Escape to a quiet mudbrick cottage on the edge of Muckleford Forest, just 12 minutes from Castlemaine. Set on 20 peaceful off-grid acres, with bushland, a dam and starry night skies, it’s a place to slow down and unwind.
Spend your days by the water, fire up the pizza oven, toast marshmallows by the firepit, or explore nearby walking and mountain bike tracks. Ideal for couples, small families, and guests travelling with dogs, with cosy nights by the wood fire and slow mornings on the verandah.
The space
The cottage is a cosy mudbrick retreat designed for slow days close to nature. With warm textured walls, timber ceilings and leadlight windows, it has an open-plan living space that feels simple, character-filled and relaxing. Set beside the dam on 20 peaceful off-grid acres at the edge of Muckleford Forest, it’s a comfortable base for couples, small families or friends looking to unwind, explore and enjoy the outdoors.
The bedroom has a queen bed and a double bed in the same room, both with comfortable mattresses, quality bedding and a choice of pillows. When only one bed is needed, the double is prepared as a daybed for reading, stretching out or an afternoon nap. As both beds are in the one bedroom, the cottage is best suited to couples, small families or friends comfortable sharing the same sleeping space.
Inside, you’ll find a leather couch, comfy chair, dining table, books, games, a bluetooth speaker and a guitar. There’s no TV by design, inviting a slower pace and more connection, though Wi-Fi is available. In cooler months, the wood heater keeps the cottage cosy, with firewood provided.
The kitchen is small but well equipped for easy holiday cooking, with a gas stove and oven, toaster, electric grill, bar fridge with freezer compartment, Nutribullet blender and a Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus with milk wand. We provide a selection of Nespresso pods, locally roasted ground coffee, tea, full cream milk and basic pantry essentials, along with a French press and moka pot for slower mornings.
The bathroom is basic but clean, with a step-in shower, toilet and hand basin. Towels and basic toiletries are provided.
Life here flows easily between the cottage and the outdoors. The verandah and entertaining area include an outdoor dining table, picnic table, hammock, gas BBQ with wok burner and a woodfired pizza oven, prepared by your hosts with tips provided for use. Down by the dam you’ll find relaxing chairs, a picnic table, a tyre swing and a firepit for stargazing evenings by the water. There is also a kayak and small rowboat available for paddling on the dam, with life jackets available on request.
Guests also have access to a bush-style tennis and basketball area with basic equipment provided. Walking tracks begin straight from the property, with shorter loops as well as longer walks to places including the Red White and Blue Goldmine and Muckleford Nature Reserve. We’re also happy to share tailored local recommendations, from walks and viewpoints to cafes, markets, live music and things to do in the area.
The property is alive with nature. From the cottage and garden you’ll often spot a wide variety of birds, hear frogs, and see regular kangaroo visits. If you’re lucky, you may also come across wallabies, echidnas, sugar gliders or phascogales — and it’s not uncommon to wake to the sound of laughing kookaburras.
We love welcoming dogs. They’re welcome inside and can enjoy the outdoor spaces off lead under supervision. There is a large fenced house-yard area, though the fence has board gaps, so very small dogs or determined escape artists may still get through. An XL dog crate can be provided on request, and we supply a dog bowl and dog towel — just bring your dog’s bedding and make sure muddy or wet dogs are cleaned and dried before coming inside.
Being off-grid is part of the experience here — not as a compromise, but as part of the slower rhythm of the place. It’s a stay for guests who value nature, outdoor living and the simple comfort of a quiet country escape.
Guest access
The cottage is set on our 20-acre property, with its own private outdoor area and guest access to the dam and surrounding spaces. Our home is nearby, separated by gardens and trees, so the cottage feels peaceful and private.
The driveway is shared, and you may see us near our home, but we are respectful of guests’ space and do not use the cottage, entertaining area, dam area or tennis court during your stay.
Guests can arrive directly to the unlocked cottage for a simple self check-in. A key is available in the cottage if you’d like to lock up during your stay.
Other things to note
The cottage is part of our off-grid property, which is part of its charm and slower pace. It is comfortably set up for everyday use, including lighting, Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances and normal device charging. We do ask guests to use water thoughtfully and note that EV charging is not available at the cottage. A high chair can be provided on request.
Being right on the edge of Muckleford Forest, the property is home to abundant birdlife, frogs, kangaroos and other native wildlife. As with any bush setting, you may also come across insects, spiders and other small creatures from time to time.
Firewood is provided for the indoor wood heater and the firepit by the dam. The woodfired pizza oven is prepared by your hosts, and we’re happy to share a few tips for using it. Any outdoor fires are subject to seasonal conditions and local fire restrictions.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs are welcome inside, but not in the bedroom or on furniture. Please bring your dog’s bedding, and make sure dogs are clean and dry before coming indoors. An XL crate can be provided on request. Small dogs or determined escape artists may be able to get through gaps in the fencing, and dogs may only be left unattended by prior arrangement.
We’re also happy to share tailored local recommendations before or during your stay, from walks and viewpoints to cafes, markets, live music and other local highlights.
