australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
HOLMWOOD GUESTHOUSE
COWES, PHILLIP ISLAND
Holmwood Guesthouse is seven minutes stroll from Cowes main street, the beach and the much-walked, much-fished jetty. Several years ago, owners Serena and Eric carefully transformed this once-modest Federation-era cottage into a delightful B&B, complete with neat café-style restaurant. Arrive in time for afternoon tea and you’re sure to be warmly greeted by your amiable hosts and warmed further by Eric’s cakes and excellent expresso. Arrive on a chilly winter’s day and a warming log fire will be burning in the lounge; summery weather heralds al fresco courtyard dining and a wander through the flower-filled garden.
The guesthouse has three impeccably-maintained bed and breakfast rooms (pictured left) each with ensuite; and guests have a comfy lounge to use. Alongside Holmwood are two near-new luxury cottages (lower left) with lounge area, kitchenette, air-con, ensuite (one with spa) and courtyard. Also available are two modern 2-bedroomed apartments suited to families or two couples.
Holmwood’s licensed dining room is one of the best on the island and is open only for guests. Fresh local fish is regularly on the menu; Eric is chef-trained, and uses produce home-grown or sourced from island suppliers. Breakfasts are a specialty too: try the birchermeusli before taking on free-range eggs, locally baked bread and home made preserves.
Apart from penguins, koalas and seals, a visit to historic Churchill Island is worthwhile.
WHERE: cnr Chapel and Steele Streets, Cowes, Phillip Island. It is 135km and about 100 minutes drive from the city.
HOW MUCH: from $190 bed and full breakfast per night. Best deal is the $525 package for one night’s dinner (for two), two nights B&B and 2 island nature passes.
CONTACT: Phone (03)5952 3082.
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
