The Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld at the base of the Grampians National Park in Victoria is accepting its first reservations for the luxuriously refurbished standalone Deluxe Mount Sturgeon One Bedroom Cottages.
The lavishly-serviced standalone accommodation, designed by esteemed practice Byrne Architects; offers a secluded, highly immersive nature experience steps away from the Grampians (Gariwerd) and access to the hotel’s multi-award-winning food and wine offering.
Three kilometres from the hotel proper, the cottages are set within the serene, 91-hectare Mount Sturgeon Biodiversity Reserve, where bucolic pastoral scenes are punctuated with roaming wallabies and kangaroos.
Retaining the integrity of the 1850s bluestone structures, Byrne Architects’ refurbishment pays homage to the cottages’ origins as shearers’ quarters, emulating the design language of Western Victorian woolsheds with touches of luxury.
“We wanted the spaces to embody the true essence of a cottage experience, creating an environment where you feel like you’re in your own little world,” said Nicholas Bryne, Managing Director of Byrne Architects and a longtime collaborator of Dunkeld Pastoral Co.
“Our design philosophy takes cues from the hotel itself, celebrating a sense of place, Australian character, and exceptional craftsmanship from local and European artisans.”
Elegant furnishings emphasise the raw beauty of the original bluestone walls, with a palette of warm earthy tones, natural textiles and rich timbers accentuating its connection to the outside world. In cooler months, the fireplace is central to the room experience, while summer months draw guests out to an expansive private courtyard, enclosed by nature and overseen by the eternal presence of Wugarri (Mount Sturgeon).
Upon entry, guests are met with the bespoke Sommelier’s Bar, stocked with a complimentary demi-bottle of Champagne and pours of their choice from the Royal Mail Hotel’s 30,000-bottle cellar, selected with guidance from the Royal Mail Hotel wine team. A gourmet mini bar offers Royal Mail Hotel olive oil and candle, chocolates from Audley & Hall in Port Fairy, Chappy’s Chips and a breakfast of seasonal fruit from the Royal Mail orchard, yoghurt, organic granola, freshgly baked croissants and preserves is delivered each morning.
A stay in the Deluxe Mount Sturgeon One Bedroom Cottages includes a tour of the Biodiversity Reserve with the conservation team at feeding time; however, those wishing to experience all the hotel has to offer are encouraged to book the Gariwerd Luxury Escape package, which includes:
A two-night stay in a Deluxe Mount Sturgeon One Bedroom Cottage
One dinner at Wickens at the Royal Mail Hotel for two
One dinner at Parker Street Project
Complimentary transfers from the cottage for dining
Daily in-room breakfast for two
Kitchen garden tour for two
Cellar tutorial
Native wildlife feeding tour for two
The Gariwerd Luxury Escape package is priced at $1,850 for Wednesday-Friday stays and $1,950 for Friday-Sunday stays.
Note, net non-commissionable rates are available to inbound and wholesale trade for domestic and international FIT business.
See royalmail.com.au/.
Lead image: Deluxe Mount Sturgeon One Bedroom Cottage | Credit: Emma Mash
