



Whitelodge Mountain Retreat
Luxury house in Sassafras, Dandenong Ranges, VIC, AU
83% Recommended•
8 people
No pets
Whitelodge is an elegant, rustic and contemporary lodge nestled in the heart of a majestic forest and is superbly located for an awesome Yarra Ranges getaway.
On the doorstep are magnificent walks or bike rides, walking distance to the villages of Sassafras and Kallista, walk to Piggery cafe and Sassafras Tavern, and central to all the delights the Dandenong ranges has to offer. Cosy and brisk in winter, glorious in spring, shady and green in summer and spectacular in autumn.
We offer a private chef option. Chef Mark will come to the house, prepare serve and clean up for your group and he’s fabulous. Chef will send you menu options and will do anything you wish for and provide a quote. Expect a price guide of around $125pp for a 3 course dinner. We put you in touch with chef Mark to discuss your requirements.
On the doorstep are magnificent walks or bike rides, walking distance to the villages of Sassafras and Kallista, walk to Piggery cafe and Sassafras Tavern, and central to all the delights the Dandenong ranges has to offer. Cosy and brisk in winter, glorious in spring, shady and green in summer and spectacular in autumn.
We offer a private chef option. Chef Mark will come to the house, prepare serve and clean up for your group and he’s fabulous. Chef will send you menu options and will do anything you wish for and provide a quote. Expect a price guide of around $125pp for a 3 course dinner. We put you in touch with chef Mark to discuss your requirements.
Features and Amenities
4 bedrooms
7 beds
3 bathrooms
Air conditioning
BBQ
Heating
Details
- Check in after 3:00pmCheck out before 11:00am
- Weekday minimum booking: 2 nightsWeekend minimum booking: 2 nights
Cancellation Policy:
Receive a 50% refund of the total booking amount (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.
Additional Information
HOUSE DETAILS
PLEASE NOTE
We have a STRICTnoise policy, please read this before you book our house.
8 guests only, no visitors without prior permission from owner
CCVT to external entrances complies with all privacy regulations
EV Charging $25 per charge
The house comfortably sleeps 8 people, and is well equipped for serious foodies, lovers of nature with views of the forest from every room, 2 open fire places, pure flax linen bedding, 3 luxurious bathrooms and hydronic heating. It’s comfort at its best.
Our awesome private chef will come to the house for private bespoke dinner parties, so no need to leave the house or drive, and comparable to restaurant prices.
We have a few special tried and true weekend themes we can suggest including
- Cooking school weekends, private chef option
- Harley sidecar rides around the hills, hilarious, fun, bum very close to the road!!
- Puffing Billy to Gembrook, (not just for kids!) then lunch at “the Independent” an amazing vibrant Argentinian restaurant. Google it. Very spesh day out.
- Art retreat with our renowned artist from National Gallery Canberra holding tailored art classes for your group. Meals included.
- Private chef small events using our brick pizza oven in the garden. (Or any of your catering needs)
- Walk through the Alfred Nicholas Gardens (30-40 mins) to Piggery cafe for coffee and cake, burgers, wine, play lawn bowls, produce driven casual food. Long lazy arvos there, take the dog, smell the pigs, pat the llamas.
- Walk up to the Sassy tavern (2km) for open fires and good pub grub, take the dog (beer garden) roll home.
- And of course, many, many gardens, National parks, 1000 steps, waterfalls, hikes, galleries, bicycle riding MAMILS everywhere!
- Walk to Fantastic shops in Sassafras village, (2km) Proserpina Artisan Bakery is a must stop, jaw dropping food on display, take the dog(outdoors)
- Walk to Kallista (2.5km) fab tearooms (healthy options) Kallista Deli, Organic produce store and old style general store.
- Central to the 3 major wedding venues and ideal for wedding groups to get ready, family guest accommodation or a honeymoon for the bride and groom.
Or just stay in bed........☺️
PLEASE NOTE
3 night minimum booking from 20 Dec to 31 Jan and 4 nights at easter
Strict noise policy. Neigbours will not tolerate noise after 10pm. In the event of a complaint, police will be called and your occupancy may be terminated without refund.
Pizza oven needs an experienced operator and can only be used with owners permission and cooked by our private chef.
PLEASE NOTE
We have a STRICTnoise policy, please read this before you book our house.
8 guests only, no visitors without prior permission from owner
CCVT to external entrances complies with all privacy regulations
EV Charging $25 per charge
The house comfortably sleeps 8 people, and is well equipped for serious foodies, lovers of nature with views of the forest from every room, 2 open fire places, pure flax linen bedding, 3 luxurious bathrooms and hydronic heating. It’s comfort at its best.
