented activities - see description for details..

St Andrews Talbot is in the middle of the Pyrenees wine region providing access to some of Victoria's finest wineries.

Family Friendly

Portacot available, Games/videos for children under 5 available, Games/videos for children between 5 and 12 available, Games/videos for children over 12 available, Fenced/safe outdoor play area

Gay & Lesbian friendly

Offers a high degree of privacy, All guests welcome

Heritage Trail

Property is itself a heritage building, Heritage buildings nearby.

St Andrews Talbot is a 150 year old former-Presbyterian church located in the old, gold town of Talbot. All of the buildings in the street are original Gold Rush-era buildings and the post office on the corner is Victoria's oldest operating post office. It is situated around the corner from the Talbot Historical Society which has a fascinating display dating back to when Talbot was an important town in the Victorian goldfields.

Luxury

Luxury ensuite bathrooms, Expansive views

Romantic getaway

Indoor spa, Private living and recreation areas.

Guests at St Andrews Talbot are provided with a bottle of local, Amherst Winery wines to help to unwind over.

Wine Appreciation

Winery tour available as part of accommodation package, Winery tours available nearby.

St Andrews Talbot is located in the heart of the Pyrenees wine region. The closest winery, Amherst Winery is owned by the proprietor's family, and the cellar door is a short stroll around the corner in Talbot's main street. A bottle of the family's wines from nearby Amherst is provided to guests. A tour of the vineyard and winery can be arranged on request.

Availability

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