From time to time The Buckland is featured in accommodation books and receives reviews in magazines and newspapers. The articles we share below are all independent reviews, in many cases we didn't even know that a Journalist was staying with us:
Season ticket to the Bright lights
April 19, 2008
Foodies, ski bunnies and bush walkers alike beat a leaf-laden path to this alpine centre, writes Andrew Bain.
Though famed for its golden autumns, Bright is a town for all seasons. Yellow leaves yield to winter snows, which melt away into flower-filled springs and sun-baked mountain summers. It's a balance of seasons almost unrivalled in the country, so it's little wonder the town is all things to all people: ski hub, bushwalking base camp, cycling trailhead, leafy lure and, increasingly, a centre of fine food, wine and beer....
...The Buckland Studio Retreat has stunning views over chestnut groves and vineyards to Mount Buffalo. Its open-plan studios resemble hobbit holes from afar but are all luxury within, from the espresso machines to the double shower heads to the under-bed lighting.
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Beautiful Accommodation, 2008 edition, by Jenny Lamattina
"it is difficult to know what the biggest attraction....is: the magnificient view accross the valley to Mount Buffalo, or the stunningly executed studios themselves. We'd probably plump for the latter....."
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Driven Magazine, August 2007
Mountain Magic
by Russell Williamson
Winter can be hectic and busy time for the Victorian High Country with the snowfields drawing plenty of crowds but the little Buckland Valley near Bright provides a respite and peace and tranquility and...there could be few better places to spend a couple of days of R&R than The Buckland Studio Retreat where luxury and style meld perfectly with the local landscape in a small selection of villas that leave a very light environmental footprint...
The Buckland – Studio Retreat selected as one of the
19 cool hotels in the world by Vogue Entertaining +
Travel (Australian Edition)
The August/September 2007 issue of Vogue Entertaining + Travel AU lists The Buckland – Studio Retreat as one of the “19 Cool Hotels” in the world (that won't break your budget).
Only one other luxury accommodation provider in Australia was chosen to feature in the annual “Cool Hotel” list. Other hotels/accommodation featured include: Adara (Canada), Hotel Duomo (Italy), The Eugenia (Thailand), Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea (Jordan), Baghvan, Pench National Park & Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park (India), The Cocker (Agentina), Abbaye De La Bussiere (France), Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Japan), Riva Lofts (Italy), Me Madrid (Spain), Orchard Garden Hotel (U.S.), The Lodge at Tarraleah (Australia), The James (U.S.), LA Residence Hotel & Spa (Vietnam), Indigo Pearl (Thailand), Hotel Amour (France), High Road House (UK), Rania Experience (Maldives), The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
ninemsn. July 2007
The Buckland Valley goldfield
by Emma Vuletic
Nestled at the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria 's High Country, the Buckland Valley has hosted holidaymakers, wine growers, gold diggers and even a riot. Emma Vuletic goes digging.
“There's a certain smug satisfaction that comes from discovering a pocket of heaven far from the maddening crowd — in this case the Buckland Valley, a sub-alpine wonder nestled snugly and somewhat surreptitiously at the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria 's High Country. Rising gently yet magnificently towards the snow-capped range, my view from the luxurious Buckland Studios is captivating … and something I'd quite like to hide from those pleasure-seeking Melburnians partial to an easy weekend getaway……. The valley is indeed a secret waiting to get out, with its humbling beauty, mysterious pockets and luxurious lodgings. ...luxury eco-studios complete with pot-bellied fires, designer kitchens, seriously swanky bathrooms and towering beds bundled deep in lush fabrics and slumber-worthy pillows. Although we're sleeping on terrain that's been dug, turned, pillaged and piled by previous inhabitants, it feels isolated, quiet, serene.
Each morning our hosts provide a continental breakfast with expertly brewed coffee in the property's superbly outfitted cafe looking upwards towards Mount Buffalo……”
Read full article for more info about the Buckland Valley and its history – it makes interesting reading: Click Here
Herald Sun Travel, Friday, July 20, 2007
Drink in the superb views
“There is no escaping the stunning views at The Buckland. Four upmarket studios sit under the ramparts of Mt. Buffalo in the Buckland Valley near Bright. This is not a B&B in the traditional sense, rather up-market self-catering accommodation. The studios maximise surrounding views. An outdoor decking area has electric barbecues. Owner Sabine Helsper runs a goat herd nearby and has opened a discreet on-site café.”
Condé Nast Travellers’ (US & UK edition) Hotlist 2007
The Year’s 138 Top New Hotels (The Buckland was independently nominated as one of only two Australian establishments):
"This romantic hideaway in the heart of Victoria's Alpine High Country combines comfort with a seclusion so complete that the only passing traffic is likely to be a kangaroo…."Read full article here
Australian Senior Traveller, March 2007
By Sue Preston
“Buckland Studio Retreat is an eco-friendly collection of studios set on 16 hectares of undulating land in the Buckland Valley, home to many native birds as well as wombats, wallabies and echidnas. In fact, you’re warned there’s a wombat who likes to peer in the bathroom windows.