Our awesome private chef will come to the house for private bespoke dinner parties, so no need to leave the house or drive, and comparable to restaurant prices.
We have a few special tried and true weekend themes we can suggest including
- Cooking school weekends, private chef option
- Harley sidecar rides around the hills, hilarious, fun, bum very close to the road!!
- Puffing Billy to Gembrook, (not just for kids!) then lunch at “the Independent” an amazing vibrant Argentinian restaurant. Google it. Very spesh day out.
- Art retreat with our renowned artist from National Gallery Canberra holding tailored art classes for your group. Meals included.
- Private chef small events using our brick pizza oven in the garden. (Or any of your catering needs)
- Walk through the Alfred Nicholas Gardens (30-40 mins) to Piggery cafe for coffee and cake, burgers, wine, play lawn bowls, produce driven casual food. Long lazy arvos there, take the dog, smell the pigs, pat the llamas.
- Walk up to the Sassy tavern (2km) for open fires and good pub grub, take the dog (beer garden) roll home.
- And of course, many, many gardens, National parks, 1000 steps, waterfalls, hikes, galleries, bicycle riding MAMILS everywhere!
- Walk to Fantastic shops in Sassafras village, (2km) Proserpina Artisan Bakery is a must stop, jaw dropping food on display, take the dog(outdoors)
- Walk to Kallista (2.5km) fab tearooms (healthy options) Kallista Deli, Organic produce store and old style general store.
- Central to the 3 major wedding venues and ideal for wedding groups to get ready, family guest accommodation or a honeymoon for the bride and groom.
Or just stay in bed........☺️
PLEASE NOTE
3 night minimum booking from 20 Dec to 31 Jan and 4 nights at easter
Strict noise policy. Neigbours will not tolerate noise after 10pm. In the event of a complaint, police will be called and your occupancy may be terminated without refund.
Pizza oven needs an experienced operator and can only be used with owners permission and cooked by our private chef.
Prices
- Base Price $950 / night
- Weekend Price $980 / night
- Cleaning Fee $300
- Security Deposit $500
- Extra People $50 (adult) and $50 (child) / night after 8 people
Finding fulfillment
Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more
Peacefulness
Human connection
Groundedness
Reviews (6)
83% Recommended
Marco
14 Jul 2021
The whitelodge Mountain Retreat is set in a beautiful location..it was just what my friends and I needed. What let it down though was the sheer amount of rules one being not being able to use the pizz...a oven.
As amazing as it was we had troubles closing the the front door and unfortunately the tap water was near yellow. We attempted to contact the property owner however we never heard anything.
To top it off we felt like we where being watched with the camera and when someone came on the property asking us what was going on when we were going for a walk. A
Shame as it was a beautiful property!
HOST RESPONSE:
Marco, we wish to take this opportunity to address the negative comments on your review. Recent devastating storms churned our water tanks so water is sometimes discoloured, but is in fact, drinkable. The front door sometimes swells if it’s damp, there are 4 other entry points if needed. Security cameras are external only and comply with all privacy regulations. House rules clearly state on our listing that the pizza oven is only to be used by an experienced operator as we are in a bushfire zone, a forest! This was also discussed with you before your arrival. We had no messages from you on either the riparide site, or on the 2 phone numbers we left with you. All house rules are in place to protect our beautiful property so it can be enjoyed by our future valued guests.
Nic and Robynne
As amazing as it was we had troubles closing the the front door and unfortunately the tap water was near yellow. We attempted to contact the property owner however we never heard anything.
To top it off we felt like we where being watched with the camera and when someone came on the property asking us what was going on when we were going for a walk. A
Shame as it was a beautiful property!
HOST RESPONSE:
Marco, we wish to take this opportunity to address the negative comments on your review. Recent devastating storms churned our water tanks so water is sometimes discoloured, but is in fact, drinkable. The front door sometimes swells if it’s damp, there are 4 other entry points if needed. Security cameras are external only and comply with all privacy regulations. House rules clearly state on our listing that the pizza oven is only to be used by an experienced operator as we are in a bushfire zone, a forest! This was also discussed with you before your arrival. We had no messages from you on either the riparide site, or on the 2 phone numbers we left with you. All house rules are in place to protect our beautiful property so it can be enjoyed by our future valued guests.
