10/10 Excellent
Anna W.
14 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic accommodation
Anna W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Entire home
Cosy Mid-Century home, Central, Off Street Parking and Fur Baby Friendly
Photo gallery for Cosy Mid-Century home, Central, Off Street Parking and Fur Baby Friendly
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Newington, VIC
- Place, Lake Wendouree14 min walk
- Place, Ballarat Base Hospital15 min walk
- Place, St John of God Hospital Ballarat17 min walk
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Cosy Mid-Century home, Central, Off Street Parking and Fur Baby Friendly
A quirky mid century house located in the quiet leafy suburb of Newington. Renovated to respect the simple charm of the 1960's, the Retro retreat offers guests an opportunity to relax and unwind and has been carefully curated with a mix of old and new decor throughout. Big windows welcomes natural light and makes the house feel open, bright and inviting. Close to Ballarats shopping precinct, eateries, Lake Wendoree and the Botanical Gardens - Armstrong street Ballarat's culinary strip is a brief stroll or quick uber up the road :Spanish Mexican, Pizza or Asian complete with a delicious cocktail or two to finish off a memorable night out. The retreat is your perfect home from home - to explore Ballarat and the Goldfields.
The entire house is yours and can sleep up to 4 guests - and a large backyard for your fur baby who will love the open space to run free. Its an ideal retreat for a romantic getaway, a girls weekend, or mini break to relax and recharge.
There are two generous size bedrooms - one king and one queen, decorated to respect the simple charm of the 1960s - comfortable beds, quality fresh linen and electric blankets to keep you warm on a cold winters night.
The kitchen is small but has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Our quirky 1960s kitchen has plenty of kit to whip up a delicious feast/ or if you prefer set up a cheese board a glass of wine and you're set for relaxing night in. There is a bbq and small back deck to relax and unwind or sit back and watch a fav on netflix in the comfort of the lounge - and we offer free fast unlimited WIFI, a 50" smart TV, and plenty of books and magazine. A natural born bower bird at heart I have curated the house with found and foraged objects to respect the charm of the 1960s.
There is a dining room with a mid century dining table - a space to enjoy a delicious feast after foraging for local produce - Ballarat is becoming a food hub with plenty of places to seek out your local feast and you will be spoilt for choice.
Feel free to bring your bikes and enjoy exploring the magical charm of Ballarat - a regional hub and home to many artists, foodies, beer makers and gardeners. Or use the house as a base to explore other regional towns that are within close proximity to Ballarat - and perhaps discover a gold nugget or two.
We look forward to welcoming you to our quirky 1960s Retro retreat and hope you enjoy your stay as much as we love the house and central location. To date guests have marvelled at the simplicity and location of the house - a home away from home.
At check-out
Wash and put away your dishes
Make sure all lights, heaters and coolers are off
Clean up after your pets
Clean the BBQ after use
Remove all rubbish and put in correct bins outside
The entire house is yours and can sleep up to 4 guests - and a large backyard for your fur baby who will love the open space to run free. Its an ideal retreat for a romantic getaway, a girls weekend, or mini break to relax and recharge.
There are two generous size bedrooms - one king and one queen, decorated to respect the simple charm of the 1960s - comfortable beds, quality fresh linen and electric blankets to keep you warm on a cold winters night.
The kitchen is small but has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Our quirky 1960s kitchen has plenty of kit to whip up a delicious feast/ or if you prefer set up a cheese board a glass of wine and you're set for relaxing night in. There is a bbq and small back deck to relax and unwind or sit back and watch a fav on netflix in the comfort of the lounge - and we offer free fast unlimited WIFI, a 50" smart TV, and plenty of books and magazine. A natural born bower bird at heart I have curated the house with found and foraged objects to respect the charm of the 1960s.
There is a dining room with a mid century dining table - a space to enjoy a delicious feast after foraging for local produce - Ballarat is becoming a food hub with plenty of places to seek out your local feast and you will be spoilt for choice.
Feel free to bring your bikes and enjoy exploring the magical charm of Ballarat - a regional hub and home to many artists, foodies, beer makers and gardeners. Or use the house as a base to explore other regional towns that are within close proximity to Ballarat - and perhaps discover a gold nugget or two.
We look forward to welcoming you to our quirky 1960s Retro retreat and hope you enjoy your stay as much as we love the house and central location. To date guests have marvelled at the simplicity and location of the house - a home away from home.
At check-out
Wash and put away your dishes
Make sure all lights, heaters and coolers are off
Clean up after your pets
Clean the BBQ after use
Remove all rubbish and put in correct bins outside
Add dates for prices
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House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
One dog allowed in the house small/ medium
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Ballarat
Located in Newington, a neighbourhood in Ballarat, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Mullawallah Wetlands Nature Conservation Reserve and Flax Mill Swamp Wildlife Reserve, while Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Tramway Museum are cultural highlights. Ballarat Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Eureka Aquatic Center are also worth visiting. Power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
Newington, VIC
What's nearby
- Lake Wendouree - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
- Ballarat Base Hospital - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
- St John of God Hospital Ballarat - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
- Ballarat Town Hall - 5 min drive - 2.3 km
- Her Majesty's Theatre - 5 min drive - 2.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 19 min walk
- The Green House - 3 min drive
- The Boat Shed - 2 min drive
- The Cheesecake Shop - 12 min walk
- Lake View Hotel - 2 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
8/10 Good
Christine H.