Each studio is luxuriously fitted with reverse cycle air-conditioning, wood heater, heated towel rail, sumptuous deep couches, candles, television and DVD, sound system. The welcoming note said there were some basic provisions in case of acute hunger pangs, and these turned out to be quite substantial portions of past, soup and bread….You’re invited to wander over and say hello to the horses and Saanen Goats on the property, but due to past “over-indulgence” they are now on a strict diet. Please don’t feed them, even if they give you “the look”…
Good Weekends Away, by Fairfax Group, 2007 edition
100 best destinations for the passionate traveller
Page 120, awarded 19/20 points and 2 keys
“ Outstanding, can we move in?”
VOYEUR, Virgin Blue Inflight Magazine, December 2006
RETREAT, THEN RELAX by Louise Southerden
Finally, for unique boutique lodgings in a serene setting, head to The Buckland Studio Retreat…..
Read full article here:
Travel and Leisure Magazine (Australia & US edition), October 2006
The High Road Snowy Mountains, by Emma Sloley
….The stone and corrugated iron studios stand among swaying native grasses, and inside is everything a well-heeled traveller could possibly hope for: plush lounge furniture, fully equipped kitchen – including joy of joys, a proper espresso coffee machine – bathroom with twin shower heads and a lovely view through full-length louvered windows onto native forest, and a bedroom with a dreamy, raised king-size bed. There’s also a large deck, designed to take full advantage of the bucolic views out over the vineyards, olive groves and distant mountains…..
The Australian WISH magazine, Sept. 2006
The Buckland was featured as one of 48 stress free breaks:
The Buckland, Studio Retreat near Bright, Victoria:
When German-born husband and wife Eddie Dufrenne and Sabine Helsper opened The Buckland last year, they wanted to create something different. They’ve certainly achieved it with their four architect-designed studios, which are perfect for couples seeking a weekend retreat. Luxurious yet eco-friendly, the studios sit among chestnut groves, vineyards and bushland. All are within gazing distance of beautiful, snow capped Mt. Buffalo.
Don’t be alarmed by the floor-to-ceiling glass window in the bathroom as the only passing traffic is likely to be a wombat. The Buckland’s 24 goats are more useful; they produce a fromage frais that can be tried at the retreat’s latest addition – a small café and cellar door.
Romantics will appreciate the aromatic candles, wood combustion heaters, fluffy robes and L’Occitane body products.
Luxury Travel & Style Magazine, Spring ‘06
Studio Style
A new Victorian Retreat
The Buckland Valley, off the main alpine road in Victoria’s northeast, lies under the ramparts of Mount Buffalo and is on the prettiest valleys in the country……a few kilometers from Bright...Offering the newest luxury accommodation in the region, The Buckland comprises four freestanding studio retreats each a comfortable distance from each other, that sit seamlessly in this bucolic scene……Built on a timber an steel structure, the exterior features local Glenrowan stone, timber and galvanized iron with a north facing cantilevered roof to cathe the winter sun, all heavily insulated for environmental sustainability. Inside, polished timber floors contrast with textured rugs and comfy sink-into corduroy and leather chairs. Beds are on raised custom made bases ….Well-designed bathrooms boast double shoer recesses that look through floor-to ceiling glass walls at the rear…
The Weekend Australian, July 29th & 30th
"Lie back and think of Tuscany" by Judith Elen
At the Buckland Studio Retreat,…, the latest life-enhancing equipment (automatic Italian espresso machine, digital television, DVD, CD player, twin shower, electric BBQ, dishwasher) alongside old comforts (combustion heater, ready to ignite at the flick of a match, beautiful bed linen) enhance large, stylishly designed free-standing studios set amid rolling landscape 12 km from the township of Bright. Open decks on two sides, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass walled shower rooms turn close-by bush and wide vistas towards Mt Buffalo into features of the interior (bush animals regularly visit decks)…..
Essentials magazine, winter 2006
Friends of the Earth by Emma Westwood
When turning onto McCormack’s Lane leading up to The Buckland Studio Retreat, the line of four little studios sitting on the hill is not immediately apparent; such is their seamless blending into the valley’s environs. But then you spy them….and your heart skips a beat.
‘How utterly adorable’ you’re sure to find yourself thinking. And distinctly unique as well…….
Read the full article Download PDF (480k).
The Border Mail, Travel 15th of April 2006
“Relax from on high” by Sue Wallace:
Magnificent views, lots of fresh air coupled with fine food and wine are attracting many people to the Alpine High Country. Sue Wallace uncovers some of the region’s secrets.
Just as I reach for the towel, two hefty wombats wandered past, peeping discreetly as they lumbered off into the dense bush. Next, several kangaroos looked in, then hopped off over the hills and finally, a lazy lizard languishing on a rock on the last of the sun’s rays sank over the hill.
