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Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

Photo gallery for Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

Property grounds
Exterior
Terrace/patio
Games room
Dining

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Skipton, VIC
  • Place, Skipton Streamside Reserve
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom One

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

Fully restored Bluestone Homestead, with large open spaces, games room with full pool table, formal and informal dining rooms and extensive outdoor entertaining areas, overlooking a salt pool, and a beautiful creek . Throw in a rod, or ride the rail Trail, enjoy a red by the Coonara, whilst watching the sheep and horses wander around the paddocks. A beautiful country property perfect night sky for stargazing, wandering around the sprawling gardens or a ride your bike on the Skipton rail trail to Linton and enjoy the local cafes. Mt langi Ghiran Winery is a 30 minute drive.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children need to be supervised ,due to pool,creek
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
If only 2 people, the front section of house and drawing, games room are blocked off. 4 people is 2 bedrooms. four bedrooms book for 8 people.
Book for 8 people for whole house for Christmas,January and Easter Period.Booking for 2 people is not accepted for Christmas,January and Easter Period
2 people is a couple, 1 room. 4 people is for 2 rooms If need 4 bedrooms please book the whole house. Enquire through owner.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 5
Property # 9669674
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Skipton

Located in Skipton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Streatham Golf Club and Beaufort Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Skipton Streamside Reserve and Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like cycling and hiking/biking trails.
View more Holiday homes in SkiptonOpens in a new window
Map
Skipton, VIC

What's nearby

  • Skipton Streamside Reserve - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve - 10 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Vite Vite Streamside Reserve - 12 min drive - 19.2 km
  • Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve - 14 min drive - 20.3 km
  • Pink Lake Wildlife Reserve - 21 min drive - 34.6 km

Getting around

  • Beaufort Station - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skipton Football Club - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Emu Creek Deli - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Bluestone Bubbles and Banter - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek located?

This family-friendly Skipton holiday home is located on a river, 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Skipton Streamside Reserve, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve and Vite Vite Streamside Reserve. Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve and Mount Bute Scenic Reserve are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.2

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. 12 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Debbie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property for a quiet getaway
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous stay over the new year period. Lovely big house with great amenities.Plenty of things to do from relaxing in to pool to fishing ... Perfect, relaxing stay...
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Christopher A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Nice location and gardens
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isobel B.

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

Beautiful Home

We had one lovely night in this beautiful, historic home, we would have loved to stay longer!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sarah Jane G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely spacious family home which suited our party of 7 very well. All instructions clear. A bit cold and windy, but that cannot be helped. There was a big log burner if we needed it. Beds very comfortable. Kitchen equipment a bit random, but we found everything we needed.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen P.

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

Great country stay

Had a relaxing family break in this great house that was warm, relaxing and had everything we needed. Thanks Liz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristy P.

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

We had a lovely stay it’s a beautiful quiet place The only downfall bugs In kitchen/lounge

Overall beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 February 2023
Hi Kristy I am glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. You and your family are welcome back .Warm nights , lights on and doors open will attract bugs . Will review fly screens. Thanks Liz
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth A.

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

Gorgeous property, lovely stay.

This lovely old homestead is spacious, beautifully decorated and very quiet. The beds were very comfortable and the drapes blocked all the morning light, perfect for sleep-ins! Lots to do there, pool table, board games, swimming pool (too cold for me but my 9 year old went in!), sunset views, we had a wonderful time.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 February 2023
Hi Beth We thank you for your honest appreciation of Gumbower Homestead. It is a special place and we would be happy to have you and your family back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gijo J.

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

Family Getaway

Property is beautiful and more than what they described. We loved the place and will come back with our friends. Ideal for two families . Pool is not heated but good enough for a hot sunny day.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 February 2024
Thank you Gijo for your review, we are very happy you enjoyed your stay with us. It is a lovely old house and a beautiful space to have a country get away. Thanks for leaving it so clean. You are welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhian & Jake P.

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

Perfect summer getaway

A beautiful old property sitting in mature, landscaped grounds within easy reach of the small country town. Topped off with a pool that sits at the back of the house looking out of acres of rolling fields. The perfect summer getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 January 2023
Thanks Rhian and Jake ,it is a very special place and you looked after over the New Year period , she welcomes you back . Thanks for your kind review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo R.

