Hidden Country Escape

Our stay at Harpsichord House Loft felt like discovering a hidden gem tucked away in the countryside.

From the moment we arrived, there was a sense of calm that instantly made us slow down. The loft is full of character, with beautiful textiles from around the world, carefully curated pieces by local artists and designers, and thoughtful details that make the space feel both unique and inviting. Every corner tells a story, and it’s the kind of place where you naturally pause to take it all in.

Mornings started quietly, with soft country light filling the loft and the peaceful surroundings just outside the door. We wandered through the garden, enjoyed the stillness, and took a gentle walk down by the river. It was the perfect way to disconnect from the rush of everyday life.

One of the highlights? The luxurious king sized bed. It’s incredibly comfortable, making slow mornings almost inevitable. Leaving it was easily the hardest decision of the day. What makes the stay even better is that it’s proudly pooch friendly, so your dogs can join the escape too.

Harpsichord House Loft is a cosy and thoughtfully designed country retreat, best suited for couples, friends travelling together, or small families looking to unwind and experience the quiet charm of Kyneton.

Things We Did

  • Forest
  • Walk
  • Café
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One of our favourite adventures during our time in Kyneton was visiting Black Hill Reserve, a beautiful stretch of bushland just a short drive from town. Spanning over 260 acres, the reserve feels wonderfully untouched, with winding walking tracks that lead you through native bush and up towards impressive granite rock formations. The highlight is The Monolith, one of the largest granite features in Victoria, rising dramatically from the landscape.

We brought our dogs along for the walk, and they absolutely loved exploring the trails with us. With plenty of open space, fresh air and natural surroundings, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk while your furry companions enjoy the adventure too just remember to keep them on a lead to protect the local wildlife. As we wandered along the tracks, we kept an eye out for some of the incredible wildlife the reserve is known for, including wallabies, kangaroos and a variety of bird species. The quiet of the bush makes it feel like a true escape into nature.

After the walk, we stopped by the rotunda near the entrance for a little rest and took in the peaceful surroundings a perfect spot for a picnic before heading off on the next adventure. If you’re travelling with dogs and looking for a beautiful place to stretch your legs and enjoy nature, Black Hill Reserve is definitely worth the visit.
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One of the simple pleasures during our stay was taking a quiet walk along the Campaspe River Walk. The trail gently winds beside the calm river, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and tall trees that provide pockets of shade along the way. It’s the kind of place where you slow your pace, listen to the soft flow of the water, and take in the peaceful scenery around you.

As we wandered along the path, we spotted native plants and small glimpses of local wildlife, making the walk feel even more connected to nature. It’s an easy, relaxing stroll and the perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon outdoors. If you’re looking to escape the rush and enjoy a moment of calm, the Campaspe River Walk is a beautiful place to start.
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We stopped by Home Grown on Piper during our time in Kyneton, and it quickly became one of our favourite little finds. Tucked along historic Piper Street, the café has such a warm and inviting feel, the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable settling in. Even better, it’s dog friendly, so we were able to enjoy our visit and get a puppicino for our pups after our brunch.

The food was honestly so good. Everything tasted fresh and full of flavour, and knowing that many of the ingredients are organically grown locally makes it even more special. The menu has something for everyone too, with great vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options that don’t feel like an afterthought. It was the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy a really good meal, and soak in the relaxed Kyneton vibe, definitely one we’d come back to.

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