Nic and Robynne
Peacefulness
Human connection
Nat
23 May 2021
This place is fab. We had the best time. Really well appointed, cosy, location in a valley, huge trees and ferns all around. The beds are so comfy and there are tons of options for relaxing at the house. Different living zones, multiple fireplaces, so much to love!
Freedom
Challenge
Rejuvenation
Peacefulness
Unplugged
Christen
2 Feb 2021
This gorgeous house nestled in the breathtaking forest of the Dandenongs was just the ticket for a three day weekend. We felt a million miles from Melbourne. The house somehow manages to feel soaring ...and cosy all at once and there are thoughtful design touches around every corner as well as views to the majestic trees and ferns outside. The gardens are lovely and the front terrace was a favourite spot to sit and observe the native birds in the surrounding trees and even some hummingbirds right on the deck. The kitchen is stocked with every appliance or tool you could ever possibly need and we were in heaven on the comfortable couches with the fire roaring as the rain fell outside over what was an unseasonably wet and cool summer weekend. Beyond that, we were especially grateful to the super kind and flexible hosts of this property, Nic and Robynne. When we thought a medical emergency was going to mean the end of our weekend away they went above and beyond to accomodate our needs. We will definitely return.
Groundedness
Rejuvenation
Peacefulness
Slowness
Host
Robynne & Nic
Email Verified
Phone Verified
South Melbourne
1Listings
We have tirelessly been building our dream lodge in the mountains for many years with passion, while running a busy and successful hydronic heating company in Melbourne.
Our lifestyle choices are made possible by inviting respectful guests to share the beauty of our property and its surrounds.
Some major health issues have prompted us to balance our priorities, live the dream, experience life’s beauty in nature, rest, revitalise, breathe!
Take care of the important moments, challenge ourselves to continually improve
And of course, enjoy great food and wine along the way. We sincerely hope you enjoy our house as much as we do.
Ask a QuestionAdventures on the Property
These are the exclusive natural wonders and outdoor activities within the property boundaries.
Waterfall On The Property
Our private’ garden has a 4 pond waterfall, amazing backdrop for dining on the outdoor terrace.
Sounds Of The Forest Dusk And Dawn Meditation
A fave is a 30 minute meditation at dusk. I call it the “forest shutdown” the loud majesty of the forest highlights relative insignificance of us humans in nature. Enjoy it from the roof or bottom decks.
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.
Mapped Walking Tracks
Walking tracks at the doorstep, or winding roads to villages and National Parks.
Alfred Nicolas Memorial Garden
Under the management of Parks Victoria, Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden is the original garden of the historic Burnham Beeches estate and is renowned for its extensive water features and landscaped gardens. Access to the gardens is just a short stroll down the road from the lodge.
Geppettos Workshop
If you have kids, this institution is a must. Geppetto’s Workshop specializes in wooden toys made with old-world charm. From marionettes and hand puppets to spinning tops and kaleidoscopes, wooden puzzles and games. Their toys are chosen for their uniqueness, style and quality. With most of their products made from wood. The perfect place for our son, Odin, to pick out something special for his very 1st birthday. I never thought I’d have that much fun in a toy store, but this place is literally covered from floor to ceiling with toys. Odin ended up picking out a beautifully made sustainable wood, shape sorting, tip truck!
The Piggery Burnham Beeches
After an incredible and relatively easy trek from the lodge through the epic Alfred Nicolas Memorial Gardens you'll reach The Piggery @ Burnham Beeches. One of the Dandenongs well known gems built upon the philosophy of farm-to-table food. Sadly the pandemic put a stop to our sit-down lunch plans but they still came through with delicious baked goods to go. We also picked up some local strawberry + rhubarb cordial and a few impeccably made coffees for the walk back through the perfectly manicured gardens, past the lake, down the hill and back to the lodge. Trip takes around an hour each way. Up hill on the way but down hill on your return.
Sherbrook Forest
With trees so big you can climb in them! The sheer scale of the gums in Sherbrooke Forest is humbling. We explored the forest for a couple of hours trekking along Sherbrooke trail, one of the many forest trails within a 5 minute drive from the lodge.
Wood Fired Pizza Chocolate
With a craving for wood-fired pizza, Dudleys, located in Olinda village came through for us! With tasty takeaway pizzas in hand to enjoy back at the lodge we accidentally on purpose stopped in at Only Mine next door to pick up some artisanal chocolate. Highly recommend their Honeycomb + dark chocolate block. Yum!
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$950per night













































