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Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick

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Relax in a serene outdoor space with a patio, wooden table, and bench set, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
Relax in this inviting living room with a brick wall, a large painting, and comfortable armchairs.
Surrounded by lush eucalyptus trees and a well-manicured lawn, this property offers a serene atmosphere.
Enjoy cooking in this well-equipped kitchen with a central island and ample counter space.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this well-appointed room with a spacious bed and a stylish bathroom featuring a vanity and large mirror.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

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

About this property

Entire place

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

Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick

A peaceful retreat, set on 7 acres of land adjoining Kinglake National Park. It is located in a secluded valley in the heart of the Yarra Valley, just a little over an hours drive from Melbourne's CBD.

Our 40 year old mud brick holiday house (which has been recently updated) is full of character and charm and comfortably furnished for groups of up to 8. Four bedrooms, two spacious living areas on 7 acres provides plenty of space for 8 guests both inside and out. A well equipped kitchen and dining table for 8 means you don't even need to go out if a lazy weekend away is what you are after.

Wake to the laugh of the kookaburras (and a kangaroo or two feeding in the paddocks if your early enough) and enjoy an array of birdlife which fill the stringybark gums throughout the day. You will be able to hand feed Nathan, the resident magpie, if you bring a little ham with you and Harry and Apu, the alpacas, love a snack of lucerne (provided). Staying at the Castella Country Retreat is a fabulous way to enjoy the Yarra Valley and the great Australian Bush.

Linen is provided, however you do NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN TOWELS.

Sorry, pets and parties are NOT allowed.
Smoking is NOT permitted inside.
The property is not considered suitable for young children.

There is a lot to do and see in the area, local attractions include:

Wineries & Restaurants
Bush walking in the National Parks
Yerring Station (with farmers market)
Yarra Valley Dairy
Four Pillars Gin Distillery
Tarra Warra Art Museum & Winery
Yara Glen & Healesville Races
St Andrews weekly Saturday market
Brunos Garden Art & Sculpture in Marysville
RACV Country Golf Club
Quaint local towns
Antique shops of Yarra Glen

Otherwise the 7 acres of land provides with you with lots of nature and space to wonder and enjoy.

Property manager

Niki Glynn

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Castella Country Retreat
Castella Retreat Mudbrick
Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick Castella
Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick Private vacation home
31005

About the neighborhood

Map
VIC, Castella

What's nearby

  • De Bortoli - Yarra Valley - 12 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Yarra Valley Chocolaterie - 17 min drive - 20.5 km
  • Yering Station Winery - 22 min drive - 26.1 km
  • Healesville Sanctuary - 30 min drive - 31.8 km
  • Rochford Wines Yarra Valley - 31 min drive - 32.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪De Bortoli Winery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Cappa Rossi's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Sutherland Estate - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Shantell Vineyard Cellar Door - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Dixons Creek Cafe Bar & Grill - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is steps from Kinglake National Park and 1.5 mi (2.5 km) from Kinglake G134 Bushland Reserve. Sutherland Estate Winery and Shantell Vineyard are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Castella Country Retreat - Mudbrick Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10

Lovely location and great house for family to stay. Beautiful peaceful grounds, thanks for having us :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10

Loved our time at the property. Everything we needed was provided and its a very lovely environment.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10

Perfect stay for an extended family Christmas- so many lovely extra touches as the home - the games box, sports equipment and of course feeding the alpacas. Gorgeous!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10

We absolutely loved our time! From the moment we pulled in the drive the kids were so relaxed and just loved the outdoor space. We can’t wait to head back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10

Property was a great size and met the needs of 2 families. Fully equipped kitchen & laumdry. Feeding resident alpacas was a bonus for the kids. Thanks for supplying ample firewood, & matches to keep us warm all weekend.. Highly recommend this as a family escape.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10

Could not fault this beautiful property! Has everything you need and more! Plenty to do for the kids indoors & outdoors. Fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere and warms the whole house. Close to King Lake & Healesville for outings, but far enough away to feel like you have escaped the hustle & bustle. Niki was a great communicator & quick to respond with any info we needed. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10

Enjoyed a wonderful winter girls weekend escape here - cosy and comfortable and in beautiful surroundings. The fireplace and plentiful firewood was very much appreciated as it was freezing inside when we arrived. Take a torch is you’re arriving after dark to locate the keys etc. Note that the main bathroom is the ensuite , with a shower toilet and basin in the laundry. We loved our stay and exploring all the sights of neighbouring Kinglake.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10

Thanks Niki, such a lovely rustic home in great condition. It was a great cosy winter long weekend, the fireplace was so efficient at keeping us all warm, enormous double glazed windows over looking the garden, comfortable beds with great quality doonas. Well appointed kitchen, we were grateful for the spices and oil provided. We brought our own coffee machine! We were grateful for the big 8 seater dining table. Huge property for the kids to roam over. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10

