Countryside Hideaway with Farm Fresh Breakfast

100% Recommended
2 people
No pets
⭐️ Country Style magazine’s Top 5 country retreat 2025 ⭐️

You have discovered The Old School, Gippsland’s finest interpretation of a private countryside escape.

Perfect for a romantic holiday or quiet solo retreat, The Old School is somewhere to truly unwind in nature.

Tucked away in the foothills of South Gippsland, along the scenic Grand Ridge Road, come and slow down, soak in a fireside bath, explore local trails and beaches, & reconnect with yourself or someone special.

🏡🤍🌿 also proudly featured in Plum Guide - the worlds greatest Airbnb stays.

The Old School. A timeless escape in South Gippsland...

Just 1 hour and 45 minutes from Melbourne, The Old School is a beautifully restored 1920s schoolhouse, blending heritage charm with modern luxury in a peaceful, secluded setting.

Surrounded by rambling gardens, rolling hills and serene countryside, this is a place to slow down, unwind and reconnect.

After a day exploring lush walking trails, visiting wineries, or feeling the sand between your toes on Inverloch’s stunning beaches just 30 minutes away, return to The Old School and indulge in simple pleasures.

🛁 Sink into the fireside clawfoot bath with a glass of wine and a vinyl record playing in the background. Bath salts and chocolates provided.

🛏 Drift off in the king-sized bed with luxury linens after a long, restful day.

🔥 Stretch out in the cozy living space, warmed by the glow of the wood fire.

🍳 Wake up to fresh eggs from our own chickens, homemade jam, honey from our hives and locally baked bread.

💧 Bathe in the purest rainwater in the world - our rainwater collection and filtration system provides an exceptional and natural water source.

♻️ Sustainability is woven into the experience, with fresh produce from our garden (seasonal), and thoughtful eco-conscious touches throughout.

📺 Enjoy super fast wifi and streaming channels: Disney, Amazon & Netflix.


📍 Venture Beyond The Old School

🤍 Explore quaint villages like Mirboo North, Leongatha, Korumburra and Loch for farmers markets, op shopping, live music and hidden foodie gems.

🤍 Wander along breathtaking local trails like The Great Southern Rail Trail, Mount Worth State Park and the Lyrebird Walk.

🤍 Take a scenic one-hour drive to Wilsons Promontory National Park, where untouched beaches and rugged landscapes await.


Whether you’re escaping for a romantic retreat, celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking tranquility, The Old School offers a peaceful, luxurious and thoughtfully curated getaway through all seasons.

🌻 Summer - Beach days, alfresco dining and countryside adventures.
🍁 Autumn - Golden foliage, cozy nights by the fire.
❄️ Winter - Fireside soaks, warming drinks and misty morning walks.
🌸 Spring - Blooming gardens, birdsong and fresh country air.

Come and experience a stay at The Old School.

😊

Super fast Starlink internet. Excellent mobile phone reception.

Stream Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and more.

Bang & Olufsen bluetooth speaker to play your tunes. There is also a record player with some records.

The kitchen has a breakfast bar, big sink, fridge, single induction cook top, air fryer, microwave, toaster, blender, kettle, pots and pans, plates and cutlery, utensils, coffee machine and coffee plunger. There is also a large BBQ for those summer feasts.

We provide complimentary coffee, tea, bread, our own farm fresh eggs, milk (soy & cow), honey, jam, muesli, oats, cookies, lollies and loads of other complimentary goodies.

For stays of 3 nights or more, we provide a complimentary laundry service.

The Old School is designed for two adults, and we kindly ask that you leave pets and kids at home. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Features and Amenities

1 bedroom
1 bed
1 bathroom
Air conditioning
Bath
BBQ

Details

  • Check in after 3:00pm
    Check out before 11:00am
  • Minimum booking: 1 night
Cancellation Policy: 

Receive a full refund (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.

Additional Information

NOTE: Not suitable for children.

Welcome to Hallston, a picturesque haven in the heart of South Gippsland, where time seems to slow down, and Australia's natural wonders unfold in every direction. The area boasts a unique blend of rolling hills and lush landscapes. Nestled along the iconic and beautiful Grand Ridge Road, this charming private cottage offers a gateway to a world of exploration and tranquility.

Venture beyond, and South Gippsland reveals itself as a tapestry of natural beauty and diverse experiences. Just a scenic 30-minute drive will take you to the sun-kissed shores of Inverloch beach, where the rhythm of the waves beckons relaxation and adventure.

