Welcome to Merricks North Retreat, a classic country home on five acres in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria's picturesque coastal wine region. Get away from it all in a stunning rural setting where large picture windows reveal horses grazing in rolling pastures.
Offering a generous mix of indoor and outdoor living, the old orchard cottage has been lovingly renovated with a new bedroom wing to complement the original home and accommodates up to 13 guests. The Retreat has seven bedrooms, that look onto open paddocks or through French doors to a wisteria-covered courtyard.
Stay cozy during the cooler months by lighting a fire in the brick, open-fireplace or enjoy the atmosphere of a blazing wood burner as you sip a glass of wine and listen to music on the inbuilt SONOS system. The chefs in your group can get creative in the well-equipped kitchen that includes a five-burner induction stove-top, oven and steam oven. Or if that's too much effort, we can arrange catering or a private chef on request. Once the cooking is completed, enjoy your meal around the 14-seater Jimmy Possum dining table, next to French doors that open onto the courtyard - creating a flow of indoor/outdoor living.
Homely touches ensure that the Retreat is ideal for families. Enjoy the full-sized tennis court equipped with a basketball ring and hit up wall; with basketballs, tennis racquets and sports equipment available to you. For a rainy timetable, play a board game, read a book in the light filled sunroom or sit back and enjoy a movie on Foxtel. During the warmer months, relax by the 12.5m tiled, solar-heated pool or warm up in the heated Swedish Hot Tub next to the large pool house. This separate entertainment area has a TV, comfortable furniture, air-conditioning and a generous deck, along with an outdoor fireplace. It overlooks the pool and garden, then back to the Retreat.
The owners firmly believe in a good night’s sleep and have ensured all rooms have quality Sleepmaker mattresses, made up with crisp linen along with plush towels for guests to use across three full bathrooms and two half bathrooms.
The Retreat's elegant, country styling will make you feel at home while the fresh country air will leave you rejuvenated and inspired. If you are keen on exploring the area, the Mornington Peninsula is a world-renown wine region with spectacular wineries, cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, galleries and food stores, all just a short drive from the Retreat.
They include the area’s newest luxury hotel and restaurant, Jackalope, which is less than one minute away from the Retreat by car. Merricks North Retreat is a favourite for families, small groups and corporate retreats and is less than one hour’s drive from Melbourne. ___
- No pets - No extra visitors without written approval - No camping, tents, extra beds to be brought onto the premises - No parties - No events of any kind without written approval - All guests and approved visitors must check-in on arrival, be fully vaccinated and have their vaccination certificate with them
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COVID-19 Cleaning: We take great pride in our cleanliness and hygiene. In response to COVID-19, we have taken additional measures as recommended by WHO, to ensure our cleaning and hygiene protocols are even more rigorous:
1. Continued use of hospital-grade disinfectant in our cleaning and increased frequency of cleaning door handles, appliances and other frequently touched surfaces, 2. Deployment of antibacterial hand sanitisers.
As always, Merricks North Retreat remains an escape to the country. Take a moment to unwind and relax away from it all and enjoy clean and fresh country air. The Mornington Peninsula is a spacious and rural holiday destination with wineries and small businesses still open and servicing guests safely. We trust you will enjoy a fantastic getaway at Merricks North Retreat with shops and restaurants within a 5 minute drive, as well as supermarket home delivery available if needed.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Melbourne
Merricks North, a neighbourhood in Melbourne, is home to this holiday home. Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park and Peninsula Studio Trail - Judy Reekie Studio are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Willow Creek Vineyard and Port Phillip Estate. Travelling with kids? Consider Campbell Court reserve and Redhill Recreation Reserve.
Buckley Nature Conservation Reserve - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
Quealy Entrance - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
Willow Creek Vineyard - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
Quealy Winery - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Peninsula Hot Springs - 28 min drive - 34.3 km
Getting around
Bittern Station - 7 min drive
Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 98 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 10 min drive
Balnarring Fish & Chips - 4 min drive
Le Bouchon French Cuisine - 4 min drive
Somers General Store - 8 min drive
Tulum Store - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
How much is parking at Merricks North Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Merricks North Retreat?
As of 27 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Merricks North Retreat on 12 November 2026 start from NZ$2,086, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Merricks North Retreat?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Merricks North Retreat?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Merricks North Retreat located?
