Pin Oak House is a unique Victorian renovated cottage with a French inspired interior ensconced in a French style garden of lush greenery, stone masonry and artisan ironwork. It's centrally located and a five minute walk to the French Patisserie where you can buy the perfect croissant. It’s a lovely place to retreat to after exploring the Victorian High Country.
The space
Pin Oak house is one of the oldest houses in Mansfield and was restored by a local artist and craftsman. It has been a joint project with my son and co host, Oscar, who has completed a Bachelor of Design at Melbourne University and is currently completing his Master of Urban Planning. The garden was designed as a retreat where you leave the street behind. It has a distinctly French feel and we have furnished the inside of the house to reflect this. It is our third Listed Air BnB house. Our places are surrounded by beautiful gardens in town or by rolling farm land. All have a distinctive tree and are good for the soul!
It is located on one of the oldest and main streets of Mansfield and is centrally located. It is a five minute walk to our French patisserie where you will be greeted by Amanda and I recommend getting a baguette for lunch and some fresh croissants for breakfast!
As you open the artisan front gates you may hear the sound of the resident chickens - Ella, Bella and Stella. They came with the house as permanent residents and are well looked after. Feel free to collect the eggs.
As you enter the front verandah you will pass a pretty front garden with a pond and fish. Through the front door you are greeted by a hallway with bedrooms on either side. We have provided French linen on the beds with beautiful St Albans mohair rugs to ensure a cosy night sleep. The bedrooms look out to the pretty front garden.
Through the hallway is the sitting room with linen sofas and Morris and co roman blinds. There is a fireplace to warm up next to with a book and a glass of wine on Winter evenings and a cosy place to gather with family and friends. There is also a smart TV above the fireplace and plenty of room to lie back on the sofa and watch a movie. Please note that firewood is only available through the cooler months of the Ist of April until the 1st of September.
Off the sitting room is a lovely bedroom that looks out on the courtyard through French windows.
As continue you on there is a formal dining room to gather around after preparing a feast. It looks out on French doors through a communal space with easy access to the kitchen. The artist who helped design the garden was also a chef and has designed functional well equipped kitchen with views of the garden. It has an Asko dishwasher and a walk in pantry.
There is a dedicated work space off the kitchen - it's also a nice nook for a cup of tea in the morning!
The laundry is located off the dining room and has an Asko washing machine. It also has plenty of room to store skis and ski boots. You access the bathroom through the laundry. It is a lovely space and privately located from the living areas.
You can head out the French doors to the verandah for some quiet contemplation or head out to the gravel garden under the Pin Oak to play Bocce. There is also a vegetable patch and herbs. Feel free to pick something if it is in season.
This is a peaceful house with a beautiful garden and we are very grateful to the people who created it. We look forward to sharing it with others.
Guest access
The house is well located with local facilities within walking distance. There is plenty of room for off street parking. There is also a local taxi service available.
Other things to note
There is also a pond with fish in it and a cover. Just be aware of the pond with young children around.
