Baranduda Homestead

Baranduda Homestead is a historic farming property at the beginning of the Kiewa Valley, 13 kilometres east of Wondonga. If you’re after a peaceful and rustic country property with acres of space to unwind and relax, and you don’t require five-star luxury mod-cons, then you’ve found your place.

Liz Fuchsen’s family has been here for four generations. Her great grandfather bought the land from the original squatters in the late 1800s, and she now runs the property as a bed and breakfast with her American husband Ken.

There are three historic buildings to choose from, all with self-catering facilities and each with its own story and character. Lottie’s Cottage was built in 1917 and has two queen bedrooms and two single beds, sleeping up to six people. Saddle Hut is a restored one-bedroom cottage dating to 1885. Part of the original homestead, it spent its early days as a storage hut for saddles and horse-riding gear, before being reinvented and redecorated for accommodation. It’s small but very charming (perfect for couples), and even has an outdoor spa.

The main homestead is also up for grabs (half of it, anyway), with your own private entrance, living and dining area, a large bedroom and an open fire. Breakfast is provided, so look forward to waking up to bacon and eggs, fresh bread, cereal, juice and plunger coffee.

The rooms are decked out in antique furniture and decor and the queen beds are wonderfully comfortable. Kitchens are fully equipped, and there are barbeques available too.

Views from the homestead stretch as a far as Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain, and the property is a great base for exploring the area. The towns of Yackandandah and Beechworth are all close by, and it’s less than an hour to Mount Beauty in the high country, with Falls Creek just beyond.

And for those that can’t bear to be separated from their fur babies, dogs (and even cats) are welcome.