Open Season House, c. 1886
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 1
Nestled in an alpine valley of apple orchards, nut groves and forests, Wandiligong was once a bustling gold mining town in the 1800s. Built in 1886, Open Season House was Wandiligong’s much anticipated new Post Office. Bank and telegraph facilities were quickly added, servicing over 2,000 miners seeking their fortune.
The first postmistress was Mary A. Nelson, supported by a young Percy Gribble, the telegraph messenger boy. Gribble eventually rose through the ranks to become Superintendent of Telegraphs in the Post Master General’s Department. Today, the entire town is registered with the National Trust as a historic landscape for its quiet charm, natural beauty, and historic buildings.
Retiring from a working building in 1976, the old Post Office has been thoughtfully restored into a loving home with every modern comfort. With a nod to its working past, guests are greeted by the original ‘post office red’ roof and front door. The once grand entrance hall, where former post and bank customers conducted their business, is now a welcoming space to hang your coats and feel instantly at home. Every care has been taken to preserve the spirit of the Post Office, with the original expansive passageways, aged black timber floorboards, soaring 12 foot ceilings, timber mantels and sash windows, all thoughtfully restored.
Open Season House accommodates up to eight adults, with families welcome. There are three beautifully styled bedrooms, two with queen beds fitted with luxury linen from Australian designers’ Mark Tuckey and Bed Tonic. The third bedroom has two king single bunk beds fitted with Pony Rider linen. To keep you toasty warm during cooler months, there are electric blankets, throw rugs in each bedroom, and Morgan and Finch hot water bottles.
The spacious bathroom features a wet-room rain shower, and deep bath nestled under a picture window overlooking the valley, a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to at the end of your day. Enjoy complimentary hand wash, body wash & lotion by the Australian skin care brand Leif, scented candles, fluffy towels, and heated towel rails for those chilly alpine mornings. There’s also a full laundry, catering for all adventures from muddy mountain bike riding to winter ski layers.
The modern kitchen is equipped with Nespresso coffee machine & plunger, and pantry full of essential cooking staples, from olive oil to hot chocolate. There’s even all the dry ingredients you need for baking Open Season House’s famous Apple Crumble! Perfect after picking apples at Nightingale’s Alpine Produce, the largest orchard in the southern hemisphere. And come evening, relax with a Reed & Co G&T, Starward Two Fold Australian Whisky or Killeen 12 year old Rutherglen muscat - at Open Season House, each adult guest receives a complimentary drink during their stay, with an honesty bar for your use.
The dining table in the living area comfortably sits eight for meals, or an enjoyable afternoon of board games. The living room is a cosy place to curl up with a book on the comfy sofa or daybed in front of the electric fireplace, which is nice & warm, while being environmentally friendly. Guests can also balance work and play with a dedicated work space, fast wi-fi and smart TV.
Step outside to our your own romantic, rambling gardens - with the cutest, mysterious little cottage that was possibly an outdoor kitchen, laundry, smoke house, or even a gaol at one point. A delight all year round, picnic under the chestnut tree, or enjoy a friendly game of bocce. Relax on the deck overlooking rolling hills, listening to birdsong, and watching the kids run barefoot across the lawns. Open Season House has long been a hive of activity and an integral part of Wandiligong for over 130 years. Now a luxurious home away from home for guests, it’s time to add your story.
Images by Bec Haycraft
Special Features
High Speed WiFi
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Gardens with Views
Luxe Bedding
Things To Do
In the heart of High Country, just a few minutes down the road from Bright, Open Season House is perfectly positioned to explore this stunning region of Victoria. Take a short walk to the famous Wandi pub, a stroll down Lardis Lane, or visit The Diggings and Chinese Swing Bridge to appreciate the history and beauty of this mining town. Alternatively, explore the regional culinary delights of apple picking, farm gate produce, the autumn Wandi Nut Festival, or select one of many picturesque driving tours of Buckland Valley, King Valley, Milawa regions, Beechworth and Rutherglen vineyards. Biking is another popular pursuit, either adventurous mountain biking or a comfortable pedal on the rail train to Bright for coffee. You’re also on the doorstep of Victoria’s best ski resorts, at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.
