Celeb Best Blog

Doing some research for self-contained accommodation near Ballarat in regional Victoria for a weekend in December, I stumbled across the delightful Camellia Cottage. Located a few minutes from the city in the little town of Buninyong, the cottage is c.1862 & is believed to have been built for Dr Casey, the grandfather of Lord Casey a former Governor General of Australia. Rosemary & Gavin Pike always wanted to run a B&B in their retirement, so designed & built a guest wing attached to their beautiful home. It offers boutique-style accommodation in comfortable & elegant surroundings.

View of the guest wing from the shady foxglove-lined verandah

Camellia Cottage gardens in the morning sun

The guest wing patio

Rose-covered bay window

The guest wing has a private entrance with off street parking

The breakfast table

A comfortable sitting room

The fully appointed kitchen

Liliums from Rosemary's beautiful garden

The cosy main bedroom

And stylish second bedroom

And roses from the garden

Fifi the resident much-loved Birman

Some of the gorgeous camellia's, which are at their best right now

I had the opportunity to speak with Rosemary yesterday & she was just a delight, so warm & welcoming. She & Gavin have created a stunning little retreat in a glorious region of Victoria - no chintz & dusty dried-flowers here thank goodness!!

All images: Camellia Cottage