We couldn’t have imagined a more delightful place to stay than Marysville Garden Cottages. Met by owner-builders Anthony and Tracy upon our arrival, we stood outside for a good half hour chatting about the history of the property – both sad and uplifting – before we even set foot inside. As soon as our car pulled into the drive, we instantly relaxed. Beautiful brand new cottages surrounded by country gardens, it’s the sort of place that brings back good memories from your childhood and makes you wonder when Grandma will step outside to tell you the Apple Pie is ready to come out of the oven. Sadly no apple pie, but we were touched by the little extras inside nonetheless – home-baked shortbread in the kitchen and Ferrero Rochers by the fireplace.
The history of the cottage property is tinged with sadness. The site was once a treasured family home with a picturesque garden. Many surviving plants, including daffodils and other bulbs, were salvaged by Anthony and Tracy from the vacant block and worked into the new garden design, which they claim is such a delight to work in that “you could plant a nail and grow a crow bar”. There are many of their own favourite plants in the garden, picked for either their wonderful autumn colour (e.g. the Maples and Cotinus) or others for their beautiful flowers or interesting features and scents. The garden has been designed so that even in winter the bare branches have their own sculptural beauty.
Summer Cottage, Marysville Garden Cottages
The 8 cottages have been designed for couples looking for a relaxing retreat. Open the front door and step into a delightful room with a touch of old world charm, which still has all the modern creature comforts all within walking distance to the centre of Marysville, including its cafes and shops. Each of the cottages vary slightly inside, so if you do want a return visit and opt for a different room it will give you a brand new experience. Rest assured though that all have a relaxed country feel. Classic features included in some of the cottages are a claw foot bath, box window seat, timber flooring and stained-glass windows. Other indulgent features available are a luxury deep-soaking bath or double spa bath. Each cottage has a gas log fire, perfect for Marysville’s chilly winter months (or chilly November months, in our case – who can resist a fire when its offered). While the cottages generally cater for couples with a queen or king size bed, some can accommodate separate sleeping arrangements for one extra adult via a sofa bed or day bed, and some rooms have interconnecting doors if you have a larger family staying and want to keep in touch. All have been designed using energy saving principles which add to your comfort and minimalise environmental impact. Each cottage has its own private veranda overlooking different aspects of the garden.
Bedroom
All in all, it was an absolute delight to stay there, perfect for a couple to get away and just relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful Marysville surrounds.