Pental Island River Retreat

Pental Island River Retreat is set on a verdant 100-acre farmland out in Swan Hill’s spectacular countryside. It’s mere throwing distance from the little Murray river, where elusive cod swim within metres of the banks.

Inspired by a trip to America, the owners purpose-built the home to resemble the sort of palatial country residence you might find somewhere along the Mississippi delta. French doors, plantation shutters and reams of white timber sprawl across two storeys. The double wraparound verandahs – consisting of enough raw material to build a small, second residence on the property – offer spectacular sunset vantage points to the river, barley crop and surrounding eucalypts.

Modern interiors have plenty of homestead charm, with high ceilings, floating timber floors and a fireplace for cold country nights. There’s also generous self-catering kitchen with every facility you’d need to cook an unforgettable feast. Five bedrooms can sleep up to ten people comfortably (it’s possible to fit 14 with a bit of notice). You’d do well to fit half that many people into the covered jacuzzi simmering away in the sunroom overlooking the river.

Take the kayak down the water and lure some dinner under the shade of red gums. Or bring your own tinnie and moor it on the river’s edge. And when the mercury rises during summer, the calm waters of the little Murray are perfect for lolling about in.