The Carriages is a unique and inspiring property nestled in lush greenery and birdcalls. Surrounded by nature yet only a short walk from the cafes of Emerald, The Carriages is ideally located. A marriage of old and new. Woven into the spacious architecture are two century old railway carriages. The original features, including the gorgeous brass light fittings and ornate pressed metal ceilings have been preserved and infused with luxury creature comforts. Immerse yourself in romance. From romantic beginnings as the artist studio of renowned sculptor Hanns Knor, and later the Emerald Gallery and Tea Rooms and famous Choo-Choos restaurant, this historic property has now been lovingly transformed into a premium short stay destination. Of generous proportions the emphasis is on elegance and an immersive experience for couples. The Red Rattlers are around 100 years old and last travel the rails in 1986. Naturally you can expect the best of modern creature comforts. Reverse cycle heating and cooling for convenience accompanies the ambiance of the wood fires. Quality carpet, curtains and furniture throughout will enhance your stay. Your Stay. Carriage 448 M - Bed One Couples booking with us will sleep in 448. The bedroom has a queen size bed, ducted heating and cooling and spacious ensuite with large walk-in shower and double vanity. A private passage leads guests from their bedroom to the rear of the carriage into the sitting room with its chesterfield couch, 75 inch T.V, and kitchenette. Carriage 248 T, the ‘quiet carriage This is a place for you to relax and chill. Fitted with a slow combustions stove, reverse cycle heating and cooling and easy access to the two-level deck, this is the ideal place to reconnect without competition from electronic distraction. Lounge Room / Dinning Room The lounge room has the persona of a grand station waiting room, with its polished floors, large open fireplace (pre-set for your stay) ornate Victorian cornices, arched windows and ceiling to floor curtains. The impressive Spirit of Progress lithograph, which hangs by the dining table was commissioned by the Victorian Railways in 1937 and once hung in Spencer Street Station. Kitchen - Eat in? The Dandenong Ranges are renowned for great restaurants but eating in is a favored option for many guests. The kitchen is appointed with two ovens, dishwasher, and large fridge and coffee and tea, naturally. So, you may choose to shut the world out, snuggle up and stay in! Coffee and tea, naturally. The Sound of Music History whispers from the walls, if the carriages could speak what secrets would they tell? The Von Trapp family singers (of Sound of Music fame) stayed at the property at the invitation of Hanns and his wife , the author, Hilde Knorr. The Baroness Von Trapp was reported to be the ‘first outsider’ to be admitted into Hann’s studio. You can read about Han and Hilde's love story in our coffee table reading: 'Journey with a Stranger, the love story of an artist and a writer’ Books have been written here, splendid works of art created, marriage proposals accepted, and countless memories made. We'd love to be a part of your story too. What..No Netflix's!! - Spoiler Alert! Free to air T.V is available but slow speed internet prevents us from offering Netflix and the like. We’ve explored every option! It should go without saying, but only those guests who have booked to stay at the property are permitted to be at the property. In the unlikely event that you require any assistance during your stay (our resident wombat, 'Womby', has tripped the ducted heating on one occasion!), our property caretaker is (usually!) in town and has most of the answers! Local Attractions There’s too much to mention! Here’s a couple of starting suggestions. The Carriages is a couple of minutes’ drive from Emerald Lake park. If you love a walk in any season of the year, this park is for you. The Puffing Billy Visitor’s Centre for food and a cracker art exhibition. is free and well worth a look. With a little planning you can combine your stay with a ride on Puffing Billy or for a romantic night out, try the Puffing Billy Dinner train or murder mystery. The craft shops of Olinda, the Mount Dandenong Observatory and Sky High Restaurant are a pleasant 20 minutes drive. Thirty-five minutes drive and you’re in the Yarra Valley and some of Victoria’s finest wineries. You can take it from here!