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Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens

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A serene landscape with a pond, a dirt path, and a building surrounded by trees and shrubs.
A covered outdoor area with a pool, a metal gate, potted plants, and a patio table.
A room with a glass table surrounded by wicker chairs, a red sofa, and a painting on the wall.
A bedroom with a bed, a chair, a window with curtains, and a wall-mounted lamp.
A compact kitchen with a wooden countertop, white appliances, and a small window.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Outdoor pool
  • Kitchenette
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View in a map
Balingup, WA
  • Place, Yarri Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Balingup Town Hall
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Kulyir Mia Park
    ‪2 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

About the area

Balingup

Located in Balingup, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Dalgarup National Park and Kulyir Mia Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Balingup Lavender Farm and Memorial Park. Bridgetown Leisure Centre and Nannup Arboretum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Balingup, WA

What's nearby

  • Yarri Park - 2 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Balingup Town Hall - 2 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Kulyir Mia Park - 2 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Balingup Lavender Farm - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Ferguson Valley - 34 min drive - 58.6 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Mushroom Cafe Balingup - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Mr Foster's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Mushroom at No 61 Cafe - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Pizzaria Bianco - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Green Man - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens ?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Balingup Rustic Retreat - Marian Ponds..Saltwater swimming pool, great gardens located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Yarri Park, Balingup Town Hall and Kulyir Mia Park. Balingup Community Garden and Golden Valley Tree Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 18 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay, hosts are lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely rustic property, its a converted shed with two rooms, ideal for a small family, or 3 - 4 adults. Basic amenities but very clean and well set up. It has a woodfired pot belly that heats the whole place very well plus reverse cycle aircon and electric blankets on all the beds, it can be very cold in Balingup. Fabulous gardens and wonderful hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov 2026
We enjoyed hosting Suzanne and Family, lovely guests and we would welcome them back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property with comfortable accommodation and very welcoming hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 May 2026
Lovely to meet you both and hope to see you again at Marian Ponds
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful surrounds, very clean and tidy accommodation with everything you could need. Wonderful hosts. Highly ecommended!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

lovely stay with very welcoming hosts. The location was beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Nov 2025
Thanks Sharon,Glad you enjoyed your stay:-)
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Marian Ponds

Lovely surroundings and lovely hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2023
Carl and Perri thanks for your comments ,we enjoyed hosting you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very pleasant

Comfortable, cozy, safe. Terrific hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov 2024
It was a pleasure to host Silvia and Guests and would welcome them back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful country getaway

Very comfortable cottage with all the required amenities. Beautiful & peaceful garden area to relax in. Friendly and welcoming hosts. Will definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jan 2023
It was a pleasure hosting Craig and 3 son's(Darren,Ryan,Justin)and see them chilling out and enjoying Marian Ponds, left the Rustic Retreat spotless and would welcome them back and recommend to other hosts.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing farm stay

Very comfortable cottage In beautiful surroundings. Attentive & welcoming hosts. We we’re returning guests. Everything good with no downside
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jun 2023
Craig it was pleasure to host you and your family again :-)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I am writing this review as I booked the house for my son and his daughter. When they returned this is what they told me.The people were extremely lovely, friendly and helpful. Very happy to show my granddaughter around the property to see the animals.The house was more than adequate. Being a very wet cold weekend the fireplace was very welcome. The fire needed a bit of jiggling but got there.Only complaintif I were to make one is the preference for you to cook outside on the barbeque, It has a fully functional kitchen but you are requested to cook outside. In the summer that would probably be the preference but not in winter.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jun 2026
Thank you Vicki for your comments. We enjoyed hosting your family and showing Ella the cows and secret spots in our garden. We did offer to light the wood fire and explained how it worked and were available if any issues as not everyone is familiar with wood fires. The accommodation does NOT have a stove in side(microwave only) and I mentioned that due to the fact that there is no exhaust fan inside would it be ok to cook outside but understood that may not be an option due to the weather. We are very conscious of our guests comfort and enjoyment during their stay with us and are committed to a positive and memerable experience for our guests. Kind regards Marita
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter Charm

Our second stay with the hosts Marita and Ian. Great to see they have maintained the standard of the property and the warm welcome. Had a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Can’t recommend this place enough.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun 2022
Wonderful to host Ian and Michelle again and look forward to welcoming all the family on their next visit in January. Highly recommend to other hosts.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely people, lovely property, lots of birds!

