Dubuque Bed & Breakfast, c. 1887
Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3
The story of Dubuque Bed & Breakfast began on the other side of the world, in the small village of Hazel Green, Wisconsin USA, where Geelong-raised John Trengrove married Miss Sara Barnett in 1873. John worked as a draper in Bright & Hitchcocks, Geelong, then London, and finally Chicago where he met Sara. They lost all their possessions in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, and soon after marrying, decided to start a new life in Australia.
Dubuque is a town not far from Hazel Green, situated on the Mississippi River. As Numurkah is situated on Broken Creek, which feeds into the Murray River, it’s likely that Sara’s new home reminded her of Dubuque - hence the name of the main brick residence, that was completed in 1887.
Since then, Dubuque has been home to only two families since. Owners & hosts Christine Matthews and Duncan McPherson purchased the property from the Trengrove family in 2013. They undertook a significant restoration of the home over several years, retaining its rich heritage beauty - including the original doors & windows, interior woodwork, six ornate fireplace surrounds and seven chimneys, 13 foot pressed metal ceilings, baltic pine floors, and front door with stunning leadlight. Even the clawfoot bath is original to the home, and has been fully restored for guests’ use.
The main house sleeps four guests - there are two spacious bedrooms with beautiful fireplaces, and queen beds fitted with quality cotton & linen bedding. Families are welcome, and a portacot is available upon request. Each bedroom has access to its own bathroom, with luxurious bath sheets, scented candles, and complimentary range of products from The White Company.
Originally the gardener’s shed & maids quarters, the living area with original open fireplace is now a spacious living area. Bright and airy throughout, open up the French doors with views out onto the courtyard garden & fountain. Choose a book from the library and relax on one of the leather Chesterfield sofas with a drink, watch a movie, or play a board game or two.
Enjoy breakfast in the formal dining room with antique furniture, or on sunny days, outside in the garden. Your traditional, full breakfast includes award-winning bacon, eggs, tomato, mushrooms, and chipolata sausages on locally-made ciabatta. Or if you prefer there’s muesli & yogurt, and for sweet tooths, Belgium waffles with berries, ice cream and maple syrup! Also included is barista coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juice, with gluten free, vegetarian & vegan options all catered for.
Perfect for solo travellers, or couples looking for a cosy, romantic getaway, Dubuque Bed & Breakfast also offers separate accommodation in charming Wisteria Cottage, with queen bedroom & its own bathroom. Built prior to 1887, the Trengroves lived here while their main brick residence was being constructed.
As part of your stay, you’ll find little extras like chocolates, and fresh flowers from local flower farms dotted throughout the rooms. If you’d like gourmet platters and a selection of wines added to your experience, your hosts are happy to arrange this for you - perfect for girls weekends or special occasions. The surrounding gardens, with mature trees, rose bushes and flowering plants are yours to enjoy…picnic on the lawn with a cheese platter & glass of wine, or simply sit back on the verandah and soak up the slower pace of life in this peaceful country town.
Special Features
WiFi
Full Breakfast
Open Fireplace
Antique Decor
Things To Do
Part of the traditional Yorta Yorta lands, Numurkah is around 2.5 hours from Melbourne, and in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. From your accommodation, stroll to the town centre for shopping, cafes, three historic hotels dating to the late 1800s, and whiskey bar. Numurkah is a relaxed town, with its own 18 hole golf course, lawn bowls, public swimming pool, and several parks and reserves. At sunset, take one of the walking tracks along picturesque Broken Creek that runs through the town. Within a 30 minute drive, visit the Shepparton Art Museum, Cactus Country, the North East Silo Art Trail, the Murray Farm Gate Trail, and the magnificent Murray River.
