Steeped in history, Amber Cottage hails from c.1880s, affording a rustic romance. It’s named in honour of the Valley of the Liquid Ambers, located a short stroll from the house. The name Amber was chosen to allude to the fossilised tree resin, admired and appreciated for its colour and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Valued from antiquity to the present as a gemstone, Amber is used in jewellery, decorative objects and as a healing agent in folk medicine. IG: @amber_cottage_heathcote Our hope is that Amber Cottage allows guests to step back to a simpler time, admire her rustic beauty and afford an escape for the soul to revitalise. Tapping into the rich history of the house and the area, the owner has poured creativity into the refurbishment and update. It is more like an evolving project than a traditional renovation, some things are still a work in progress but the pictures are a representation of the spaces at the time of booking. The house is updated between stays and so are the pictures, so while the house might be a thing of history, her listings and pics are fresh. ABOUT THE HOUSE From the moment you walk into the cottage, our hope is that you feel the beauty and romance of yesteryear. The central hallway not only acts as the main thoroughfare but as a statement piece of the home. Complete with timber panelled walls, Victorian fretwork arch, crystal Empire chandeliers, rustic double milking stool and Harry Potter inspired floating book micro library. Amber Cottage sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms: 2 King bedrooms and a third as a Queen bedroom. When we say 6 guests, please keep in mind that there is one common bathroom. All bedrooms have wood burning open fireplaces, and reverse cycle (individually controlled) air conditioning, sumptuous bedding and rustic drapes to add to the romantic charm of yesteryear. One of the king bedrooms also includes a desk from those who need to work, while most of our guest come for a break, we know that the cottage also makes the perfect escape for the digital nomad or writer (and of course there is free high-speed NBN). The cottage is positioned right in the heart of historic Heathcote, pleasantly behind main street. The location is bliss, and within seconds you can enjoy the local delights, complete with bakery, cafes, antiques shops, local wine and produce stores. Once you park the car, behind the secure gates, it’s likely to stay there for the duration of your stay, after all cars weren’t needed in simpler times. Throughout the house you can see builders' craftsmanship of a bygone era, with the wood panelled walls and other ornate carpentry. She might have had a few knocks over the years but her perfectly imperfect interiors make Amber Cottage so much more beautiful. She's been freshly painted and carpeted so don't let the fact she is 140-ish years old fool you. The ample sized sitting room with colonial windows overlooks a sun-kissed yard, beyond is the sunset view between the gums to the old rail trail where kangaroos and wallabies visit at dusk. Again, no need to worry about the heat or the cold as the temperature is easily maintained with yet another reverse cycle air conditioner. Just sit back, sip some wine and admire the large chandelier and antique furnishings. The kitchen is an eat in style and is equipped with a 6 seater antique dining setting, oven, dishwasher, microwave, gas cooktop, toaster, kettle, and coffee machine. We did include the mod cons but if we're honest, the pubs, restaurants, brewery and gin house of Heathcote are more likely where you'll want to be. The cottage also has an alfresco dining area. An evolving space, the cottage is flanked by huge neighbouring cypress trees affording it with the perfect amount of afternoon shade. Sitting at the 6 seater outdoor dining setting is made delightfully memorable with good company, good food and good wine. Please keep in mind that the house is an Edwardian cottage and the block is tiny. This is no country homestead but rather a cute little house and a tiny yard for you to unwind and relax. PRICING Amber Cottage is priced to make the property attractive for couples, and groups of up to six. There is a flat rate for the use of the entire house. MANCHESTER Linen and towels are provided. Beds will be made up on arrival to the number of guests specified in the booking. We also provide cabana stripped 'beach' towels for the adventurous who wish to visit the local outdoor pool (only 40 meters away) or those who wish to venture to nearby lake Eppalock (a 20min drive).