Bronte Manor is a grand, rustic, four-bedroom mudbrick dwelling perched on a hill with 360-degree views amidst 35ha of trees and hills, 6km north of Clare.
Romantic and secluded, it accommodates a single party of up to 10 (2 queen bedrooms - one with ensuite - one double, one twin bedroom, plus a quaint separate cottage with a king-sized bed on application). Located on 80 acres of undulating hills with lovely walks and a dam, it's also a wonderful treat for the family dog.
With a comfortable and spacious layout, it can be enjoyed by a single couple wanting total peace and seclusion, while two ensuite bathrooms provide privacy for larger groups.
Peace and tranquility are the hallmarks of Bronte Manor.
Relax in the claw-footed bath and enjoy stunning views through large floor-to-ceiling windows from both bathrooms, located at opposite sides of the house. The long, baronial-sized living room with open fireplace separates each queen-sized suite while a pretty twin room is ideal for kids and singles. A quaint, spacious attic room with an 1880s iron-posted double bed and views over the hills at the back of the property is made available for larger groups.
For groups of 10 (or a fourth couple who want a king-sized bed), rustic Heathcliff Guest Cottage a few metres from the main house, is perfect.
It is only ever used in conjunction with Bronte Manor bookings and is separated from the main house by a lovely stone wall and meandering brick path. Although simple, the cottage is charming, warmed in winter by a pot belly stove with a tiny ensuite bathroom and views over the valley.
From the main house, visitors can step out through French doors onto the slate terrace from every room (except the third twin bedroom and attic) and watch the sun go down behind a vista of stunning valley views with the Clare Valley racecourse in the far distance.
BOOKING NOTE:
Children under 17 are charged at $30 per night (for the first 2 nights and $20 thereafter) while those under 2 are free.
***What Special Treats are Included?***
Enjoy a bottle of complimentary local Clare Valley Red in front of a blazing fire or, in summer, a chilled White on the slate terrace overlooking the sweeping valley as you cook your food on the BBQ.
Cook up your complimentary local free range eggs and bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms or make dinner in the large, well-equipped kitchen while you listen to the kookaburras and enjoy the view which is undisturbed by any other dwelling.
If you've brought any four-legged friends, you'll know your pampered pet is secure in a fenced-off area (with shelter) near the house as you head off to enjoy the nearby wineries and restaurants. Dogs are also welcome to run around off-leash everywhere except close to the alpaca enclosure. (Don't worry, there are signs.)
Bronte Manor is the ideal place for entertaining, Writers' Retreats, or simply for relaxing.
Depending on the weather - or the direction of the wind or sun - you can use the gas BBQ on the terrace and enjoy the feeling of being lord of all you survey from this beautifully elevated position, or cook up your sausages on the wood-fired BBQ on the eastern side of the house while you enjoy undisturbed views of the hills at the back of the property which are covered in natural bushland.
For those who want to toast marshmallows over an open fire beneath a star-studded sky during winter, there's a large fire pit near Heathcliff Cottage.
At the edge of the courtyard, hundred-year-old gums pepper the slope which meets a wide grassy sward, bordered by a ribbon of trees, with the dam in the distance. There is not another building or road to distract the eye.
Birdlife and kangaroos are abundant.
Well-mannered dogs welcome - allowed indoors. Securely fenced dog run near the house with kennel.
Heathcliff Cottage is never separately let.
Rates include a complimentary bottle of wine, cooked/continental breakfast provisions, all linen, and firewood for the first two nights.
Minimum 2 nights stay weekends Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun (negotiable)
Portacot and high chair provided on request.
Key in door from 2pm onwards on day of arrival
Departure time by 11am
Long weekends minimum 3 nights' stay based on 4 people occupancy.
KITCHEN INVENTORY
Bronte has always been a fabulous house for entertaining. Breakfast over the open fire by the church door, cook up lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley using the gas BBQ, and enjoy dinner at the long baronial table in front of the fire.
Below is an inventory of kitchen stock for those who want to cook up a storm.
3 saucepans (sm, med, lge)
3 frying pans (2 med, 1 lge)
3 deep metal baking dishes (sm, med, lge)
1 biscuit tray
1 set of Slimmers scales
1 Breville Turbo Mix (electric beater)
1 blender
1 large open casserole dish
2 colanders
1x 10L cooking pot
measuring cups
veg masher, whisk, slotted spoon, tongs, knives
2 cake tins, mixing bowl
gravy boat
4 salad bowls
1 quiche dish
electric frying pan
2 graters
2 closed casserole dishes
citrus juicer (manual)
1 large stainless steel fridge to fit all your ingredients.
Dishes for canapes and dips
In other words, if you want to entertain in style, Bronte Manor is the place to do it!
Bon Appetit!
Restaurants, wineries and a first class golf course are easily accessible. Clare township offers good shopping facilities while the Clare Valley is noted for its fine wines, excellent wineries, scenic drives and the beauty of its trees and rolling hills. The area has an unspoilt rural charm about it.
For the cyclist or walking trail enthusiast, the popular Riesling Trail follows the old train line between Clare and Auburn (22km). The trail passes close to wineries, restaurants and scenic spots. It is sign posted and the full trail does not have to be negotiated.
