Notes from the host
Lower Bluff Hideaway
Home:
Check out our comprehensive reviews. Lower Bluff Hideaway is a well maintained and renovated holiday home a short stroll from the beach. It is in the middle of the prime Lower Bluff area of St Leonards and the site is enhanced by a large, private 1/4 acre garden block. Well behaved pets are welcome inside with their owners and have full access to our large fully fenced yard. Take a short stroll down unmade ti-tree lined road to Milly's dog social beach or head south into Edwards Point Ramsar bird sanctuary circling Swan bay at the end of our street. It is a perfect spot to relax, reinvigorate and explore.
This welcoming pet friendly beach house is tucked away in a unique area alongside Port Phillip Bay characterised by its unsealed ti-tree lined streets and pathways. It particularly suits couples, small families, friends and their pets who wish to leave their car parked securely on the property and the bustle of a busy life behind.
Amenities include a new smart TV(2025) and free Wi Fi. We maintain the property ourselves having just replaced and repaired the fences so that pets are safe and secure. In 2022-23 we upgraded the open kitchen/lounge area. These works included new kitchen cabinets and appliances, Induction cookware, a slightly larger kitchen/ living area, repainting, and a major garden makeover. Updated appliances include new Induction cooktop, Pyrolitic oven, Rangehood, Dish washer, custom recycled Messmate cabinetry with stone benchtops and a large reverse cycle Air Con. Roof plumbing and electricals have also been updated and include a new electrical safety compliance certificate
The house is situated on a large north facing garden block; discreetly screened from the roadway; with established trees and shrubs a haven for resident native birds . North facing windows from the lounge/kitchen/dining and bedrooms have sheltered garden views; and the home is, light and airy.
Fully fenced and gated this ¼ acre block provides a secure and spacious retreat for guests and their pets.
The open plan living/dining/kitchen area is the hub of the house where guests share relaxed meals, watch movies or talk late into the night on the comfy lounge seating. A powerful reverse cycle Air con has been added for cool comfort when the weather is hot whilst also providing additional heating in cooler weather by supplementing our cosy, central, slow combustion wood fire. The living /dining area is a great place for sharing meals/conversation or playing table games with family and friends. Take time out to read a book, connect, watch movies via Netflix or SBS on demand. There is an 8 seater recycled Blackwood dining table and custom made Messmate dining chairs in the dining area. Leading you outside from this blue room, French doors open onto the sun deck.
The renovated kitchen is integrated into the living area so that the cook is part and parcel of house activities. Ample kitchen storage is well stocked with crockery, glassware and a wide selection of mixing/salad bowls, with a similarly large selection of kitchen utensils. All cleaning and maintenance is performed by us personally prior to and after each stay.
Pets:
As pet lovers and owners we welcome up to 2 pets per booking on our property, but require cats to be kept inside being adjacent to a wild life protected Ramsar site and also as we encourage native birds into our garden. There are roofed undercover areas outside suitable for kennels, pet beds, and feed bowls. We are also very amenable to house trained pets being inside on their own beds but insist that they not be on house beds or furniture. There are numerous walks, dog off lead parkland, beaches, picnic and play areas to enjoy with pets at either end of our street.
Location:
Lower Bluff Hideaway provides a unique peaceful bush meets sea experience away from the suburban uptown St Leonards streetscape. It is a pleasant walk/ride along the bay foreshore or a short drive to the main street. St Leonards township is situated on the south western edge of Port Phillip bay on the Bellarine Peninsula an area which is recognised as a gourmet food and wine destination.
From the front gate, take a 250metres walk in either direction along pedestrian friendly nature strips and pathways to enjoy Edwards Point Ramsar Nature Reserve, uncrowded child/pet friendly beaches, off lead dog and play parkland, the Yacht club - launch ramp and cafe, and picnic tables beside the waters edge.
Holiday adventures begin with a short stroll to the beach or trek along the tree lined path through Edwards Point Reserve where bird life abounds. Picnic, swim and paddle in the many secluded foreshore spots along the unrivalled undisturbed Port Phillip bay beach that stretches all the way to Swan Bay, with views of Queenscliff in the distance. This area is particularly notable for birdwatchers and kayakers as it is a breeding ground for an abundance of native bird and aquatic life. It also provides a weather protected bay for paddling exploration.
