Heathvale Heights Cottage

A long family history continues

Heathvale Heights Cottage sits on a working farm, nestled at the base of Mount Abrupt. The Templeton family has been associated with the Dunkeld district since arriving from Scotland in the 1830s, and now spans 3 generations.

A turn of the 2oth century gem

The Cottage itself was built in the early 1900s from bricks made on site using local materials. Many of the original features remain including the exterior kitchen chimney and the internal pressed metal ceilings. Where possible and practical, preservation of the original features was at the forefront of the renovation such that Heathvale Heights Cottage can now be enjoyed by current and future generations.

As you laze away the hours, imagine the stories that have been made and told in the many lives lived at Heathvale Heights Cottage!

Surrounded with history

During the renovation, many historic items from the Cottage were preserved.

The kitchen chimney

The kitchen chimney

This original chimney remains in-situ. It stands in what was the original outside kitchen.

Rocking chairs

Rocking chairs

The Cottage's rocking chairs are original and have been expertly refurbished. The stories they could tell!

Tool shed

Tool shed

Made from hand sawn planks, this very original tool shed still stands proud (and in use!) 100 years on.

Farm tools

Farm tools

Many of the original tools and appliances have survived the passing of the decades.

Battery shed

Battery shed

Formerly used to provide power the farm, the original brick battery shed has been converted into the laundry used today.

The Cottage

The Cottage

Before the renovation commenced

Your hosts

Val and Mal Templeton are third generation Templetons and also working farmers.

With their warm welcome, they hope your stay at Heathvale Heights Cottage will give you a small taste of relaxed country life in one of the most beautiful places in Victoria.

CONTACT US

The original brick maker that was used to make the bricks for the cottage in 1900 remains intact and in all likelihood would still make bricks today.

A new era commences

On 29 December 2020, we opened the doors of Heathvale Heights Cottage and welcomed our first official guests.
We now offer travellers, hikers and guests an escape to relax & unwind in a farm cottage.

Many opening dates were considered as the Coronavirus Pandemic and the Victorian decreed State of Emergency, consequent lockdowns and travel restrictions altered our opening plans.

While the story of Heathvale Heights Cottage spans well over a century, we have now embarked on a new beginning - or a new chapter in it's history. This new story will unfold as pages turn. It has been a long journey to restore, renovate and refurbish. A labour of love, a lot of blood, sweat and of course, occasional tears.

Patience is an inherent Templeton gift. It has endured over 3 generations, culminating in and characterising the making of Heathvale Heights Cottage.