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Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Interior
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel cot, free WiFi

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 62368 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath

*STAYZ AWARDS 2022 : Bootmakers Birregurra. Bronze Medal.
Rated the third best Australian Holiday Home for 2022*

*Kitchen featured in Australian Country Style Magazine 2021*
*Cottage and property featured in WONEN Land elijke Stijl Magazine. Netherlands and Belgium September 2022*


Bootmakers Cottage Birregurra, is a delightful heritage cottage, named in honour of bootmaker and saddler James Townsend who first built the simple dwelling along with a shop and stables around 1864. Like the township in which it proudly sits, Bootmakers Cottage is rich in history and character, and has been lovingly restored to evoke the simple and warm pleasures of Victoria's pioneering past.

Bootmakers Cottage offers the best of two worlds:

Step out the back door and you are in the country - a large red-brick courtyard set amongst a cottage garden with birches, a huge oak tree, box hedges, grape vine, olives, citrus and herbs, giving way to a huge half acre block perfect for those who travel with pets. It’s impossible to go past the outdoor bathroom and an old cast iron bathtub, and our guests love to indulge in a hot bubble bath under the stars at their very first opportunity. An outdoor hammock swings amongst the lavender and birches for lazy afternoons; a handmade wooden stage also doubles as an undercover sun lounge area, and as the sun drops and the cockatoos screech overhead, an outdoor barbeque or home-cooked meal around an alfresco dinner party table under festoon lights, followed by warm conversation beside a roaring fire in the central fire pit, completes a simple and timeless pleasure. The old stables and bootmakers workshop have been converted into a fabulous bar and retreat, well set up to occupy all members of the family, with darts, board games and toys. Bootmakers is truly a country home outdoor living delight.

Step out the front door and you are right in the middle of Main Street - the historic commercial centre of Birregurra, an old mill town built on the banks of the Barwon River and beside a train line branch where the old "Tiger Trail" train once ran up to the mountains to bring back logs for milling. It's easy to imagine stepping back in time to the 1800’s and the stores being sadleries, grain stores, bakeries, tailors and blacksmiths. Today, cafes, a bakery, antique shops, and local wine and produce stores, and a great old pub complete the Main Street. Guests tell us they love daydreaming about living in this small country town both in yesteryear and also today. Buildings in the main street have been lovingly restored and the streetscape has hardly been changed in over 100 years. The town is idyllic, yet feels a little undiscovered. Don’t be surprised if you wake to the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread drifting in from the Otway Artisan, literally next door.

Being just over 90 minutes from Melbourne, and 30 minutes to the stunning Great Ocean Road, Birregurra is perfectly positioned in the hinterland and foothills of The Otway Ranges - beautiful in all seasons with towering mountain ash and ferny understory. The area is well-known for its award-winning food and wine as well as pristine rainforests, abundant bird life and beaches just down the road.

Everything you need to know

Sleep
· Bootmakers Cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms
· Two queen bedrooms
· A third bedroom with two king single beds

Amenities
· Wood fired heater, with wood supply included
· Air conditioner/split system in lounge room
· WiFi (unlimited data) and Smart TV
· Italian style stovetop coffee maker and French press
· Basic provisions including olive oil, spices, tea, coffee, cling-wrap, etc
· Outdoor iron bath & fire pit
. Outdoor washroom which has a second toilet and sink (and second rustic shower).
· Alfresco dining area, outdoor lounges, BBQ and dedicated bar
· Hammock
· Games room


Functions
Bootmakers Cottage is available for functions up to 150 people. Please reach out to us with your plans, so we can discuss how we can work together on your special event. Functions are not booked through AirBnB.

The finer details
Our rates are based on four guests, additional guests attract a rate of $50 per person, per night.

Bed linen, towels and cleaning are included in our nightly rate. Beds made up for you on arrival as per your requirements, so please just let us know in advance if you have any preferences.

Pets are welcome to join you for your stay at Bootmakers Cottage, but we do ask that you keep them off the furniture. The property is fenced, but not escape proof, so please do not rely on your dog being contained. Chickens and ducks live next door and often visit the cottage.

