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Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

Riverfront vacation home with private pool and kitchen

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Property grounds - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)
Outdoor pool - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)
Exterior - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)
Dining - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)
Experience country charm at this fully restored Bluestone Homestead. Enjoy a game of pool in the games room, or unwind with a glass of red by the Coonara while watching sheep and horses graze nearby. With expansive outdoor entertaining areas overlooking a salt pool, sprawling gardens to explore and bike rides along the Skipton rail trail, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

Fully restored Bluestone Homestead, with large open spaces, games room with full pool table, formal and informal dining rooms and extensive outdoor entertaining areas, overlooking a salt pool, and a beautiful creek . Throw in a rod, or ride the rail Trail, enjoy a red by the Coonara, whilst watching the sheep and horses wander around the paddocks. A beautiful country property perfect night sky for stargazing, wandering around the sprawling gardens or a ride your bike on the Skipton rail trail to Linton and enjoy the local cafes. Mt langi Ghiran Winery is a 30 minute drive.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

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
  • In a village
  • Near a hospital
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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 not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden

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  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

If only 2 people, the front section of house and drawing, games room are blocked off. 4 people is 2 bedrooms. four bedrooms book for 8 people.
Book for 8 people for whole house for Christmas,January and Easter Period.Booking for 2 people is not accepted for Christmas,January and Easter Period
2 people is a couple, 1 room. 4 people is for 2 rooms If need 4 bedrooms please book the whole house. Enquire through owner.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Children need to be supervised ,due to pool,creek

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether 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
Property Registration Number 5

About the neighborhood

Map
Skipton, VIC

What's nearby

  • Skipton Streamside Reserve - 6 min drive - 2.4 miles
  • Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve - 10 min drive - 8.7 miles
  • Vite Vite Streamside Reserve - 11 min drive - 11.9 miles
  • Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve - 12 min drive - 12.7 miles
  • Pink Lake Wildlife Reserve - 19 min drive - 21.5 miles

Getting around

  • Beaufort Station - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Emu Creek Deli - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Skipton Gallery & Cafe - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Skipton Football Club - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek located?

This family-friendly Skipton vacation home is located on a river, 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Skipton Streamside Reserve, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve and Vite Vite Streamside Reserve. Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve and Mount Bute Scenic Reserve are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek Reviews

Reviews

Wonderful

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

8.4

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Christopher A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Nice location and gardens
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isobel B.

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

Beautiful Home

We had one lovely night in this beautiful, historic home, we would have loved to stay longer!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen P.

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

Great country stay

Had a relaxing family break in this great house that was warm, relaxing and had everything we needed. Thanks Liz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Kristy P.

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

We had a lovely stay it’s a beautiful quiet place The only downfall bugs In kitchen/lounge

Overall beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth A.

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

Gorgeous property, lovely stay.

This lovely old homestead is spacious, beautifully decorated and very quiet. The beds were very comfortable and the drapes blocked all the morning light, perfect for sleep-ins! Lots to do there, pool table, board games, swimming pool (too cold for me but my 9 year old went in!), sunset views, we had a wonderful time.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gijo J.

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

Family Getaway

Property is beautiful and more than what they described. We loved the place and will come back with our friends. Ideal for two families . Pool is not heated but good enough for a hot sunny day.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

kim s.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in

Nice house but too cold to use any facilities like pool table

Had to walk to neighbours to ask them to ring owner for code to get in..Only 1 Fire place available to light dirty plates knives ect in draw shower looking a little dirty so we didnt use it... would make wonderful summer house for families
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhian & Jake P., Melbourne

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

Perfect summer getaway

A beautiful old property sitting in mature, landscaped grounds within easy reach of the small country town. Topped off with a pool that sits at the back of the house looking out of acres of rolling fields. The perfect summer getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jo R.

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

Family weekend away

Beautiful country house surrounded by gorgeous gardens and pockets to explore. The house is well equipped with everything you could possibly need. Liz was the perfect host, very accommodating and made sure everything was perfect for us. A lovely weekend away and quality time with the Coonara fire making it so warm and cozy. Would definitely stay again 😍
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claire R.

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

An exceptional rural retreat

We had a wonderful stay at Gumbower Homestead. The house is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful piece of Australian history, updated to be a welcoming family retreat. The open kitchen and living area looking out to the pool and paddocks is stunning - a welcome reprieve from city life. We all spent happy days by the pool (not heated but warm enough for our January stay) and explored the surrounding area. The house has everything you need, the gardens are beautiful and Liz is an excellent host. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gemma B.

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

A fantastic find!

Gumbower is an idyllic country property set amongst beautiful gardens with stunning views of rolling fields housing sheep and horses. We spent every day in the immaculate swimming pool and enjoyed star gazing on the clearer nights. The house itself is gorgeous and everything you need is provided. First class stay! Thank you Liz. Note: We loved meeting Barb and Graeme who showed us around Skipton’s historical precinct. I can also recommend coffee and cake at the local cafe - Bluestone, bubbles and banter. Local shop also has everything and well stocked.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda G., Balaclava, Victoria, Australia

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

Idyllic rural retreat

This property delights you as soon as you arrive. Beautiful bluestone home with a modern well equipped kitchen, snooker table, table tennis table and pool. All this, with an amazing view of Emu Creek and sheep grazing in the paddocks. This property is a rare find and if you are looking for a rural retreat, this is it. Skipton itself is very quiet with just a supermarket and chemist but if you looking for a pub or cafe to eat in, you will need to travel further afar to Linton, Snake Valley, Smythesdale or even Ballarat. We loved our long weekend at Gunbower homestead and Liz was a fabulous host. Thanks so much
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aleshia M.

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

4.5 out of 5

An absolutely beautiful home and property, it's a lot more impressive in person! You really won't be disappointed. The pool was out of order when we went which didn't matter because I don't believe it's heated so it would have been too cold to go in. But I did book this hoping the weather would be warmer so it potentially could have been really disappointing. We did find some things in the kitchen could have been a little cleaner. But other than that, we really had an enjoyable stay and would recommend it :)
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maria R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Top notch getaway!

Liz’s place is absolutely gorgeous. The view is spectacular and the house itself has everything you need for a relaxing time away. The horses and sheep surrounding the property were a great addition to the already serene atmosphere. Plenty of adventures and walks in and around the property. Liz was a good host and took us on a little tour and was helpful when we needed assistance. We would love to visit again. Thanks, Liz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022