Everything was clean and comfortable and as described. Leaves were just beginning to turn (Easter 2023) and we would love to go back in other seasons too. The location is good to visit Nannup, Bridgetown, Donnybrook as well as Balingup itself.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our Home Away From Home

Received the warmest and friendliest welcome ever by our hosts Marita and Ian. We were treated like family and they went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and happy! Superb and stunning location. Charming property, excellent facilities, extremely comfortable and spotlessly clean. We’ll definitely be returning. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2022
We loved hosting Helen, sister Angela and parents Hilda and Ian, they are a very Special Family. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and it was our privilege to share Marian Ponds with them and would welcome them back anytime as part of our family, perfect guests and would highly recommend to other hosts
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely break

A beautiful property to relax and switch off for a few days. No need to go out and find nature with such a beautiful garden at our fingertips. Marita and Ian were so lovely, helpful and welcoming. Thsnk you guys
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Apr 2024
Thank you Paul for your lovely comments It was a pleasure to host you and Jan and very happy you enjoyed your stay and would welcome you back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mid Week Getaway

Myself and my sister who was over from NZ had beautiful stay. Such a warm welcome from Marita and Ian and they think of everything from chocolates in the fridge, fresh food from their garden including baby tomatoes and Figs. We arrived in the middle of a 40plus degree heat wave and the aircon was already on for us and the pool was fantastic. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Mar 2024
Thanks Heidi for your lovely comments, it was a pleasure to host you and your sister and you are welcome anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ian and Marita are exceptional hosts who warmly welcome their guests. The property boasts stunning gardens that create a truly amazing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea and immersing oneself in the tranquil surroundings. The accommodation, with its rustic charm, offers well-equipped amenities including a comfortable bed and a slow combustion wood fireplace, ideal for cozying up during colder winter nights. I highly recommend this wonderful experience! 👍👍👍
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely as advertised and wonderful!

This property could not be more accurately described as "Rustic Retreat". It is indeed rustic. And it indeed provides all that is needed to serve as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. As we were driving back and hit Perth, we commented on wishing we were back at the peaceful surrounds of the Rustic Retreat. Thank you Marita and Ian for welcoming us and providing such a quaint and fun retreat for our quick getaway. Also, the sheep and ducks are just too cute and funny!! :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jan 2024
Thank you Scott for your kind feed back. We enjoyed meeting and hosting you and your daughter Rowen and would certainly welcome you back anytime. Thank you for leaving the Rustic Retreat so clean and tidy.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a lovely weekend away and property is great, beautiful nature and animals however for what it is, its very overpriced compared with other accommodation in the same area. It is a shed, with missing ceilings, no kitchen expected to cook outside in the middle of winter, unfinished panels. Advertising a touch misleading. Wouldnt call it a retreat.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved this 5 Star Rustic Retreat

This is a beautiful property housing an amazing ‘Rustic Retreat’ built into part of a shed in a wonderful part of the South West. Hosted by the owners of the property, Marita and Ian who really know how to make their guests feel special and have ensured everything has been provided to make you more than comfortable. As guests you are invited guests to explore and enjoy their amazing surroundings with beautifully maintained gardens, ponds, sheep and cattle on the property together with all the wonderful native birds in the area. The hosts have provided a unique experience in which to be located so close to the Balingup township, yet with the impression that you are miles from anywhere. The wood fire keeps you warm in the cooler seasons and there is a reverse cycle airconditioner for the warmer weather as well. The accommodation is super clean & superbly decorated and furnished to suit the environment together with very comfortable beds. We look forward to returning again in the future and would highly recommend to family and friends and anyone looking to visit this absolutely beautiful part of the South West.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
Dee and Rob are such a lovely and friendly couple and it was great to see them enjoying the gardens and Grass trees at Marian Ponds, they were the perfect guests and it was our privilege to host them at Marian Ponds and would love to welcome them back anytime. Highly recommend to other hosts.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very comfortable

Extremely innovative,everything needed was supplied for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
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