A Victorian Cottage In The Grampians Filled With History + Charm

Step inside Salt Creek Cottage, a beautifully renovated Victorian about three hours from Melbourne. Photo – Marnie Hawson

This nostalgic getaway is hidden away in the glorious Grampians region. Photo – Marnie Hawson

The cottage dates back to the 1900s, but has been recently renovated and re-styled with historic references throughout. Photo – Georgie Mann.

Vintage furniture and olive green tones enhance the home’s lush surrounds. Photo – Marnie Hawson

Thoughtful details make the property a special escape. Photo – Marnie Hawson

The cosy living room, designed for nights spent by the fire. Photo – Marnie Hawson

A gallery wall of still-life art and vintage family portraits make guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time! Photo – Marnie Hawson

A perfect nook for reading by the fire. Photo – Marnie Hawson

The modern bathroom. Photo – Marnie Hawson

One of the two moody bedrooms! Photo – Abbie Melle

Salt Creek Cottage can sleep up to four people. Photo – Abbie Melle

A tartan blanket from The Grampian Goods Co. hangs on the hook in the hallway. Photo – Abbie Melle

The quaint weatherboard facade! Photo – Abbie Melle

Enjoy the view from the old-school verandah! Photo – Abbie Melle

With the mountains of the Grampians (Gariwerd) in the backdrop, it’s an idyllic retreat. Photo – Marnie Hawson

When Amanda Cochran purchased Salt Creek Cottage in 2020, she knew the property had potential to become a getaway befitting of its idyllic location at the southern gateway to Victoria’s Grampians (Gariwerd).

Recent renovations from the previous owner had taken the ‘dilapidated’ Victorian to a near new state and added on a new extension to the rear, featuring a light-filled, open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. But it was still a blank canvas ‘with all-white everything and timber floors’.

A local to the region and founder of lifestyle and homewares brand, The Grampians Goods Co., Amanda set about bringing character back into the four-bedroom abode with the help of Lynda Gardener and Belle Hemming Bright. She wanted to reference the property’s history and the rugged landscape of its surrounds. For her, this went beyond ensuring the boutique accommodation was cosy and comfortable, building a ‘story’ that inspired the retreat’s rustic charm.

Inside the weatherboard cottage, ‘familiar elements’ of antique furniture, moody feature walls, vintage portraits, and recycled wool tartan blankets from The Grampians Goods Co. help make visitors feel at home.

Amanda also thought of elements an imagined housekeeper of Salt Creek Cottage would provide, ensuring guests have fresh bread and gourmet pantry supplies during their stay. There’s even some old native botanical sketches or expedition gear like maps, old compasses and journals as reminders of another era.

In addition to peaceful evenings by the fire, and access to the ‘stunning walks’ of the nearby Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Amanda says a highlight of Salt Creek Cottage is its sense of total escapism.

‘Guests are delighted with the space because of the sense of joy that comes from stepping into an inspired, artful interior that has a whimsical element and tells a story,’ she says.

‘I hope that what the cottage offers goes beyond the stock standard sense of luxury or indulgence, adding a layer of playfulness and adventure for the guests that allows them to explore those parts of themselves.’

Book your stay at Salt Creek Cottage here.