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

Family weekend away

Beautiful country house surrounded by gorgeous gardens and pockets to explore. The house is well equipped with everything you could possibly need. Liz was the perfect host, very accommodating and made sure everything was perfect for us. A lovely weekend away and quality time with the Coonara fire making it so warm and cozy. Would definitely stay again 😍
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2022
Thanks Jo for your kind review , i am glad you enjoyed your country Get away with the family. Jo left it spotless and would be welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire R.

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

An exceptional rural retreat

We had a wonderful stay at Gumbower Homestead. The house is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful piece of Australian history, updated to be a welcoming family retreat. The open kitchen and living area looking out to the pool and paddocks is stunning - a welcome reprieve from city life. We all spent happy days by the pool (not heated but warm enough for our January stay) and explored the surrounding area. The house has everything you need, the gardens are beautiful and Liz is an excellent host. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 January 2024
Thanks, Claire, for your beautiful review. We agree its such a wonderful piece of our history and we love to share it with people like you & your family who appreciate it. The gardens and the view are special as well. Thanks for leaving it tidy. You are most welcome back.
Verified

6/10 Okay

kim s.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in

Nice house but too cold to use any facilities like pool table

Had to walk to neighbours to ask them to ring owner for code to get in..Only 1 Fire place available to light dirty plates knives ect in draw shower looking a little dirty so we didnt use it... would make wonderful summer house for families
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gemma B.

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

A fantastic find!

Gumbower is an idyllic country property set amongst beautiful gardens with stunning views of rolling fields housing sheep and horses. We spent every day in the immaculate swimming pool and enjoyed star gazing on the clearer nights. The house itself is gorgeous and everything you need is provided. First class stay! Thank you Liz. Note: We loved meeting Barb and Graeme who showed us around Skipton’s historical precinct. I can also recommend coffee and cake at the local cafe - Bluestone, bubbles and banter. Local shop also has everything and well stocked.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda G.

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

Idyllic rural retreat

This property delights you as soon as you arrive. Beautiful bluestone home with a modern well equipped kitchen, snooker table, table tennis table and pool. All this, with an amazing view of Emu Creek and sheep grazing in the paddocks. This property is a rare find and if you are looking for a rural retreat, this is it. Skipton itself is very quiet with just a supermarket and chemist but if you looking for a pub or cafe to eat in, you will need to travel further afar to Linton, Snake Valley, Smythesdale or even Ballarat. We loved our long weekend at Gunbower homestead and Liz was a fabulous host. Thanks so much
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aleshia M.

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

4.5 out of 5

An absolutely beautiful home and property, it's a lot more impressive in person! You really won't be disappointed. The pool was out of order when we went which didn't matter because I don't believe it's heated so it would have been too cold to go in. But I did book this hoping the weather would be warmer so it potentially could have been really disappointing. We did find some things in the kitchen could have been a little cleaner. But other than that, we really had an enjoyable stay and would recommend it :)
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 November 2023
Hi Aleshia I am glad you enjoyed your stay. The pool is back functioning ,so ready for the hot weather,sorry about that. Hope you may come back again sometime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Top notch getaway!

Liz’s place is absolutely gorgeous. The view is spectacular and the house itself has everything you need for a relaxing time away. The horses and sheep surrounding the property were a great addition to the already serene atmosphere. Plenty of adventures and walks in and around the property. Liz was a good host and took us on a little tour and was helpful when we needed assistance. We would love to visit again. Thanks, Liz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2022
Thank you Maria and Dan , it was a joy to host you and you left our home so lovely and clean. I am glad you got to wander around the glorious garden as all the roses are out. We would welcome you back .

About the host

Hosted by Liz

Host profile image
I am a mother of three boys. My husband and i run a mixed farm enterprise and love the local area. I am a nurse and work at the local hospital. Between the boys ,farm ,running my airbnb ,i keep pretty busy

Why they chose this property

It is a beautiful old homestead, part of the early history of Skipton, just on the edge of town. Meandering around the Emu creek. There is something special and appealing about Gum Bower. A switch back to yester year ,with the bluestone walls ,large bedrooms with a modern kitchen area. Whether you are sitting around enjoying the extensive dining and entertaining areas or wandering around the beautiful garden. Swimming in the pool, or seeking out the platypus on the Emu creek. Don't forget your bike to ride the Skipton rail trail.

What makes this property unique

It is a lovely spot for a family get together ,or up to four couples
Private & peaceful
Country environment, with plenty of space and fresh air.
In the country ,but on edge of town.
On end of Skipton Rail Trail .
Full catered kitchen, bbq area on outdoor decking .
Beautiful views.

Languages:

English
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