THE LITTLE WOODS - — Ancient Trees, Bass Coast Hinterland
Ryanston · Bass Coast · Victoria · 90 min from Melbourne
The Short Version
A lovingly restored 1902 heritage church and a meticulously crafted contemporary timber barn, set beneath a cathedral of 120-year-old Cypress and Pine trees on Victoria's Bass Coast hinterland. This is not a typical short stay. This is where you come to properly disconnect.
The Space
Two extraordinary structures share the same ancient grove on a gentle rise above open Bass Coast farmland.
The Church — Built in 1902 as a Uniting Church, stripped back and restored to honour every original detail. Gothic arched windows. Original shiplap timber ceilings. A 360° rotating wood fireplace on a travertine plinth. A curved marble kitchen island with brass fixtures. An antique dining table. French doors opening onto a deck and brick fire pit beneath the oldest trees on the property.
The bathroom is a destination — a classic claw-foot bath set beside a floor-to-ceiling window with uninterrupted rolling countryside views. Rainhead shower. Limestone tiles. Natural spa products. The kind of bath you stay in until the water goes cold.
The Barn — A contemporary dark timber addition that sits alongside the church like it was always meant to be there. Walnut-lined interior. A full-height glass gable framing rolling Victorian pastures and open sky. A low king bed facing the view. An adjacent glass pavilion bathroom surrounded by the cottage garden. Dark, intimate and completely considered.
The Grounds
1,200m² of private property wrapped in open farmland and ancient trees. A brick fire pit with log seating beneath the 120-year-old cypress grove. A sweeping deck with east-facing sunrise views. Total privacy. Total quiet.
What's Included
🔥 Wood fireplace + outdoor brick fire pit — firewood supplied
🛁 Claw-foot bath with countryside views
🏕️ Outdoor fire pit beneath 120-year-old trees
🌅 East-facing sunrise views over open farmland
🍳 Fully equipped kitchen — marble benchtops, dishwasher
☕ Arrival provisions — local breakfast staples, Locale coffee and tea
🚗 Private off-street parking
📚 Reading room and study nook
🌿 1,200m² private grounds
🗝️ Self check-in via lockbox
📶 Fast WiFi
The Location
Ryanston sits in the Bass Coast hinterland — rolling farmland, ancient trees and open sky in every direction.
From the property:
🚶 Bass Coast Rail Trail — 5 min
🌊 Kilcunda Gorge & Blowhole — 8 min
🐧 Phillip Island & Penguin Parade — 30 min
🏄 Wonthaggi — 20 min
🌆 Melbourne CBD — 90 min
The Story
In the early 1900s, land on Victoria's Bass Coast was donated to the church. In 1902, this little building was born. For over a century it stood — through seasons, silence and the slow creep of time. Then someone saw what it could become.
The Little Woods is the result of a careful, considered restoration — honouring everything original while building something entirely new alongside it. The same Gothic windows. The same timber ceilings. Now paired with a marble kitchen, a claw-foot bath facing open countryside, and a contemporary barn with a full glass gable framing the rolling Victorian hills.
The ancient cypress trees that inspired the name are still standing. Come and sit beneath them.
Good To Know
The property is surrounded by working farmland. Some neighbouring fences are electric — please stay within the property boundaries. A lockbox at the front door holds a single key that opens all doors. Firewood is supplied and replenished between stays.
Hosted by Riges & Chloe
Melbourne based and well-travelled. We've stayed in extraordinary places all over the world and we know that the details always matter most. Every element of The Little Woods has been chosen with that in mind — from the linen to the arrival provisions to the fire already laid.
Come and slow down. You've earned it. 🌿
