Settlers’ Cottage at Ampersand Estates, c. 1875
History
Utterly charming and oozing with history, Settlers’ Cottage was built in the 1870s as the ancestral home of a Scottish family who settled in the beautiful Donnelly River valley as cattle and sheep farmers. Nestled on the historic Ampersand Estates, the Settlers’ Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in the Pemberton wine region.
Once known to the family as ‘Aunty Rosie’s house’, Settlers’ Cottage features 150-year-old jarrah floorboards with their own stories to tell. Milled from the tall timbers of Pemberton, these boards have recently had a homecoming after a century-and-a-half underfoot at the old Fremantle woolstores. High ceilings, original wall panelling, and a wide wraparound verandah make this an idyllic historic country escape.
Accommodation
Lovingly restored, Settlers’ Cottage has two elegantly furnished bedrooms, with views over the verandahs and one main bathroom, making it the perfect stay for couples or small groups of up to four. It’s also the ideal family retreat, with cots and highchairs available on request. The large stone bath is made for long soaks, with vegan, cruelty-free bath products from local Western Australian brand Somic, including bespoke products made with botanicals from the Estate’s very own single harvest Rainfall Distillery - Australia’s first.
With a full eat-in kitchen and beautiful gas stove you’re welcome to cook up a gourmet meal, or for casual outdoor dining there’s a BBQ with a view. You may like to add a country style breakfast basket to your stay, which includes farm fresh eggs, local milk, butter, cheeses, yoghurt and other seasonal produce.
The double gas fireplace is at the heart of Settlers’ Cottage, positioned in the original 130-year old hearth, fronting both the kitchen and the stylishly decorated living room, which also features a large sofa and cosy armchairs. Spend mornings and late afternoons on the cottage’s wrapround verandah, with stunning sunset views over rolling vineyards.
Your stay also includes a cellar door experience - just a short stroll from the cottage - plus complimentary wines and artisanal spirits crafted on site. After wine tasting, why not return to your accommodation & curl up in front of the fireplace with a book and glass of your favourite wine from the cellar door.
Special Features
WiFi
Families Welcome
Cellar Door
Vineyard Views
Things To Do
Settlers’ Cottage is located a little over 300 kilometres south of Perth, amongst national parks and close to the region’s fabled old growth forests… a road trip you’ll never forget. If you can bear to leave your accommodation, your host Ryan is only too happy to share his tips for things to do, including enjoying a gourmet picnic with regional produce in the grounds of the Estate, a private river cruise (with a picnic hamper to enjoy where the river mouth meets the spectacular Southern Ocean) truffle hunts, wine tours to whiskey bars, four-wheel-driving adventures, and even meals created by your own private chef. With a wide range of incredible unspoilt natural destinations nearby, Ampersand Estates have compiled their own must-visit list - read more here.