We are sad to leave this beautiful property today. We honestly had the best time. It was the perfect place to spend our Easter with 3 young boys. The attention to detail of this property was second to none. The gardens and landscaping is incredible. The cleanliness was exceptional. Location wise, it was the perfect distance to Melbourne, the Yarravalley chocolatier and many other fantastic family friendly places. We will definitely be rebooking in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10

The location, amenities, eco awareness and overall fit of the property are second to none! With a National Park literally at your back doorstep and the wonders of the Yarra Valley but 10 minutes away, this place is truly beautiful and amazing. Nature is your neighbour and Nicki an amazing host. You can do nothing but surrender to relaxation at its best. I would return in a heartbeat and highly recommend this as a must do family chill out session. 6 out of 5 ✨ if it is possible. Congratulations on your beautiful property and what you and your partner have created.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022

10/10

We really enjoyed our stay, such a great property, experience and atmosphere. The wildlife and alpacas were a great little bonus. Staying at such a comfy and relaxing house made our weekend even better. Many games of hide and seek, spot the ducks and exploring through the gardens were had, with the special experience of meeting a horse along the road as a neighbour went for a ride. Was a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10

Booked this property for a quiet weekend away. Comfortably accommodated two families consisting of 4 adults and 4 children. Property was lovely and well maintained. Comfy beds, couches and warm wood fire heater. If i was being picky, the only cons were there was no food to feed the alpacas and there was a small leak from the kitchen skylight. This only lasted about 10 mins during a heavy hail storm on the second day. Other than these minor things we all enjoyed our time here and hope to stay again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10

Honestly cannot fault this property - from the house itself, to the location, and beyond! We had such a wonderful stay and we cannot wait to come back again. Thank you Niki for being such a wonderful host and letting us stay at your property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10

We had a wonderful four night stay, and rest at this lovely home, within easy reach of Melbourne. The fire is superb and Niki and Anthony generously make their wood available for a constant supply. For one day we simply sat by it and read, bliss. The home itself is spacious, full of character and charm, with a lovely aspect front and back and all necessities at hand. We had great fun feeding Apu and Harry, the alpacas, and met Nathan the magpie on our last day. We could easily have stayed longer, thank you Niki and Anthony for making your lovely holiday home available to us. We hope to be back one day.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10

Only an hour and a half drive from Melbourne, it's a very well-maintained and comfortable house. Even though we stayed during winter, I think it will be even better during summer time. I highly recommend this place if you need some quiet time away from the city. The owners are friendly and easy to deal with as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10

Fantastic place to stay, even better than the photos, we enjoyed the fireplace, the beautiful garden and feeding the alpacas. There are also many great places to explore nearby. Got lost on the Tanglefoot track (beautiful track - but confusingly marked) and a neighbour helped my in-laws find us, so great neighbours as well!! Memorable trip!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10

We stayed with friends whilst attending a wedding and had a wonderful time at this lovely property. Great communication with owner too. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

8/10

The house was nice. Kids loved the animals. Very relaxing
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10

We had a lovely time here with the family over Christmas. The house is welcoming, spacious and well equipped. Loved the outdoor dining options, the gardens and the wildlife. Looking forward to coming back!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

10/10

We had a lovely relaxing stay at Castella - the property is absolutely perfect with everything you need for a relaxing weekend away - lovely gardens and we were able to feed the king parrots and alpacas - not far from some great wineries and our hosts were on hand with help when we locked ourselves out. Would highly recommend and will stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10

We loved our stay with the beautiful surrounds; and wonderful home for children and adults alike.

10/10

Wonderful place and so very relaxing. My daughter LOVED the alpacas! Thanks for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10

The Castella country retreat was a perfect getaway location for our young family of 4 and another family of 4 (friends of ours). It’s just above Dixon’s creek in the Yarra Valley. The nearest winery is Sutherland Estate, which is also worth a visit for the Tempranillo and the views! The accommodation in Castella was perfect for the 8 of us. The house was warm and beds were very comfy. Plenty of birds, a couple of alpacas and the occasional duck and kangaroo all live on and around the property. We will likely return if & when the opportunity presents itself again. A relaxing and homely vibe in the forest. 🍷
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10

We stayed for a long weekend and had a wonderful time! The house was clean and spacious, 8 adults fit very comfortably. The kitchen had everything we needed, and we had a great time feeding the shy but friendly alpacas! We saw plenty of birds and bunnies, and the house was in a great location to visit nearby venues. Niki was a joy to deal with, she was always super quick to reply and very detailed with anything we needed! We'd love to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10

Absolutely loved this place.... so serene and close to nature especially in the morning when the only thing you hear is birds singing. Can’t think of a better way to wake up in the morning. Perfect place to unwind. The house was very neat and cosy. If you’re looking for some quietness away from the daily rush and stress this is the place for you....
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020