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Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay.

Photo gallery for Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay.

Living area
Private kitchen
Room
Bathroom
Property grounds

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Marengo, VIC
  • Place, Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Great Ocean Road Waterfront
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay.

Welcome to Eric the Red Heritage Retreat. This rental suits respectful nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking quiet meditation within a Nature Reserve close to the beach. The cottage was built from both local timber and the salvaged remains of "Eric The Red", wrecked on Cape Otway reef, Sept 4th, 1880. This refurbished cottage combines traditional 1800's bush architecture with modern design features. It lies within the Marengo Nature Reserve, just 2 kms from the township of Apollo Bay. The cottage is only 300 metres from Marengo beach and the start of the Great Ocean Walk. The property features stunning attractions including the bushland reserve, with its walks, abundant birdlife and resident koala and bush wallaby populations. Cosy up to a wood fire and immerse yourself with a book from our local-history collection. A reverse cycle heating & airconditioning system quickly warms up an open plan living area, which includes an electric stove and oven, microwave and plenty of bench space. The main bedroom has a King size bed and the second bedroom has 2 single beds. Bed linens and towels are provided at extra cost. The bathroom contains vanity, shower and toilet. Laundry has front loading washing machine. A gas BBQ is located on the front deck with a couch, table and chairs in a peaceful tranquil setting. Please enquire first if you have pets. This is a fascinating and inspirational lifestyle choice property.

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

Contact me if you have pets

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Outside smoking only

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 9211952
Property # 9211952
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
Long-term renters welcome
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 first aid kit

About the area

Marengo

Located in Marengo, this holiday home is in the mountains and near the beach. Great Ocean Road Waterfront and Apollo Bay Harbour are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve and Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
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Map
Marengo, VIC

What's nearby

  • Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Great Otway National Park - 3 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Great Ocean Road Waterfront - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre - 5 min drive - 4.2 km

Getting around

  • Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 128 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪George's Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Great Ocean Road Brewhouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Apollo Bay Hotel - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chopstix Asian Noodle Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay.?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beachcombers Coastal Retreat in bush setting close to Apollo Bay. located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Marengo Nature Conservation Reserve, Apollo Bay Coastal Reserve and Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. Great Ocean Road Waterfront and Apollo Bay Bowls Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

10/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

charles O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

June 2019

Realty enjoyed the stay. Nice place
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks Charles, I'm pleased you enjoyed the stay, Tim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Russel D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous spot!

We loved staying here - close to the beach, yet secluded and quiet. Loads of bird sounds in the morning, and a lovely verandah to enjoybit from. Kitchen/dining/living is small but plenty for the 4 of us. We'd love to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill H.

charming, comfortable and welcoming

Despite high temperatures the house was a wonderful refuge, comfortable, interesting and set up much better than most places. Tim was exceptionally responsive and helpful and would recommend the place to anyone without resservation
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thank you Bill, it was great having you. Tim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reem

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A great escape from city life into nature and quietness. We spent a wonderful 2 days in the nature and enjoyed every moment during our stay. The cottage was very clean and tidy. Tim the owner was very helpful and recommended great activities for kids. We will definitely come back soon
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Erik the Red

Quirky and homely. Had everything we needed. Very quiet and warm in the Otway winter
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gemma C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fantastic house

Eric the Red is more of an experience than a house. Being partially built from the eponymous shipwreck, the history of the place is fascinating - Tim's fascination is catching! There is a wealth of information to capture the imagination. As well as this, the beds were incredibly comfortable, the space warms up easily, the shower is hot and strong. The birdlife is abundant, and the privacy of the house in the area is a definite bonus - all we could hear was the sea. Thank you, Tim - it was unforgettable!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

A great place to unwind!

Tim's house which is in a very quite setting opposite a reserve and has a very cosy cottage feeling about it. The place is well equipped, very comfortable, clean, has a big veranda (equipped with BBQ), is 3 minute walk to the beach and less than 15 minutes walk to the Apollo Bay shopping centre. The neighbours were very friendly and helpful and there was even a resident koala on a tree at the front. Overall, a really great place to unwind. My family is looking forward to visiting again. Thanks. Chris , Miranda and Patricia,
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks Chris, Miranda and Patricia, I agree it is a great place to unwind! The koala(s) are getting more adventurous. This is the first time one has been found in the front tree:) I do hope you come again. Tim
Archival

6/10 Okay

Rachael M.

Nice location

The house was quite old and did smell a little musty (particularly the wardrobe in master). Overstuffed with too much furniture. Otherwise not too bad. Fire was nice but the book said you have to buy your own wood if you finish the bag they provide. We did see the koala, he was in the tree in the neighbors property.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks for your feedback. We try to keep the house aired, especially after vacant winter spells. If the bean bags or extra chairs get in the way, feel free to move them around. I will leave some wood if I can.
Verified

8/10 Good

Geraldine O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in Marengo

Nice, simple house. Great location. Would have been good to have had more information about how things worked
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Lyn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Quaint cottage opposite bushland reserve, note second residence

Loved the quaint cottage, birdlife and quiet neighbourhood. We did not like being told after we had booked that the photographs misrepresented the cottage. A new, second building is built immediately to the rear of the little house. On the Stayz photos this area shows as a lovely garden, but it is now a new building that the owner uses to live and work from. This should have been disclosed upfront and I hope the owner heeds our advice and updates the Stayz photos. The owner was inobtrusive and although causing some early anxiety, this late disclosure did not negatively impact our holiday.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thank you Lyn for your comments:) I have updated the photos of the cottage and the back shed/office. I rarely stay in the back unit if I am renting, but I will leave a note in the description if I am staying!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

Comfortable and homely.