Sleeping:
There are 2 comfortable bedrooms inside the main part of the house with a sleepout bedroom attached at the rear.
Bedroom 1: Double Bed with bedside tables and lamps. Large Antique wardrobe with plenty of clothes hanging and drawer storage. Cork tile floor.
Bedroom 2: Large room with Queen bed, generous built in storage, reading lights and insect screened french doors facing north, cork tile floor.
Bedroom 3: Sleep-out - separated from main rooms though connected under common roof. Double bed suitable for couple, plus single bed.
Sea fun and fish:
Though the beaches of the lower bluff are among the safest and best on Port Phillip bay they remain largely unpopulated. Launching small paddle/sail craft is easily accomplished along our local beachfront with ramp facilities for larger craft at the local yacht club around the corner and St Leonards boat ramp nearby. St Leonards is a premier Port Phillip bay fishing destination, noted in particular for its Whiting, Calamari, Snapper, Flathead, Gummy Shark, Snook and Garfish. Walking/cycling trails on the foreshore and adjacent to Port Phillip bay head both north and south from either end of the street.
Eat/wine/dine:
The Bellarine Peninsula is a noted foodie Hub. Within 15klms are numerous wineries with attached restaurants and cafes. The siting of Jack Rabbit and opposite Terindah Estate winery/cafe/restaurants facing North across Corio Bay is recommended for the views, tucker and excellent wine.
Many delicious seafood dinners have been enjoyed at this house and you are welcome to keep up the tradition - enjoy a catch of local whiting, snapper, flathead or calamari. Fresh local seafood is available to purchase closeby from White's in Drysdale and Jenkin's in Porarlington.
The St Leonards township has cafes, coffee, fish and chips, pub, and a well stocked IGA supermarket with bottle shop and a good selection of beers and local wines.
For those who want to further sample the local seafood, there is nothing quite like Portarlington mussels for which you will find a number of recipes in the house cookbook collection.
In the surrounding area there is plenty of speciality produce including olive oil, and wine. The Food Barn close by has meats, dairy goods, vegetables and bread in addition to Tuckerberry farm self pick blueberries and strawberries.
The cafes, cuisine and harbour of Queenscliff are 14ks away along with the surf beaches of Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. (Check out our housebook for more detail on local food/wine/dining).
Little extras:
A selection of leaf and bag teas provided. There is an open pantry and cupboard stocked with basic condiments, sauces, spices and sundry foodstuff for guests use on a replace as necessary basis. Kitchen / laundry cleaning products, toilet paper and cleaner all provided.
Eco-Friendly:
The East West orientation of Lower Bluff Hideaway, extensive gardens and North facing windows ensures natural light and air into the house. Furniture throughout the house is ergonomic, comfortable and includes custom designs showcasing recycled native timbers, natural oil/wax finishes and recycled plastic chair forms. The placement of window and door openings enables cross breezes in summer to aid refreshment and cooling. There is a 1000Litre fresh water rain water tank for general use and as an additional source for garden water. A selection of herbs and aromatics such as rosemary, vietnamese mint, thyme, sage, bay leaves, basil, parsley and lavender are provided seasonly in pots or grown in the garden. Inside the house low energy lighting and natural oil/wax finishes are used throughout.
What to enjoy:
Peace and quiet of the lower bluff
Ambling along unmade roads and pathways
Picnics and swimming
The noted Edwards Point Ramsar bird sanctuary.
Trekking thru Edwards Point reserve to Swan Bay.
Biking, kayaking and sailing.
Spotting the resident white-faced herons and oyster catchers on our local beach
Fishing from pier, beach, canoe or boat
Sighting seals and dolphins
Numerous opportunities for dog play and walking close by
Golf at St Leonards or Portarlington
Local food and wine
St Leonards village in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula without the hustle and bustle of Sorrento or the Surfcoast.
What to bring:
Your own towels and linen
Your pets bed
Doona's, pillows, blankets and supplementary towels supplied
Further info:
Kindling and box of firewood supplied
Leave as found cleaning policy or $150 charge applies
D
Hosted byDavid Burke & Christine White
