Piper & Powlett is right in the heart of historic KYNETON, writes Sue Wallace.
THE SETTING
Kyneton, on the banks of the Campaspe River in the Macedon Ranges, still reflects the wealth of gold rush days with grand bluestone buildings and quaint shop fronts. Almost in the shadow of Hanging Rock, it is close to some outstanding wineries, including Cobaw Ridge, Granite Hills and Curly Flat.
THE SPACE
Piper & Powlett is newly renovated, the brick and weatherboard three-bedroom house oozing charm from the 1930s. It has star position on historic Piper Street, which is home to eclectic cafes and boutiques. The slick makeover has retained metal ceilings, leadlight windows and polished timber floors and added a modern kitchen, free-standing bath, en suite and quality furnishings. There is also a laundry and a mud room in which to kick off boots. Other touches include Molton Brown toiletries, magazines and fresh flowers.
THE KIT
The master bedroom has a queen-size bed and en suite, while the second bedroom has a king bed that converts to twin beds and the third bedroom has a queen bed. The lounge features a leather couch, comfy armchairs and a dining table and chairs. The well-equipped kitchen comes with a dishwasher, stove and microwave.
COMFORT FACTOR
Snuggle on the leather couch or upholstered armchairs beside the fire and read or watch telly. Indulge in a bubble bath, then sink into the comfy bed with fine linen after a glass of bubbles or wine on the verandah.
THE FOOD
Kyneton is a gourmet wonderland, with many eateries given the nod in respected food guides. Arriving late, we pre-order dinner from Piper Street Food Co (piperst foodco.com) where Damian Sandercock - formerly of Pizza Verde - specialises in charcuterie with terrines, rillettes, pates, pies and sausage. We dine on tasty pate and terrine, followed by duck and celeriac pie along with a bottle of Williams Crossing Pinot Noir picked up at Banks Fine Wine (134 Mollison Street), which has a great selection. For breakfast, we head across the street to Little Swallow Cafe (58A Piper Street) for breakfast trifle with layers of muesli, fruit and yoghurt and indulgent eggs florentine. The cafe is known for its great coffee, as well as lunches. Next door, its sibling, Midnight Starling, opens as a cosy wine bar on weekends. Other standouts include Annie Smithers' Bistrot (72 Piper Street), where new owner and chef Tim Foster, formerly of the Healesville Hotel, is making his mark and the award-winning Mr Carsisi, with its Middle Eastern-inspired all-day menus (37C Piper Street).
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Temptations are rife as soon as you close the front door and take a stroll down Piper Street, with its cobbled footpaths and gas lamps that were once powered by crushed eucalyptus leaves. You will find everything from embroidered linen to tractors, ice-creams and even gravestones. An exotic rug fan, I head for The Persian Room (54 Piper Street), where there is a great collection of oriental rugs that span three centuries. Owner Margaret Jasper has many tales to tell about her purchases in Iran. Another interesting find is Rundell & Rundell (29 Piper Street) where Glen Rundell makes Windsor chairs and other furniture; his shop morphs into a bar on Friday nights. Book lovers will enjoy the Long Story Short, (58 Piper Street) where Matt Sigley specialises in rare and popular books and vintage vinyl records - weekends only. For a step back in time, head to the Kyneton Museum (67 Piper Street) housed in the beautiful bluestone Bank of NSW, which was built in 1856. Pick up a brochure from the Kyneton Visitor Information Centre for a self-guided walk and visit the Botanic Gardens with National Trust-classified trees surviving from the 1870s. The gardens are also an ideal starting point for the Campaspe River Walk, which winds its way along the river to the Kyneton Racecourse or Piper Street.
THE VERDICT
A cosy haven that pays tribute to the 1930s with all the trimmings.
HOW TO GET THERE
Kyneton is 85 kilometres north-west of Melbourne or one hour's drive from the city, just off the Calder Highway.
ESSENTIALS
Piper & Powlett, 63 Piper Street, Kyneton, can accommodate up to six guests. Two-night minimum stay. Weekends, one bedroom $560, two bedrooms $720 and three bedrooms $850. Weekdays, one bedroom $460, two bedrooms $620 and three bedrooms $750. Price includes breakfast provisions. Phone 0409 157 857; see piperandpowlett.com.au.