This family-friendly Melbourne holiday home is located in Merricks North, within 3 mi (5 km) of Willow Creek Vineyard and Balnarring G96 Bushland Reserve. Campbell Court reserve and Flinders - Somers Coastal Reserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very good communication with host, always got back to me with any questions I had.Condition of all the facilities were excellent (apart from the hot tub/spar) with a beautiful environments for a family holiday with our three children, and 6 grandchildren!
Fantastic well equipped property for large families and groups
Fantastic well equipped property for large families and groups.
Great areas both indoor and outdoor for entertaining with lots of room.
Excellent pool and spa facilities.
Brendan B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Thanks for staying Brendan, you are welcome back any time!
We had a fabulous time at the property, beautiful house with plenty of amenities. Hope to go back in summer to make use of the fabulous pool! Would definitely recommend.
Stacey W.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 August 2023
Thanks so much Stacey, it was great to host you and we look forward to welcoming you back in summer! Cheers, George
Had an amazing time for a family birthday. The property was huge and the pool and tennis court were amazing. Check in was smooth and will definitely be back
Aron D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Thanks for staying Aron, you are welcome back at any time!
Kind regards
Harry
Our family had such a comfortable stay. We didn’t need to leave the property at all, so much to do between the pool, spa and tennis court. House was large so plenty of space for us all to spread out. Everyone really enjoyed their stay and we would love to come back to this property!
Jenna M.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Thanks for your lovely review Jenna, you were a pleasure to host and left the house so clean. You're welcome back any time :)
My friends and I had a lovely weekend away.
The weather was fantastic which meant the amazing pool was perfect!
Thanks Harry for facilitating a great weekend. We had everything we could have needed.
Merricks North Retreat is a fabulous house for family holiday, good location, great facilities, comfortable accommodation. One of our best family holidays!
Only criticisms are that check in is quite late @ 4 pm but the standard of cleanliness and preparation did not reflect the 5 star price.
keith h.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Hi Keith,
Thanks for staying, we pride ourselves on our level of cleanliness and will review your comments with our new new cleaners to see if anything was below our usual standards which are, based on previous reviews, worthy of 5-stars. It is fantastic that you enjoyed the expansive property, location and amenities.
Kind regards
Select Retreats
I booked a weekend getaway for my family to celebrate my 40th Birthday. Harry was amazing to deal with and always quick to answer any silly questions I had.
We hope to book again in the summer time to utilise all the amazing amenities!
Our stay at Merricks North Retreat exceeded all our expectations. It was clean and cosy with all the amenities we needed and didn't need (too cold for a swim in the beautiful pool). We were met by the owner who showed us around and everything was brilliant for our stay. We were in the area for a family wedding and it was great to find accommodation that could fit us all in.
I highly recommend this accommodation as central spot for vineyards and other attractions.
Hired venue for my daughter's wedding. Had family over from the UK. This venue made a special event even more special. 10 minutes from dromana estate winery. Had an excellent stay
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Hi Gillian,
We hope you had an enjoyable stay. Please note, weddings are strictly prohibited at our property and this violates our terms & conditions. There was no consultation from you prior to your stay about this event & we will be following this up with VRBO.
Kind regards,
Select Retreats
The property was as described. Lots to see and do in the area.Very clean and warm with a lovely layout. Lots of games and books for the children and lots of fun and games on the tennis court.
Anne O.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Hi Anne, thanks for visiting. We hope you enjoyed the amenities, location and enjoyed time with your family.
Kind regards,
Select Retreats
A wonderful group of friends needed a place to gather - this magical place is perfect. Space for both time all together and smaller intimate conversations. The sun streams in warming even the frosty mornings well.
Thank you for your beautiful place, we all now have more wonderful memories to share.
Patrice L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Hi Patrice,
Thanks for your lovely review. You were a pleasure to host & you're welcome back any time.
Harry
Select Retreats
Wow 🤩 Wow 🤩& Wow 🤩
We have been travelling as a group of 8 woman 60-70 year olds for 35 years .. this was definitely our “Piece of Paradise “ with space, comfort, tranquility & all needs covered for our time spent together.
We would highly recommend this House as a perfect holiday, getaway, chillax home for families & friends.
