9 minute read
Boutique and Beautiful
Brooke Evans-Butler takes a look at some of the region’s bed and breakfast and boutique accommodation options – where the quaint, boutique experience and personalised, special touches are important.
BOOK A STAY
From top, clockwise, Peppermint Lane Lodge, The Dell, The Innkeeper's House and muesli for breakfast at Peppermint Lane Lodge. Opposite, The Dell has been in the same family for over 135 years.
Peppermint Lane Lodge
Without a doubt, a great advantage of boutique bed and breakfast accommodation is the welcoming greeting and attention from the hosts, which according to co-owners of the beautiful Peppermint Lane Lodge in the Ferguson Valley, Kim and Simon Wesley (along with Daisy the dog) adds that special “something”.
“Personal attention is the key,” Kim says. “A visitor will learn so much more about the area from people who live there – the history, local sites and scenic drives, and local advice of where to eat and drink.”
Kim adds their guests’ experience is enhanced by excellent home cooking – with Peppermint Lane Lodge offering breakfast and dinner options. “A stylish breakfast is included but dinner is by appointment here at Peppermint Lane Lodge and it is a truly wonderful experience with the menu being planned around each guest’s dislikes or allergies and locally sourced produce,” she says.
And as well as the little extras, including homemade (her mother’s recipe) slice with tea and coffee making facilities, dressing gowns and slippers, guests can choose from a pillow range (with large and small and hard and soft options) to ensure a great night’s sleep. Visit peppermintlanelodge.com.au
Boathouse Bunbury Bed and Breakfast
It is the personal touches and the warm welcome you receive from your hosts that makes staying at a bed and breakfast a superior experience, according to Boathouse Bunbury Bed and Breakfast owner and host, Deborah Males.
“You have that personal human connection because hosts have the time and the focus on the little touches and assisting guests to have the best stay possible,” she says.
“As a host, I provide a range of information for my guests, depending on what sort of holiday they are looking for. I offer the local tips on things to see and do in Bunbury and the restaurants to try, and my husband Andy is wonderful at helping guests plan if they are heading further south.”
The little touches are also thought of – including chocolates on the bed on arrival, biscuits, lollies and a range of teas and coffee. “We had a corporate client about
ROOMS WITH A VIEW Above, Boathouse Bunbury Bed and Breakfast offers guests personalised service. Below left, The Dell has been in the same family for 135 years.
seven or eight years ago who said: ‘You have lots of lovely teas and coffees but I would love a hot chocolate’, so in appreciation of feedback, there has been hot chocolate added ever since,” Deborah says.
However, the attention to detail doesn’t end with the ‘nice to have’ things. Catering for couples and corporate travellers, Deborah ensures all of the essentials are also included, with an impressive list of items in the bathroom. “We try to provide everything you will need– so shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soaps, make-up wipes, cotton balls and buds, even a disposable shaver if you are going to a wedding and need to shave your legs,” laughs Deborah. She adds some of the other little extras include fresh flowers from the garden in the rooms and delicious continental breakfast – not to mention, uninterrupted waterfront views to enjoy (you might even see the dolphins swim by). Visit boathousebunbury.com.au
The Dell
This stunning property has been in the same family for 135 years, so it is not surprising there are various elements unlike any other accommodation option in the area.
“What we offer our guests is a unique opportunity to travel back in time to an original 1920’s Australian farmhouse, furnished with many original pieces and lovingly curated touches,
CHIC AND SUITE Above, Mumbles Boutique Stays, and right, Wendy’s Weekender where guests are all given a honemade baked goodie on arrival. Opposite page, the lounge at Wendy’s Weekender.
not to mention modern comforts,” says Tory Bates, co-owner of The Dell. “Nestled in over 100 acres of bush wilderness, The Dell provides complete serenity and relaxation where the magic of history and nature soak away the stressors of life. Cherished childhood memories of driving up the winding track to be greeted by my grandmother, arms open, welcoming us into the house with freshly-made biscuits and a warm fire, allowing a perfect base to explore the surrounding land. The freedom was absolute heaven for a city kid.
“We want our guest to feel this warmth and history and make their own cherished memories with family and friends.”
