Charming, welcoming hosts Serena and Eric have carefully transformed their Federation cottage into a stylish retreat with three delightfully furnished bedrooms, plus two very private, luxurious apartments with courtyard gardens.

Holmwood is situated in a quiet tree lined street in Cowes nestled amongst an extensive cottage garden. Surrounded by tall gum trees, you can take in the fresh air and marvel at the tameness of the wildlife.

Surrounded by water, the island's climate is much milder than Melbourne and makes
Holmwood the perfect retreat all year round.

In the Guesthouse you can choose from three beautiful guest bedrooms, all with ensuite bathroom and individually furnished with antiques and quality appointments. The high ceilings, fretwork and ceiling roses retain the atmosphere of a bygone era, whilst modern day facilities ensure you can relax in total comfort! As you sink into the deep comfortable chairs in the guest lounge, feeling a tad full after a hearty cooked breakfast, you may wonder: should you go for a walk along the beach or stay here in front of the open fire with the morning paper, or a good book?

How to fill in the hours till dinner at "Serena's", the licensed restaurant, where emphasis is on fresh and preferably homegrown fare.

Let yourself be pampered - a warm welcome awaits your arrival. Relax with afternoon tea in Holmwood's sunny courtyard, the intimate restaurant or the lounge where comfy sofas and a log fire await. Lovers of good coffee will appreciate Eric's expertise with espresso, and his chef training is obvious when you stay for dinner; an irresistible menu tempts diners with the freshest Phillip Island produce.

Holmwood's licensed restaurant is featured in The Age Good Food Guide and Breakfast In & Around Melbourne.

Holmwood's excellent guest accommodation, your hosts' careful attention to detail, marvellously hearty breakfasts, and informative help with island sightseeing are sure to make your stay enjoyable. The world famous Penguin Parade and the Seal Rock Sea Life Centre are only ten minutes' drive away.

International visitors will feel at home because Eric speaks fluent French, German and Dutch.

Features:

• All rooms with occasional seating coffee/tea making facilities TV, hairdryer
• Guest lounge with daily newspapers lifestyle magazines, books, games, open fireplace.
• Bottomless jar of homemade shortbreads.
• Pets by arrangement.
• Fax/Modem facilities available.
• Special Dietary meals on request.
• Sunny verandah and open air decking.
• Intimate licensed restaurant.
• Smoke free environment indoors

Things to do:

• Catch the passenger ferry to see 5000 Fur Seals at Seal Rock.
• Drop in at the local winery.
• Visit the Koala Conservation Centre
• The Penguin Parade.
• The Wildlife Park
• Seal Rock Sea Life Centre.
• Historic Churchill Island or the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi.
• Walk along 100 kilometres of rugged cliffs and deserted beaches.
• Go fishing, golfing, surfing or swimming

Location

From Melbourne follow the Monash Freeway or Princes Highway to Dandenong.

Turn off onto the South Gippsland Highway (M420), and follow this to the Bass Highway (A420) which leads to San Remo.

Once across the bridge, follow the main road (B420) into Cowes.

Turn right at the 4th roundabout (Chapel Street) and 300 metres down the hill, on the right hand corner of Chapel and Steele Streets, you'll see Holmwood.

Alternatively, catch the passenger ferry from Stony Point or the V-Line bus from Melbourne, and we will meet you at the jetty or the bus stop.

Holmwood,
37 Chapel Street,
Cowes,
Phillip Island,
Victoria

Holmwood