12 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy retro pet friendly stay
Christine H.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tim J.
10 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A relaxing home away from home
Tim J.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Mary D.
3 Nov, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Huge backyard, great house in a great location
Mary D.
10/10 Excellent
Maree C.
18 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable and homely
Maree C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Stewart M.
26 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cosy house with all the amenities, close to parks and the city
Stewart M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Louise
2 Feb, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Louise
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ingrid P.
15 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable and clean
Ingrid P.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lara H.
25 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Retro delight
Lara H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Rosalind N.
11 Mar, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Begonia Festival
Rosalind N.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth M.
23 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic for ALL
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Julian A.
2 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely 60s style escape
Julian A.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Donita L.
31 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Three Night stay
Donita L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Katrina C.
28 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Retro getaway in heart of Ballarat
Katrina C.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
8/10 Good
Peter H.
27 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our Next Adventure
Peter H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie T.
5 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely home base
Stephanie T.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nicola K.
10 Apr, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pawesome pet friendly place!
Nicola K.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chris I.
13 Dec, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful Retro Retreat
Chris I.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
LIZ W.
30 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Newington
LIZ W.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Sher B.
25 Feb, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Photos lie!
Sher B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tania F.
18 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don’t Miss Out On This Gorgeous Retro Gem
Tania F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Rae M.
11 Jan, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely spot for our short stay in The Rat
Rae M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
MELISSA B.
15 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great New Discovery
MELISSA B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ingrid W.
24 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Snug and stylish
Ingrid W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Christina L.
9 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A comfortable house
Christina L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
About the host
Hosted by Narelle
Hi my name is Narelle and I live in Central Victoria.
My partner Simon and I are farmers/ foodies who live at Little Hampton and produce healthy organic produce. We have two dogs Tillie the Toller and Ronnie the Springer and thats why we love people to bring along their fur babies when staying at the Retro Retreat as dogs are important and should be able to travel and stay wherever you venture. We love to cook and travel and we are in the process of setting up accommodation on our farm at Little Hampton. An ideal staycation for those wanting to escape the city and venture to the country for some time out. Our property at Ballarat is a great place to escape and when not working on the farm we like to endugle ourselves by staying at the Retro Retreat - Close to amenties and central to many of Ballarats cafes and restaurants. The Botanical gardens home to the annual Begonia festival, there is so much to see and do and we hope you enjoy Ballarat as much as we do .....
My partner Simon and I are farmers/ foodies who live at Little Hampton and produce healthy organic produce. We have two dogs Tillie the Toller and Ronnie the Springer and thats why we love people to bring along their fur babies when staying at the Retro Retreat as dogs are important and should be able to travel and stay wherever you venture. We love to cook and travel and we are in the process of setting up accommodation on our farm at Little Hampton. An ideal staycation for those wanting to escape the city and venture to the country for some time out. Our property at Ballarat is a great place to escape and when not working on the farm we like to endugle ourselves by staying at the Retro Retreat - Close to amenties and central to many of Ballarats cafes and restaurants. The Botanical gardens home to the annual Begonia festival, there is so much to see and do and we hope you enjoy Ballarat as much as we do .....
Why they chose this property
The Retro Retreat is a great place to stay as the house is central, close to Lake Wendouree and offers guests the best of both worlds. You can stay in and relax or head out and explore some of the great cafes, restaurants and bars that are popping up throughout Ballarat. The house is quirky and my aim was to create a space that feels like a home away from home - and you feel transported back to a time when life was simple.
Depending on your circumstances - the house is located close to eateries, shopping, hospitals and schools - and we cater for all occasions. For those who have fur babies Victoria Park is a 2 minute walk and a great place for dogs to run off lead and get that well earned exercise or chase a ball or two.
Depending on your circumstances - the house is located close to eateries, shopping, hospitals and schools - and we cater for all occasions. For those who have fur babies Victoria Park is a 2 minute walk and a great place for dogs to run off lead and get that well earned exercise or chase a ball or two.
What makes this property unique
Centrally located - close to eateries, hospital and schools.
Quiet street that is walking distance to Lake Wendouree/ cafes/ restaurants and bars.
House is quirky and will transport you back to a time when life was simple.
Onsite parking with an undercover carport.
A secure backyard to cater for your fur baby
Walking distance to some of the best coffee places in Ballarat - Johnnys & L'espresso
You can sit on the front porch or back veranda and take in the quietness of the street.
House is light and airy and sun peeps in from all angles of the house.
In winter the house is cosy and you can escape the outside by snuggling up on the lounge with a good book or watch a movie.
Quiet street that is walking distance to Lake Wendouree/ cafes/ restaurants and bars.
House is quirky and will transport you back to a time when life was simple.
Onsite parking with an undercover carport.
A secure backyard to cater for your fur baby
Walking distance to some of the best coffee places in Ballarat - Johnnys & L'espresso
You can sit on the front porch or back veranda and take in the quietness of the street.
House is light and airy and sun peeps in from all angles of the house.
In winter the house is cosy and you can escape the outside by snuggling up on the lounge with a good book or watch a movie.
Languages:
English
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