The Kilns

  As we head into autumn, it’s time to start thinking about places to snuggle up for a romantic weekend away. Set on a working cattle stud in Ovens Valley, in the snow country of north-east Victoria, The Kilns overlooks 15 acres of grapevines – a gorgeous location for a gumbooted wander.

For much of last century, the property was a tobacco farm. In 2006, the current owners converted the tobacco kilns into Cavedon’s Kilnhouse (above), self-contained accommodation featuring two large living areas clad in washed grey pine; a master bedroom with king-size bed, ensuite and spa; as well as two more bedrooms – one with a king-size bed, the other with two singles that join to make another king. It can accommodate six guests in total. Wood fires, heated floors and a drying cabinet for ski gear make this the perfect spot for a few couples to get together and rent out. A second, two-bedroom lodge, Chinaman’s Kilnhouse (right), was built from scratch in a separate paddock in 2009. Both kilnhouses have comfy country-chic interiors and big windows to capture the views.

The property is 65km from the ski fields of Mount Hotham, 75km from Falls Creek and 35km from Mount Buffalo. It may be a little further away from the ski runs than you’d normally consider, but its private location makes it a covetable place in which to chill out.

The Details
Where Just off the Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah, 11km from Bright, Vic.
Notes From $300 per night per couple. Breakfast packages with local produce cost an extra $20 per person.
Contact 0408 553 332; kilnhouse.com.au