When you take a shower at the Buckland Studio Retreat, you never know what you’ll see outdoors.
The full length glass walls of the funky double shower afford the best views of the nearby bushland, where animals come and go unaware they are being watched.
Nestled in a beautiful valley under the shadows of Mt Buffalo, flanked by chestnut and gum trees on one side and vineyards and olive trees on the other, the tree eco-friendly studios offer stunning views and complete privacy – apart for the animal life when you take a shower.
This is eco-design at its best with stone, wood and corrugated iron blended to create accommodation that is not only luxurious, but also easy on the eye and the landscape.
The open-plan studios have everything you could want with and emphasis on comfort and luxury.
You can even make your own espresso from a coffee machine and the bathroom is stocked with top-shelf L’Occitane products.
The retreats are designed for two and the couple has added lots of extra little touches such as chocolates, and the latest magazines and DVDs line the shelfs…… Step outside on the veranda and you can take in all that fresh air and great scenery or take a break and relax on the comfy sofa, pull up a mohair rug beside the slow combustion wood fire and do absolutely nothing.
The enterprising couple are also planning to open a café and boutique cheese factory…….
The Age Travel Short Breaks, 11th of March 2006, by Jane Faulkner
“A touch of little Italy”, the verdict by Jane Faulkner:
The Buckland Studio Retreat is the epitome of luxury, comfort and style set in perfect surrounds of this bucolic valley. It was a lovely surprise to find the website actually corresponded to what was on offer - "eco-friendly design, stylish, contemporary interior, nature-inspired hues, stunning views and complete privacy". I certainly didn't want to leave, but I'm coming back. A sentiment echoed by everyone who had written in the guest book. Just waiting for the cafe to open. Hurry up.
(read full article here)
Wicked Weekend column by Tricia Welsh, Herald Sun January 7th, 2006:
Sound the retreat
The Buckland Valley veers off the main alpine road in Victoria’s northeast and is one of the prettiest in the country.
Lying under the ramparts of Mt. Buffalo, the picturesque pocket offers some of the most stylish accommodation in the area.
The Room
The Buckland Studio Retreat at Bright is the newest luxury accommodation in the region and consists of three freestanding studios designed and built by local architect and builder Andrew McCoubrie.
The owners have thought of everything to make a stay here comfortable – digital TV, combustion burner and luxurious l’Occitane toiletries.
The Food
The makings of a continental breakfast are provided, which can be upgraded to a full country breakfast. A well-equipped kitchen and electric barbecue on the terrace make self-catering an easy option.
But 10 minutes away by car is Simone’s, one of the best regional restaurants in the country, where you can dine in style on fabulous local produce.
The Fun
Visitors to this region are spoilt for choice. Drive in any direction and you will discover a wealth of local produce, much of which you can buy at the farm gate. The region has excellent wineries with welcoming cellar hosts.
Nearby Beechworth lures shoppers with its stylish shops and boutiques. For the energetic, there’s the Rail Trail, a 94 km bitumen-sealed bike track that links Wangaratta, Beechworth, Myrtleford, Porepunkah and Bright.
Coast and Country magazine, summer 2005-06 edition:
ucked away in the beautiful Buckland Valley south of Porepunkah at the foothills of Mount Buffalo, three brand new studios spread out on 40 acres of pasture sometimes surprise travellers by their uncompromisingly contemporary design….the studios are a good base for seeing Victoria’s Alpine country and enjoying all the other activities the region offers. Natural stone walls, timber and corrugated iron blend in well with the bush background of these well designed structures, while inside contemporary décor and all modern comforts make the studios a delightful place to stay. What could give a greater sense of contentment than relaxing on the sun-deck and contemplating the superb views over the tapestry of vineyards and chestnut plantations to the rugged cliffs of Mount Buffalo beyond?
Beautiful accommodation in Victoria and Tasmania,
6th edition 2005 by Jennifer Lamattina:
In the heart of the Buckland Valley at the foothills of Mount Buffalo National Park, sit three very sexy contemporary studios. The Buckland Studio Retreat is a striking new addition to this edition and don’t we love it. On one side is 60 acres of pristine bushland. Across the other side, the views take in more than 600 chestnut trees, valley vineyards and olive groves.
The studios are contemporary retreats built just for two. Each has an open living area with stylish cord and leather furnishings, slow combustion wood fire, stainless steel appliances and an espresso coffee machine. A tailor-made Queensland walnut timber bed features in the bedrooms and the bathrooms are sensational – there’s an indulgent double rain shower and full glass walls allowing private bush views. No corners have been cut here – king beds, goose down doonas, seductive mood lighting and two private decks taking in those wonderful mountain and valley views. Bright is only ten minutes away and The Buckland is near some fabulous walking tracks, an airfield with helicopter and microlight flying and, for ski buffs, Mount Hotham is 55 kilometres away
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