Location is 5*
Thank you Harry ( our host) for a most pleasurable stay at
Merricks North Retreat
Debra F.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Your group was a pleasure to host Debra. Thanks for visiting & we look forward to hosting you again!
Kind regards,
Harry
I stayed with my family, including grandparents, siblings and our children. Merricks North Retreat was a perfect haven for us to soak up family time and enjoy all there was to offer at this property. The tennis court, pool and hot tub were highlights for us all, but the horses in the neighboring property, the fantastic kitchen, the cleanliness of the house and property and the beautiful spaces to spend time together made the stay even more special. The location is brilliant, with great coffee and wine only short drives away. We were lucky with the weather, so didn’t get to have a fire, but this would also be lovely on cooler days/nights. Would highly recommend this property to anyone looking to make core memories with family and friends.
What an amazing place to stay with family and friends for the weekend. The pool, hot tub and tennis court are incredible and so well kept. The kitchen was an entertainers dream, completely stocked with everything you would need including 2 large bbq's! Beds were super comfortable and having all linen provided was fantastic. Harry was incredibly easy to communicate with and was so understanding of everything I asked for - I could not have asked for a better host. Thank you again!
Rebel G.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Thanks for your lovely review Rebel. Communication was very easy with you & we look forward to hosting you again.
Kind regards
Harry
Select Retreats
For 12 good friends this property is a perfect place to have fun together while having space for everyone to do their own thing. This is the second time I have stayed here and recommend the property. It is well kept and the pool and tennis court are very social in size. Tiniest niggle - no coffee pods! We got over that quickly :-). Thanks for making everything easy Harry and for sending back a pair of glasses someone left
Nicola P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for your lovely review & it was a pleasure to host your group. I'll chase up the coffee pod absence with the cleaners as they must have forgotten to put some out on this occasion which i'm only learning about now.
We would be delighted to have you back again & hope you consider the Merricks North Retreat once again.
Kind regards
Harry
Spacious, very well equipped property.
Fantastic pool/hot tub area. Plenty of outdoor seating. Tennis court on site.
Good location. Bright bedrooms with varying degrees of comfort on the beds. Good kitchen plus outside BBQ. Three sitting areas inside, so plenty of room for large families. Three bathrooms plus one extra toilet. Showers lack decent water pressure so a little disappointing if you like a good shower. The property uses tank water so if you go at the end of a long, dry summer that could possibly be an issue.
There is an office on site which was staffed by several members Monday to Friday. This is seperate to the house next to the tennis court. We only had one small issue with the gas running out on our first night which was dealt with quickly and efficiently the following day.
Overall, comfortable, great stay and would recommend for a large group.
Andrea R.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for the review and your honesty! We are glad you enjoyed your stay and the features of the property. I am very sorry about the gas issue which was entirely my oversight and glad I could resolve it quickly. While the property is on tank water, making high water pressure not feasible, we do order water in regularly, especially over summer, so there's never a risk of running out of water. We will see if we can add some type of water booster in the future to get that shower pressure up to city standards.
Thank you again and we hope to see you again in the near future!
Kind regards,
George — Select Retreats
About the host
Hosted by Harry Hedley
Hi, i'm George, the manager at Select Retreats. A company that offers a collection of privately owned luxury retreats in Australia's top holiday destinations.
Find out more by searching 'Select Retreats'
Why they chose this property
The property, now called Merricks North Retreat, is centrally located on the Peninsula and while seeming hours away, is only one hour from Melbourne; while being close to towns such as Mornington and Mt Eliza. The retreat is just minutes from world-class wineries as well as beaches and is surrounded by rolling hills and fertile farmland. The closest winery is at Jackalope hotel, just a few hundred metres as the crow flies. Here you will find a wonderful cellar door, fine dining restaurant, casual restaurant and cocktail bar open to visitors and a local favourite.
Merricks North Retreat was formerly an operating cherry farm and carried the name Cherry Dale for many years. One of the old cherry trees still remains and produces fruit to this day. Over more than 20 years, the owners have lovingly renovated the cottage into today's modern farm-house and have placed big emphasis on entertaining that works in both summer and winter.
What makes this property unique
Merricks North Retreat is a homely property, well suited to long stays as well as weekend getaways with attractions as your fingertips. Onsite, there are plenty of activities including a full size tennis court, hot tub, pool, pool house, games, books, entertainment and more.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests