House in Castlemaine
3 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
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Includes essentials and more
About this house rental
Surrounded by native crown bush land and set in a re-vegetated bush garden, Riversdale Retreat is an uncompromising country escape designed by award winners
Accommodation
Open-plan living area and a fully equipped kitchen ready for self-catering.
A tatami lounge area and a Japanese style bathroom provide a touch of the exotic.
Paved outdoor areas include fireplace, preparation bench, sink and shower.
In winter the wood fire heater efficiently heats entire house. Floating decks and indoor/outdoor day bed are the perfect way to catch and enjoy the winter sun.
Sleeps 2 or 3 adults with 1 queen size and 1 single bed.
The perfect private getaway for a couple!
Environmental Relationship and Location
Compact, climate and occupant adaptable located in semi bush.
Designed to sit off the land yet be immersed within, it can open and close to nature, views and sun.
The building is designed with bushfire and ESD principles, solar hot water, rainwater tank and is super insulated. In line with these principles the property does not have airconditioning.
Riversdale is located just outside of the popular town of Castlemaine, in the small town of Chewton - approximately an hour and a half drive out of Melbourne. Daylesford, Maldon and Bendigo are all within a 30 minute drive. The property also directly borders State Crown Land, with acres of secluded walking and biking tracks.
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RIVERSDALE RETREAT
Note: Variances can be agreed on but only by arrangement with the owner in writing.
Deposit of 50% non refundable is required to secure the booking. Payment of the rental deposit constitutes the clients acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Balance of the rental amount must be received a full 14 days prior to occupancy. If not the owner has the right to cancel the booking and attempt to re let it.
Cancellation if caused by the guest, money paid is not refundable unless the house is re-let for the entire period. If a refund is made due to the property being relet then HomeAway fees and a $50 cancellation fee will apply.
The owners will make every effort to ensure the property is available as booked. However the owners reserve the right to make alterations to bookings due to unforeseen circumstances.
To maintain a good standard for our guests we require certain conditions to be complied with. We appreciate most will respect our property but the occasional abuse requires that we state the following conditions.
Number of Guests should not exceed the number stated on the Confirmation Notice or subsequently agreed in writing or email. Fees will apply for excess guests not agreed with the owners in advance.
Parties and Functions are strictly prohibited. The price charged is for domestic use only and not commercial. Accordingly this rate does not allow for the extra wear associated with functions in terms of cleaning, garbage removal, wear and tear, repairs etc. Use contrary to this may result in loss of your bond and/or additional payments.
Damage, Breakages, Theft and Loss are the tenants responsibility during their stay.
In order to maintain a clean and comfortable environment we are a 'shoes off inside' property.
Departure - the property should be left in a similar state to its condition on arrival and all dishes are washed to avoid excess cleaning charge. Check-out time is 10:00 by the latest, to allow time to prepare property for next guests.
Consideration to our neighbours is required. Though the property is in a bush area excessive noise may disturb our neighbours.
Bond of $500 is payable at the same time as the balance amount. The bond will be refunded within 14 days in full subject to the above conditions being met. It is designed to cover any additional costs incurred including but not limited to, any breakage, damage or excess cleaning requirements, extra guests beyond those declared ..etc.
Linen will be supplied with the property.
Pets are not allowed unless specific arrangements have been made in writing with the owner.
No smoking is permitted in or within 10m of the house. During 'high fire risk season' there is to be no smoking on any part of the property.
Regarding the bath : heavily insulated, it only requires a maximum 20cm of water to enjoy as a facility. We ask our guests to use water in the house with consideration to a limited supply, at all times.
Loss - the owners take no responsibility for the tenant’s personal property.
Variations to these conditions may only be made by prior arrangements with the owner in writing.
Accommodation
Open-plan living area and a fully equipped kitchen ready for self-catering.
A tatami lounge area and a Japanese style bathroom provide a touch of the exotic.
Paved outdoor areas include fireplace, preparation bench, sink and shower.
In winter the wood fire heater efficiently heats entire house. Floating decks and indoor/outdoor day bed are the perfect way to catch and enjoy the winter sun.
Sleeps 2 or 3 adults with 1 queen size and 1 single bed.
The perfect private getaway for a couple!
Environmental Relationship and Location
Compact, climate and occupant adaptable located in semi bush.
Designed to sit off the land yet be immersed within, it can open and close to nature, views and sun.
The building is designed with bushfire and ESD principles, solar hot water, rainwater tank and is super insulated. In line with these principles the property does not have airconditioning.
Riversdale is located just outside of the popular town of Castlemaine, in the small town of Chewton - approximately an hour and a half drive out of Melbourne. Daylesford, Maldon and Bendigo are all within a 30 minute drive. The property also directly borders State Crown Land, with acres of secluded walking and biking tracks.
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RIVERSDALE RETREAT
Note: Variances can be agreed on but only by arrangement with the owner in writing.
Deposit of 50% non refundable is required to secure the booking. Payment of the rental deposit constitutes the clients acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Balance of the rental amount must be received a full 14 days prior to occupancy. If not the owner has the right to cancel the booking and attempt to re let it.
Cancellation if caused by the guest, money paid is not refundable unless the house is re-let for the entire period. If a refund is made due to the property being relet then HomeAway fees and a $50 cancellation fee will apply.
The owners will make every effort to ensure the property is available as booked. However the owners reserve the right to make alterations to bookings due to unforeseen circumstances.
To maintain a good standard for our guests we require certain conditions to be complied with. We appreciate most will respect our property but the occasional abuse requires that we state the following conditions.
Number of Guests should not exceed the number stated on the Confirmation Notice or subsequently agreed in writing or email. Fees will apply for excess guests not agreed with the owners in advance.
Parties and Functions are strictly prohibited. The price charged is for domestic use only and not commercial. Accordingly this rate does not allow for the extra wear associated with functions in terms of cleaning, garbage removal, wear and tear, repairs etc. Use contrary to this may result in loss of your bond and/or additional payments.
Damage, Breakages, Theft and Loss are the tenants responsibility during their stay.
In order to maintain a clean and comfortable environment we are a 'shoes off inside' property.
Departure - the property should be left in a similar state to its condition on arrival and all dishes are washed to avoid excess cleaning charge. Check-out time is 10:00 by the latest, to allow time to prepare property for next guests.
Consideration to our neighbours is required. Though the property is in a bush area excessive noise may disturb our neighbours.
Bond of $500 is payable at the same time as the balance amount. The bond will be refunded within 14 days in full subject to the above conditions being met. It is designed to cover any additional costs incurred including but not limited to, any breakage, damage or excess cleaning requirements, extra guests beyond those declared ..etc.
Linen will be supplied with the property.
Pets are not allowed unless specific arrangements have been made in writing with the owner.
No smoking is permitted in or within 10m of the house. During 'high fire risk season' there is to be no smoking on any part of the property.
Regarding the bath : heavily insulated, it only requires a maximum 20cm of water to enjoy as a facility. We ask our guests to use water in the house with consideration to a limited supply, at all times.
Loss - the owners take no responsibility for the tenant’s personal property.
Variations to these conditions may only be made by prior arrangements with the owner in writing.
Amenities at Riversdale Retreat - country escape
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Map of Castlemaine
Ratings and reviews
Summary of reviewsGuests loved the unique design, cosy atmosphere, fully functional kitchen, breathtaking views, and the warmth of the fireplace at the property. They also appreciated the quiet location and the proximity to nearby attractions.
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2025
Loved the energy of the place, well designed and maintained.
8 / 10Excellent·Aug 2025
Check in very smooth - and lovely having the fire Beautiful setting and interesting house However we didn’t realise that the person in the small bedroom has to walk thru the main bedroom to access the bathroom and the toilet which is an issue at night when guests not family members
10 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2025
Great location and a beautiful property. We love this house. A perfect getaway!
6 / 10Average·Sep 2017
Riversdale has all the elements to make for a relaxing weekend away, open fire, self contained, tranquil bush setting. There's something really romantic about weekends away, the best of them have you imagine what like would be like if you owned such a stunning property. Unfortunately Riversdale feels more like your staying with a nagging great Aunt. Signs all throughout the house, sometimes more than one sign in each room, reminding you of this and that. Take your shoes off, check the taps are off, don't eat on the tatami, don't fill the bath (why install the bath at all?) be sure your shoes are off and really and go check that tap again. I'm quite fond of having my shoes off inside, but I expect the floor to be at least clean if I'm going to do so. These persistent nagging reminders really detract from the tranquility of the stay and it's for this reason we won't be back.
$$$$
Top rated by guests
9.6Outstanding
(67 Ratings)
Guests loved the unique design, cosy atmosphere, fully functional kitchen, breathtaking views, and the warmth of the fireplace at the property. They also appreciated the quiet location and the proximity to nearby attractions.
From real guest reviews summarized by AIDon't miss out! Price and availability may change