The little touches are certainly included to add to The Dell’s historical charm, which includes guests being able to pick fresh herbs from the garden, cut wood for the open fireplace and plenty of indoor plants to bring nature inside. The attentionto-detail even extends to the clocks at the property, which are intentionally not in working order: “So should you choose not to look at your phone, you’re able to get lost in the magic of the place,” Tory explains. Visit thedell.com.au
Mumbles Boutique Stays
Co-owners Rita and Colin Patterson started “Mumbles” as a small rural cafe; the name came from the location, Mumballup but also a parody of common cafe names like “Whispers” and “Rumours”. People came, but not enough of them, so the cafe was reincarnated as Mumbles Boutique Stays in 2013.
Being owner-operated, with personal service and only two rural apartments, Colin says their accommodation is boutique in every sense of the word. “Although our guests enjoy life’s little luxuries, we also keep a small surprise up our sleeve,” he says, adding
that everything is ready and welcoming, with the little touches included, for guests to enjoy their stay. “The aircon is on, the jacuzzi is hot, the towels and bathrobes are fluffy,” he says. “We try to include everything that people like in the tariff, but also have packages for guests who want a little extra.”
Guests also get to enjoy something unique to Mumbles; the luxurious skincare products are handmade by Rita, and some are to be found in the bathrooms. All are available for purchase as gifts or a little something to take home with you. Visit mumblesboutiquestays. com.au
Wendy’s Weekender
When guests book through Airbnb, hosts are given the opportunity to do something a little special for their guests, according to Wendy’s Weekender owner, Wendy Dixon. “In my opinion, it’s the ‘personal contact’ that really sets boutique accommodation apart,” she says. “Airbnb immediately allows me direct contact with each guest who books with me. This enables me to start a dialogue and find out what our guests will be in town for so I can either leave them specific ‘treats’, a special welcome message on our lightbox or even a personalised note.
“It also presents a great opportunity for me to promote Bunbury,” she adds. “For instance, if the guests have children, I will suggest the Dolphin Discovery Centre, Big Swamp Wildlife Park, beaches and play areas. If they’re athletes, I might suggest joining in the ParkRun, which is held every weekend just down the road at the Big Swamp Park. And foodies are always given lots of restaurant and winery suggestions.”
Wendy says an obvious advantage of staying at a bed and breakfast is that it is like a home away from home, and she ensures guests are made to feel that way through all of the homey touches she includes for every guest, including a homemade baked goodie, range of pillow choices, fresh, crisp linen, fluffy towels and continental breakfast. Instagram: @wendysweekender
Blackwood Inn - Innkeepers House
What is more welcoming than a good home-cooked meal? Beyond the included breakfast, Gillian DavenportLang, who owns Blackwood Inn – Innkeepers House with her husband George, offers an al a carte evening menu for guests at their luxury adult-only retreat. She says, aside from a few small changes, their evening menu has been the same for years, because their guests love it and don’t want them to change it.
“The favourite dish would be the fillet steak because people can order it to be cooked the way they actually like it,” Gillian says. “My husband likes his steak blue, and we have a number of our guests say it is the only place that they can get a blue steak.”
Gillian is also known for the gingernut biscuits she bakes for her guests on arrival, to be enjoyed with a cup of tea (guests have a choice of 10 varieties of Twinings teas in their rooms) or coffee. Visit innkeepershouse.com.au
Whispering Pines
According to Wanda Bird, who owns Whispering Pines with husband John, the privacy of a bed and breakfast is one of the many advantages over other types of accommodation. “We are a bit tucked away but not far from town on a secure location on 10 acres,” she says. “The guests like the security and the privacy, the relaxing environment, and they enjoy our rambling garden next to the Collie River.”
There are plenty of homely touches – Whispering Pines has beautiful antique furniture, unlike minimalist hotels. A welcoming afternoon tea is ready for when guests arrive, packed lunches and an evening meal can be supplied by arrangement, and the bed and breakfast is also pet-friendly.
The welcoming hosts also offer drop offs and pick-ups to and from the Bibbulmun Track or the Munda Biddi Bike Trail by arrangement.
Whispering Pines is now an Accredited Trail Friendly Business, registered with Trails WA, providing necessary facilities for five trail users: Cycles, Walkers, Canoeing, Horse Riding and Trail Bikes. They have a new secure cycle storage shed with a wash down bay and a tool kit. Additionally, they also provide doggie day care for guests with pets who want to explore areas where dogs are not permitted. Visit whisperingpinesbandb. com.au
CELLAR DOOR
Ad Cape Vale Wines
MATCH RESTAURANT
Match Restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Monday 11:30am to 3pm
Grazing food or light food options are available 7 days from 10am to 4pm
Cellar Door open 7 days from 10am to 4:30pm.
