Drawing on Castlemaine’s proud artistic legacy and the owner’s creative roots, Chester Cottage in Castlemaine offers guests the opportunity to stay in a historic home thoughtfully transformed into a haven for lovers of art, design and modern creature comforts. The owner grew up nearby in a lively, artistic family and, following an international career as a designer, decided to bring her love back home. 

Staying here is savouring the best of Castlemaine, from the produce provided, to works by local artisans. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house comfortably sleeps five adults and includes two separate living areas, a modern, fully equipped kitchen, wood fireplace, central heating, smart TV and a bath. The garden has been newly landscaped, a grand verandah and many peaceful nooks to relax in. Every detail has been considered to create a beautiful, retreat for aesthetes and anyone wishing to surrender to serenity and luxury.

If you can bear to leave the property, the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, Buda Historic Homestead and The Mill, are close by. For more about Castlemaine and things to do in the area read on…

CASTLEMAINE

Castlemaine took off as Victoria’s second biggest city during the gold rush era but is built on Dja Dja Wurrung Country home of Djaara people who continue the work of their ancestors and play a prominent role in the community. To discover more about the Djaara people, the Visitor Information Centre in Castlemaine hosts a permanent exhibition and walking tours can be arranged. 

The discovery of gold in 1851 brought many entrepreneurial and creative people to Castlemaine, including two famous women, Lola Montes, famous for her Spider Dance and Fanny Finch, hospitality queen and suffragette. The five Leviny sisters, who lived at Buda were instrumental in the international arts and crafts movement and the region has been home to generations or artists. 

Today, the Castlemaine State Festival is held every two years and the Castlemaine Jazz Festival, is held annually over the Queens birthday weekend.  Theatre Royale hosts international and local performers and a cinema. Lot 19 provides studios and gallery space for a diverse array of contemporary artists. Northern Books puts on literary events and Stoneman Books in town stocks an excellent range of reading material. 

NUTS + BOLTS

There are three bedrooms, two with queen beds, one with a single bed and an additional swag mattress for children. 

Everything you need to cook and host at your home away from home is provided. Both bathrooms have walk-in showers, and the full bathroom has a claw-foot bath. 

Outside is a lovely manicured garden to experience and a separate studio, sleeping another two guests that may be rented upon request. 

Due to the ponds on the property, the house is unsuitable for children under twelve. 

Guests have exclusive access to the entire house and garden surroundings.

Due to the local wildlife, the property is unsuitable for dogs. 

Flophouse is available to assist with any queries during your stay and the owners are not far away in any emergency. 

Castlemaine is part of Mount Alexander Shire. The Dja Dja Wurrung are the traditional owners of the region. We respect and acknowledge the vital role of the traditional owners, the local Djaara people, as the custodians of the region where Charter Farm is located.