A Little Piece of Paradise for Animal Loving Families

For families with children, Liptelvin Hillside Retreat offers them an unforgettable holiday experience in the country. In addition to the hosts welcoming children of all ages, if they wish, guests can bring their pets to stay with them inside as part of the family.

The gorgeous property near Mansfield, Mt Buller and Lake Eildon which can sleep up to ten, has stunning views and a river. The thoughtfully resourced, spacious two bedroom apartment, nestled in the side of a hill, is on two levels. There is also a self contained caravan and self contained B&B room.

A portable cot, high chair, baby bath, baby carry rocker and plastic plates and cups are available for the youngest guests. For their safety, there is a gate at the top and bottom of the staircase and a full guard around the wood fire.

With in-floor heating and a wood heater in winter and with air conditioning and ceiling fans in summer, year round comfort is assured.

Toys include numerous soft animals, other toys, games, cricket bat, badminton set, inflatable donut (for swimming in the river) a swing in a tree, a hammock, videos, DVDs, books, and a ¾ size pool table for older guests.

The kitchen and dining areas are well equipped and include a large refrigerator, a full oven with four hotplates and grill, a microwave, jug, toaster, crockery, kitchen utensils, pots and pans.

Comfortable beds with electric blankets are topped with feather doonas. Quality linen, Egyptian towels, toiletries, tissues, detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, tea towels, tea and coffee and are supplied.

The hosts, Christel and Phillip, both have Working with Children cards, and Christel has extensive experience with children, including special needs children.

Animals at Liptelvin are friendly and enjoy attention from guests of all ages. Under Christel’s supervision, children can brush Samantha, the miniature horse, Sheik, the gentle Arabian horse and Sophie the donkey, and then take them for a walk around the property. Usually Ben, the “Dal-Mut” dog, leads the way, followed by his best mate, Chino, the Abyssinian cat. Children can come to collect eggs and feed the hens, which are tame and can be picked up and patted. Wild birds visit daily to be fed, and often kangaroos, wombats and deer pass through the garden.

Some young creative guests like to do art, or even design their own named Theme Garden, e.g. Thomas’s garden and Tiffany’s wall. A former art teacher, Christel enjoys spending time with budding artists if time permits.

Before guests arrive, Christel is willing to help guests plan their perfect holiday. Families can visit the nearby interactive zoo, fish or swim in the river on the property or nearby Lake Eildon, participate in a 4WD trip, have a picnic or barbecue, go bushwalking, hire bikes, go horse riding, have a helicopter ride, play mini golf or golf, go to the armchair theatre, go ski-ing or tobogganing in winter, visit a winery, dine out or go to one of the many events or festivals. In house massages and facials can be arranged.

A bonus is that if advance arrangements are made, Christel will mind guests’ children and pets for free if adults want to dine out without them.