Bootmaker's Cottage, c. 1864
Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 1
Bootmaker’s Cottage was named in honour of Mr James Townsend, who built the cottage and adjoining stables in 1864. He was a long standing, prominent figure in town - a bootmaker, saddler and horseman. Today, Bootmaker’s Cottage is prominent in its own right, with its charming facade taking pride of place in Birregurra’s main street.
The building has had a few different lives, as a butchery, a surveyors office, and cafe. The current owners have spent time researching the property’s past and months renovating, to bring the cottage’s rich history to life.
Snug and cosy, Bootmaker’s Cottage sleeps up to six guests in 3 bedrooms, two with queen beds and a third with two king singles, with lovely linens, original fireplaces and exposed brickwork. There’s a small lounge room and sweet country kitchen, and the rustic bathroom features a handmade corrugated iron shower.
Throughout the house is evidence of 19th century craftsmanship, with wood-panelled walls, ceiling lining boards, and colonial windows that overlook the sunny rear courtyard. Here, you’ll find an old iron bathtub, so you can bathe in a hot bubble bath under the stars.
Set on a quarter of an acre, you have the best of both worlds - a spacious, private courtyard area with dining table, firepit, and hammock to relax in under the oak tree. Out the front door, step onto the historic main street and its cafes, bakery, antique shops, and local wine and produce stores.
Special Features
Outdoor Bath
Mountain Biking
Indoor Fireplace
Historic Town
Things To Do
Just over 90 minutes from Melbourne, the quaint historic township of Birregurra is one of Victoria’s best preserved towns of the 1800s, with many heritage buildings and churches; the Christ Church c.1874 features a beautiful Ferguson & Urie stained glass window.
Bring your bikes and visit nearby Forrest, with mountain bike trails winding through stunning rainforest. Finish with a decadent hot chocolate at Platypi Chocolate, or a cold beer brewed on site at Forrest Brewery. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the easy walk around Lake Elizabeth of an evening and spot the glow worms. Kids will love tree surfing at Trees Adventure in Yeodene, or climbing the tower in Cape Otway Lighthouse, built in 1848.
For foodies, you can’t go past the degustation menus at Yield, in walking distance from the cottage; and Brae (voted one of the world's 50 best restaurants and one of the finest restaurants in Australia), just out of Birregurra.
