Episode 19: Country house retreats

The Postcards team head to the regions to enjoy stunning country house retreats.

Glen Isla House
Phillip Island is a two-hour drive from Melbourne and Glen Isla House is possibly the most idyllic place to stay on the island. Its old world charm will sweep you off your feet and land you in an era of absolute elegance. The original house was built in 1870 but over more recent years the property has been restored and extended into a stunning small luxury hotel. When you're ready to explore nearby attractions, jump in the car and head to Phillip Island's smaller sister isle, Churchill Island. A fantastic farmer's market is held on the fourth Saturday of every month but you can enjoy the cafe any day of the week, where the food is all organic produce straight from the farm.

Glen Isla House
230–323 Church Street, Cowes
Ph 03 5952 1882
glenisla.com

Churchill Island
Via Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven
penguins.org.au
 
Cafe @ Churchill Island
Ph 03 5956 7834
churchillislandcafe.com.au

Kilmany Park
Sale in East Gippsland is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Nearby is Kilmany Park, a heritage-listed mansion that has undergone a full scale restoration to bring it back to its former glory. Offering luxury bed and breakfast accommodation, there are eight bedrooms, most with ensuite bathrooms, queen size beds and authentic antique furniture. Guests can relax in the billiard room where an English oak table from the early 1900s has pride of place or there's the old library or a delightful drawing room. Everything here has a story and every corner you turn reveals a different part of this building's fascinating past.

Kilmany Park
Settlement Road, Sale
Ph 03 5144 2345
kilmanypark.com.au

Campbell Point House
Lake Connewarre is on the Bellarine Peninsula near the Surf Coast, the Great Ocean Road and historic Queenscliff. Campbell Point House is the place to stay, especially if you've ever fancied yourself as Lord or Lady of the manor. Inspired by the chateaus of the Loire Valley of France, this grand residence is located on the banks of Lake Connewarre. The limestone mansion has five huge bedrooms for guests, each with their own luxurious ensuite and with a lounge area. If you have a large group, up to 18 people can be accommodated at the tastefully decorated retreat set amongst 10,000 acres of lush national park.

Campbell Point House
Matthews Road, Leopold
Ph 0468 421 814
campbellpointhouse.com.au

Postcards diary

Fun4Kids Festival
Head to Warrnambool for eight days of fun filled activities for everyone.

Where: Warrnambool
When: 1-8 July
More: fun4kids.com.au

Seduction by Tastebuds
The Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort invites food and wine lovers to visit the Pyrenees based winery for a slow food lunch and premium wine tasting.

Where: Blue Pyrenees Winery
When: 7 July
More: pyreneestourism.com.au

The Archibald Prize touring exhibition
The TarraWarra Museum of Art is hosting the touring exhibition of the 2012 Archibald Prize, so make the trip to the Yarra Valley to enjoy some Australia's best art.

Where: TarraWarra, Yarra Valley
When: until 8 July
More: twma.com.au