For those looking for a taste of rural life, the vibrant towns of Mirboo North and Leongatha, only 15 minutes away, invite exploration. Quaint shops, delightful cafes, and local markets await, providing a look into the heart of South Gippsland's rich culture. Or venture into the nearby town of Loch, a hidden jewel in South Gippsland's crown.

Nature enthusiasts will love the lush surroundings - explore walking trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and breathe in the crisp, clean air of the countryside. The region's beauty is ever-changing, from vibrant blooms in spring to the rich tapestry of autumn hues. Enjoy our wood fire place in winter!

Back at the cottage, we provide a curated guide to the area's hidden gems, ensuring that you make the most of your South Gippsland experience.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Hallston in this captivating corner of Victoria.

Prices

  • Base Price $300 / night
  • Weekend Price $350 / night
  • Discounts 
    20% discount for bookings of 7 nights or longer

    30% discount for bookings of 28 nights or longer

Finding fulfillment

Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more

Peacefulness

Rejuvenation

Slowness

Reviews (29)

100% Recommended

Kate

7 Nov 2025
What a beautiful place! We loved the old Hallston School building and how thoughtfully it has been renovated. Many treats were provided, including fresh bread, eggs, milk and butter, along with chocol...ate for bath time. It was a very luxurious retreat. We also enjoyed exploring Mount Worth State Park the next day - spectacular trees and ferns with a burbling creek. Many thanks to Sam and David for a lovely stay.

Kairah

29 Jul 2025
This was the perfect place to relax. The hosts are great to communicate with and added many nice touches that made our stay even better. It has a great feel and very cosy. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a rejuvenating stay in the countryside.
Human connection
Peacefulness
Slowness
Rejuvenation

Tamsin

19 Jul 2025
Best night away! Place was well set up with every thing we needed with the coziest vibe! Very clean and can’t thank the hosts enough, thank you.
Peacefulness
Groundedness
Slowness

Host

David
Email Verified
Phone Verified
Hallston VIC 3953, Australia
1Listings
David and Sam are both ex-hospitality veterans and have meticulously restored the 1920s Old School - we invite you into a world of timeless romance and rustic elegance. Whether it's the vibrant hues of summer or the cozy embrace of winter, we invite you to experience South Gippsland in all its glory - in complete luxury.
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Location

The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.

Listing location
Adventures nearby

Adventures Nearby

Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.

Photo 1 for Curvy roads and impromptu produce stops
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Curvy Roads And Impromptu Produce Stops

I took the roads less travelled towards the berry farm and found some produce stalls and beautiful scenery along the way. The spud shed was just on the Princes Highway but I wasn't on that long before I turned down a track towards Moonlight Creek.

Fishing

The Tarwin River is among the more exalted of Victoria’s estuary systems with a solid reputation for producing estuary perch. It flows into Anderson Inlet. This is the only Victorian water where estuary perch are the dominant and most sought-after species. You would think it was a sure bet for black bream, but very few are caught compared to other estuaries where bream are the dominant species.

Mount Worth State Park

Located on the western rim of the Strzelecki Ranges, Mount Worth State Park includes 1040 hectares of Mountain Ash forest and native bush. There are several walks within Mount Worth State Park that range in distance. The walks explore a diverse range of native vegetation.
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Mount Worth State Park

It was an hour drive away, but we knew it would be worth it based on pictures. Plus, the drive was a good excuse to stop at a local bakery and pick up a few pastries. At Mount Worth, the rainforest walking trails were so lush. In the end, we dipped our toes in the river to cool off. It was so refreshing! I would definitely recommend this because it wasn't too strenuous, just perfect for a relaxing adventure.
Photo 1 for Picnic and walk at Mount Worth State Park
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Picnic And Walk At Mount Worth State Park

We grabbed some delicious sandwiches from Gippsland Food & Wine before heading to Mount Worth State Park. Lovely picnic at the Moonlight Creek Picnic Area then walked the 1.8km Giant's circuit.
Photo 1 for Picnic and exploring Moonlight Creek
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Picnic And Exploring Moonlight Creek

I set up a picnic lunch here as well as explored the walking trails through the Mount Worth State Park. Lots of little creeks, bird life and fungi! Easy track, toilets available as well as heaps of parking and picnic tables.

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$300per night
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