Notes from the host
The Barn' at Whispering Hills
The Barn perches happily on a gentle rise overlooking 76 acres of an ever changing farming landscape, 15 minutes’ drive from the thriving rural City of Benalla, and 12 minutes from the thrills of Winton Speedway. The closest neighbours are 1kl away so serenity and peace are assured.
LIFE AT WHISPERING HILLS
Imagine waking up in the morning to the site of horses and cattle and the odd kangaroo or two grazing contentedly in the surrounding fields.
Lay in bed and enjoy the sound of silence, or sit out on any of the 3 downstairs verandahs or upstairs balcony and enjoy brekky as you watch the birds busily showing off their building skills in the silver princess gums
THE BARN
The Barn is a large and spacious (>328sq metres of living and undercover space) purpose built, 2 storey, 4 bedroom American Barn.
Sleeping up to 20 people in 14 beds and 1 cot
The sleeping arrangements are currently setup as follows:
Two upstairs bedrooms - one with a queen bed and one with a queen bed, a queen futon, and 2 single quality fold down singles
2 downstairs bedrooms - one has a queen bed and the other has 4 bunk beds and a quality single fold out bed.
1 double sofabed and two fold out quality single beds in quiet area of lounge room.
When all beds are used it can be a little tight but still space around all beds.
The layout of the barn provides comfort, cosiness, freedom, and privacy
Inside is a large rustic open-plan, wood-lined, living area with panoramic windows, and an upstairs area accessed by a timber spiral staircase.
Downstairs, you can fulfill your cooking fantasies in a huge blackwood kitchen with modern top quality stainless steel appliances, double sink, a huge double electric oven and gas cooktop, and a dishwasher. A microwave, toaster, Breville coffee machine and Aldi pod machine are also provided for your enjoyment. Plenty of quality cookware, cutlery, crockery and glassware are provided to enhance your stay.
The Lounge is lined with comfortable plush leather couches and recliners, a plasma TV and DVD and a large fan forced wood fire.
The Dining Room nestles centrally to the kitchen and lounge boasts a craftsman built 10’ oregan dining table so even the biggest of groups can enjoy a warm and relaxed dinner together
There is a ‘quiet time’ area adjacent to the kitchen/dining area where you can relax and watch the world go by as you look over the fields, or perhaps snuggle up with a good book, burrow down for an afternoon nap on the comfortable leather sofa which can double as an additional sleeping area for 2 when more beds are required
A spacious bathroom houses a shower, large vanity and a good sized 2 person corner spa to soak in after a busy day of sightseeing
A second shower room on the ground floor allows even the largest of groups reasonable shower time when preparing for the day's activities.
A large laundry with front loading washing machine and a toilet with washbasin completes the downstairs area.
All bedrooms have a ceiling fan and the main bedroom upstairs also has an air conditioner. Other bedrooms have an additional stand fan. The lounge/dining/kitchen area has 2 fans and an air conditioner which will make even the hottest of days comfortable for all.
Up the spiral staircase, the barn boasts a semi-ensuite with vanity and toilet. A walk through wardrobe ensures this ensuite adjoins both upstairs bedrooms.
The master bedroom has a large covered balcony with table and chairs which overlooks the gentle rolling valley below. This is a great place to sit enjoying a bottle of wine or an espresso coffee while you watch the sun as it dips behind the trees in the evening, or perhaps that late breakfast after a great night's sleep.
Outside you are spoilt for choice as you choose from 3 large covered outside entertaining areas. Each area has seating and overlooks a different landscape and has comfortable seating, with one main area housing a large gas bbq.
Dogs are permitted however No hunting dogs.
SURROUNDING AREAS
The Barn is a central gateway to the North East.
Just over the hill is the WINTON speedway for the car enthusiasts.
Close by are the Victorian towns of Benalla, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Mansfield, Seymour, Euroa, Violet Town, Eildon, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Albury, Yarrawonga, Rutherglen, Mulwala, Oxley, Milawa and Bright, along with many wonderful townships in between
WHAT SHALL YOU DO TODAY?
Fancy the smell of burning rubber? If you're a racing team or racing enthusiasts then you're in luck. We are only 10 minutes from Winton speedway and The Barn has oodles of room for parking trailers etc.
If you're here to enjoy North East Victoria, then you are also in luck. There is so much to see and do, you are spoilt for choice.
The day might hold a ‘fruitful’ visit to the local wineries to experience the magnificence of north eastern Victorian wineries such as Brown’s Brothers, Sam Miranda, Baileys and so many more.
Perhaps a stop off at the Milawa Olive shop or Cheese factory to collect supplies for the evening ‘drinkoclock’ with someone special, or a leisurely drive to the beautiful surrounds of Myrtleford and Bright for a refreshing dip or a chance for some trout in the river. Wander through the boutique shops at Bright or head up to Harrietville for sumptuous delights.
Heading the opposite way is an easy jaunt to Lake Nillahcootie, the Howqua River at the famous Sheepyard Flat just out of the bustling snow town of Mansfield. View cattleman huts such as Fry’s hut or track up to Craig’s Hut for a picnic. So much to do you will be coming back for more.
Looking for bargains? SPC cannery is just ‘down’ the road in the large and busy town of Shepparton. While you’re in Shep try some juicy and oh so sweet local oranges. You’ll be going back for seconds before you know it.
What about a meander around the largest rural market in Victoria, Violet Town Market, or the smaller but just as inviting Benalla general market and Tatong Farmers market. Stay for a coldie at Tatong Inn while you’re there.
The evening draws your eyes to the rays of the lowering sun stippling across the rolling fields and a gentle decline into a typical country night and the magical sight of the milky way streaking across the sky. The stars so close you can imagine reaching up and twinkling them. Watch out for the falling stars and the travelling satellites!
In the winter, snuggle up close on deep leather sofas as you enjoy the soft flickering flames and deep crackling of the wood fire. Let the warmth of the fire and those close to you warm the cockles of your heart.
In the summer, enjoy the evening outside on cushioned lounges and chairs, cooking up a storm on the barby, or perhaps nestle on the swing lounge on the front verandah and just while away the hours enjoying the gentle sounds of the animals putting themselves to bed and sipping a glass of one of the local wines
Into snow play, well then you will be spoilt for choice. ‘The Barn’ is situated at the gateway to the major ski fields of Bulla, Buffalo and Hotham and also the high country playgrounds.
Looking for another type of skiing? The fantastic lakes of Nillacootie, Bonnie Doon, and the Eildon Weir are great places to water ski, swim, fish and picnic. Spend the day soaking up the sunshine.
Is the magnificent Murray River in your sights. Pack a picnic, your togs and the fishing line and spend the day among the majestic River Red Gums that abound the banks of the Murray from Albury to Yarrawonga and beyond. The sandy beaches of the Murray are just a short distance away.
If it’s swimming, kayaking and fishing without speedboats that is your want, then Lake William Hovel is the place for you. It has warm water and great picnic areas and allows only tinnies on the lake so the calm is not interrupted by the roaring of speed boat
Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a wonderful stay at The Barn and come back to visit us often.
Hosted by Anne & David Hill