Retreat is the word for this cosy, quiet opportunity to relax away from it all. For a break from relaxing, fishing the local beach is exhilerating (although this time I didn't catch anything worth keeping, I'll be back). We also enjoyed the walk to Shelly Beach in the nearby Great Otway National Park.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
The walk to Shelly Beach has great views to the west from Bald Hill. Once over the hill there are the wide, flat reefs to explore at low tide. The shells come from here and get trapped with the tides at Shelly Beach... Hint. Try fishing for sweep at low tide with a small swell.
Archival

6/10 Okay

Lee-Anne S.

Cosy little cottage

We enjoyed our stay. It was a little cold on the first night. But other than that we had everything we needed. A few lovely little touches with extra condiments in the cupboard.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
HI LeeAnne, yes I like to leave any unused extras in the cupboards for others who may need them later. What goes around comes around, as they say!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

MATTHEW G.

Great house in a quiet, private location

My wife, 2 young children and I thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend stay at "Eric the Red Heritage Retreat". The house is at the end of a very quiet road and hence very private. We felt completely comfortable letting our young children run around in the front yard and loved the visits from the colourful rosellas. The beautiful Marengo beach was a short stroll away. It was great to have the wood fire / oven for the cold June nights! We will definitely stay here again.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Thanks Matt, the birds are a delight and yes the beach is great for young kids. At the Marengo end of the beach, the reef platform has plenty of rock pools to explore for when the kids get a little older.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lindy D.

Warm and Cosy

We spent a long weekend here in May and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It looked great on the site but is even better when you see it. Everything we needed was provided. The birds were wonderful and the bushland opposite was lovely. It was a peaceful position. Great it you like wildlife and nature! We will be back. Thank you for sharing!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Hi Lindy, It's great you liked the peace and nature. Thank you for sharing this!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Marg L.

Excellent stay!!

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Eric The Red Heritage house. This unique house is for those who love to relax in a quiet bush land setting and enjoy the delights that nature has to offer in the surrounding area. The property, situated in a quiet street contains all the comforts needed for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The house overlooks the Marengo Flora and Fauna bush land reserve which has some interesting walking tracks. It is a short walk to the Marengo beach and the Marengo Reefs and Marine Sanctuary where one can go surfing, snorkeling or hire kayaks to go seal spotting. The large verandah on the front of the house is the perfect spot to simply contemplate or read a book. I especially enjoyed relaxing on the couch on the verandah, soaking up the Winter sun and watching the many birds that frequent the garden. I was even lucky enough to spot the resident Koala. Definitely be back for a longer stay next time!!!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Hi Marg, thanks for the review! Yes it is a pretty unique, old house, which I set it up as a nature retreat this year. I'm pleased you found the walking tracks. A map of the tracks has just been put up by the Friends of Otway National Park group. It is at the beginning of the fire access track at the corner of Telford and Newcombe Streets (around the corner at the end of Telford street). There are a few other unmarked tracks through the reserve as well that eventually link up. One starts over the road at the front of the house near a clump of trees. Later I will get around to putting up posters of birds, fungi and wildflowers, for those interested.
Archival

8/10 Good

Brian O.

Great property in an excellent location

Eric the Red was perfect for my wife and I and two young kids. Well appointed and reasonable priced house and the beds were very comfortable and warm! We didn't see the koala. Maybe next time!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2023
Hi Brian, I'm pleased you were comfy and warm. Maybe Francis (the Koala) found a warmer tree nearby. Sometimes we get 2 or even 3 (a mother and young one) in the trees out back or either side of the property. Hopefully you will see them next time!

About the host

Hosted by Tim Godfrey

Host profile image

Born and raised in the Western district. Lived in Apollo Bay for 30 years and now based in Cairns. Favourite location: Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary. Likes: beach-combing, surfing, writing and reading.

Why they chose this property

In 2008 the "Eric The Red" house was relocated from Apollo Bay to Marengo by the current owner. A book on 'Eric The Red' shipwreck, and other books on a variety of subjects including bird watching, marine life and local history, are available to read.

What makes this property unique

The house is an authentic original settlers cottage, with additional modern features, like air-conditioning, modern bathroom, washroom, as well as front and back deck areas. Local split timber and ship timbers from the wheelhouse can be seen in the passage way and on the floors inside the house. Rough-sawn timber cladding is on the outside. The house reminds us of the benefits of a simple lifestyle. It is surrounded by coastal birdlife, the Otways forest, and close to the beach. The shore platform at Marengo is teeming with marine life which can be seen at low-tide. This is a classic getaway along Australia's Great Ocean Road.

Languages:

English

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