Guests with Telstra or any carriers using the Telstra network will enjoy excellent reception. However, Optus and any carriers relying on the Optus network may experience limited or no reception at the property and in Birregurra. Our Wi-Fi now offers unlimited data, ensuring seamless connectivity should you want it throughout your stay.

Please no smoking inside, or candles.

Please familiarise yourself with our postponement & cancellation terms and conditions before booking.

Property manager

Fleur Leslie

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limo/town car service
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,368 square feet

Similar properties

Exterior

"76MAIN" - Birregurra

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 97 reviews
"76MAIN" - Birregurra

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

222603

About the area

Map
Birregurra, VIC

What's nearby

  • Lake Ayrey Wildlife Reserve - 8 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Lake Colac - 17 min drive - 20.7 km
  • Lorne - Queenscliff Coastal Reserve - 38 min drive - 44.1 km
  • Erskine Falls - 52 min drive - 55.7 km
  • Anglesea Surf Beach - 54 min drive - 71.1 km

Getting around

  • Birregurra Station - 12 min walk
  • Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Royal Mail Hotel Birregurra - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Sweet Thyme Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Brae - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Otway Artisan Gluten Free - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Birregurra Farm Foods & Provedore - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath located?

This family-friendly Birregurra holiday home is located in a rural location, 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Lake Ayrey Wildlife Reserve, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Colac Botanic Gardens and Lake Colac. Gentle Annie Berry Gardens and Great Otway National Park are also within 12 miles (20 km). Birregurra Station is 12 minutes by foot.

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Bootmakers Cottage : Rear Stables, Bar, Fire Pit & Outdoor Bath Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Barbara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Heritage Property & Perfect Location!

The bootmakers cottage is beautiful and we loved the old world charm of this house! The house was lovely and clean and the beds were very comfortable. We definitely made use of the outdoor bathtub which was perfect treat on the cooler nights to unwind and relax after touring the area, The outdoor spaces were lovely but were a little untidy and to be honest, I'm not sure who would use the outdoor bathroom as it is very 'rustic'. The location is perfect with cafes, pubs and coffee next door or a short stroll up the street. it is also close enough to explore the Otways. Overall this is a perfect house in a lovely country town and we really enjoyed our weekend away.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Bootmakers Cottage

A wonderful, charming property located in a beautiful country town with lots to explore. Loved the attention to detail and appreciated the welcoming local provisions provided. A fabulous break for us all.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Beautiful

Our stay was amazing. The house had everything we needed and the additional local produce left for us was a nice touch. Totally recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint cottage

We had a lovely time in this little cottage with two young families - very peaceful, beautiful outdoor areas, and surprisingly comfortable even when fitted out authentically to its 19th century origins.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Helen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Plenty of character

Lovely property on Main Street in the small town of Birregurra. Bedrooms a good size and comfortable. Plenty of nice decorative touches add to the character of the home and great outdoor space. Dog friendly!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carla P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birregurra Tea House

Our stay at the Tea house was an awesome experience and the rooms and the house were very comfortable, the quirky shower was a hit with everyone. I loved the heritage aspect of the house and the layout was fantastic for a family group and fantastic that our Greyhound could come along with us for our stay. Great situation being on the main strip in town. We would definitely stay here again and would recommend the Tea house to family and friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Krystal D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bookmakers escape

Bootmakers Cottage is a gorgeous little place right in the heart of the town. Perfect for a relaxing few days with the family cosy by the fire.. While the town is quiet at the beginning of the week, we still found it busy enough to chat to the locals and the general store has literally everything you need! The cottage grounds are so pretty and would be perfect for an small wedding or event. Loved it
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This cottage is a gem

Bootmakers is cosy, warm and full of character - rustic, quirky, full of vintage curios and surprising discoveries. Owners have thought of everything guests could possibly need, including ample breakfast provisions and pantry staples. Located in the centre of the lovely little township - with gastropub and shops a short walk away, and a short drive from the wonderful Brae restaurant. Would love to go back when the weather is warmer to take better advantage of the large courtyard out the back with its bar and other facilities - also rustic and full of character. A special place - highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bootmaker’s Cottage

Arriving at the Bootmaker’s Cottage, circa 1861 you are immediately greeted by a mid-Victorian cottage with its dollhouse like appearance with gingerbread features such as the white picket fence and fretwork. As we stood admiring the entrance we were momentarily distracted by the enticing ‘backduft’ wafting from the ovens of the Otway Artisan Bakery next door. The enticing scent of freshly baked bread that fills the air evoking powerful, pleasant memories of childhood. A great location for breakfast and/or lunch if you are feeling lazy and don’t want to make your own. Which is difficult considering the generous supplies provided by our host, Fleur. Orange juice, milk, thick bacon, local eggs, crusty bread, jam and every other condiment you may need. Buildings, like people, have stories to tell about their community’s and the past. Embedded in this historic structure and gardens are traces of past lives that are clues to how our ancestors lived, and how life today evolved. The cottage reflects the mid-Victorian theme of greater emphasis on ornamentation and stylised design. It is welcoming, cosy and comfortable. With a wealth of memorabilia and folklore displayed from the front doorstep and beyond provides fertile material to wonder what it was like to live nearly two hundred years ago. The cottage is ideally located as a base to explore Birregurra and beyond. Thank-you Fleur for arranging our stay and assisting us with any inquiry we had during our time here.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deb C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply perfect

We had need of a property in the local area and Fleur was fantastic- helped us arrange dates that would work for us. On arrival the property exceeded our expectations- the photos are great but they don’t do it justice. Everything you need and more. The beds are deliciously comfortable and the interior decor is a gorgeous mix of period features with contemporary utility. The cottage was spotlessly clean and beautifully presented inside and out and the service we received was superb. Definitely on our ‘must return’ list.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Place in Birre

Cannot think of a better place to stay in Birregurra - right on Main St - breakfast cafe two doors down, pub for dinner five doors up, great vintage shops in between - Fleur our host could not have been more helpful and friendly with local advice and contacts - and we have 'nt even mentioned Brae yet down the road ( magnificent !) Could not recommend The Tea House more highly - Michael, Tony and Hank( the Westie)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Travis C.

Great weekend, old school feel and very cosy!

We really liked our stay at the Tea House. Fluer was a great host. The place was lovely and cosy and not far from Brae for our lunch. The Royal Mail is just meters down the road if you are looking a nice dinner. Plenty of good coffee close by too. Birregurra is a great quiet weekend away for anyone. The Tea House also has plenty of options for entertaining and keeping warm around multiple fires.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sandra T.

Excellent, well-located house.

There was a very nice internal ambiance to the house which was handily located within the pleasant township. The living and sleeping areas were spacious and well-furnished and the external area was tidy and well set up. Even though we were there on two extremely hot days the air conditioner in the sitting/dining area was very efficient. The shower was excellent! The hammock, alpacas, the ladybird’s tree and the visiting lizard kept the children well-occupied. Good location for dining at Brae. The local car service recommended as transport to and from the restaurant was friendly and efficient.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Fantastic property to go away with friends /family

There is such charm to this place, right from the street frontage, inside the home and even in the outdoor entertaining area. You feel like you are stepping back in time to an era gone by, where things were a little bit more simpler and you instantly feel yourself start to relax! This home can easily accommodate two families (4 children and 4 adults). You are right on the main street of Birregara and a very short stroll to get your morning coffee or brunch or simply just to browse at the shops. The outdoor entertaining area is great at night for pizza, BBQs whilst listening to music or enjoying a wine or two! Would highly recommend!

10/10 Excellent

Matthew T.

Great house, great location, friendly and accomodating management - highly recommend!

We found the house to be very different and interesting. Heaps for the kids to do with games for indoors and plenty of space for outdoors activities. Being on the main street, the morning coffee is just next door and everything you need is a short stroll away. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Clare C.

A fantastic place for a relaxing getaway

We had a fabulous time at the Tea House. The cottage is beautifully restored with everything you could want for a relaxing break. The kids loved the games room and we all loved roasting marshmallows at the fire pit. Fleur is a lovely host and her friendly communication made us feel very welcome. Highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Monique C.

Brilliant place to stay and perfectly central!

Brilliant place to stay, perfectly central and great outdoor space, perfect for cool nights, wine and some marshmallows over the fire.

10/10 Excellent

Deirdre L.

Great little house. Courtyard & firepit were a great place to sit around & relax.

Great house close to Brae restaurant. Fleur was easy to deal with & had everything arranged for us eg taxis from the restaurant to the house & fire set for when we arrived. House was cosy & the facilities were a bonus. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H., Cambewell

Charming country town retreat

What a find! Perfectly located in the quaint, historic town of Birregurra which is central to the foodies trail. This charismatic cottage is lovingly appointed and its layout offers great flexibility - for couples and families. After a day of exploring and eating, it's a welcoming place to come home to relax and recharge. Would thoroughly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Alison O.

Excellent and spotless.

Birregurra Tea house is perfectly situated in the town and close to the beauties of The Otways, The Great Ocean Road and rich countryside. It is an original house, beautifully restored. Everything has been thought of, while the big courtyard, fire pit and recreation room makes it ideal for entertaining and children.

10/10 Excellent

Stuart G.

We loved the cottage. It was beyond expectations

The Tea House was a lovely old house in the heart of the town. We especially enjoyed the wood fire heater, it make the stay cosy and snug

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

Relaxing long weekend away

We absolutely loved our stay at the Birregurra Tea House, we only stayed 3 nights but it was so relaxing it felt like a week! The house was exactly as described online and located on the main street, we really loved Birregurra Farm Foods where we stocked up on comfort food for the weekend, it also served yummy wood fired pizzas on the Friday night. We found the property managers incredibly easy to deal with and you could tell the owners had put a lot of effort in to fixing up this old gorgeous house and creating a home away from home. We had plenty of wood to warm up for a very cold weekend away and loved the original fireplace. We would definitely recommend staying here to others and would love to return again with our extended family. Thank you for having us!

10/10 Excellent

Shari M.

Charming Cottage on the Main Street

My first visit to Birregurra and was lucky to get to stay at this charming tea house cottage. It was perfectly located on the main street which made it convenient to walk to the shops and cafes. The cottage itself was spacious, warm and very comfortable. The charm of the space is everything I love about staying at Dufflebird Properties. I would definitely recommend staying at the tea house if your planning a trip to or around Birregurra.

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

What a fabulous space! A perfect weekend escape.

The cottage is beautifully presented and a wonderful escape from the city. A charming living and dining room together with the large outdoor space made it easy to relax and entertain. A highlight was sitting outside at night with a glass of wine, stargazing by the fire pit, whilst listening to our favorite music through the awesome sound system. The house is very clean and thoughtfully furnished, with lovely bright bedrooms that invite you in. The attention detail is fabulous, and we felt at home as soon as we arrived. Situated in a fabulous location, perfect for exploring Birregurra's main street including the general store, an artisan bakery and many quaint shops. The cottage managers were wonderful and arranged car service to Brae for our group which was very convenient. And we loved the welcome note and bottle of local wine left by the owner for us to enjoy on our arrival! So glad we chose to stay at the Tea House! Very conveniently located to Brae and the Otway's beautiful forests, lakes and beaches nearby. All of which we explored by car from 'home base' at the Birregurra Tea House. I have recommended the Tea House to all my friends!

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

Historically fasinating

The Birregurra Tea House is a lovely cottage. Very convenient location, being in the main street, to just wander down to the bakery and explore the town. This was the first time we have stayed at a cottage/property so we weren't really sure what to expect but wasn't disappointed. Upon arrival the cottage was neat and clean with soft fluffy towels folded up on the end of the freshly made beds. I love old cottages, they have a certain charm about them. The Tea House definitely had that. The themed bedrooms were interesting and set up beautifully at the same time. We would have liked more time to enjoy what the property and town but we ran out of time. So we didn't get to enjoy the use the games room and bar etc.. and explore the history of Birregurra. So we are hoping to stay there again next time we are up that way with friends we have told about the cottage. We had a wonderful time just wasn't long enough. Thank you.