Snow on the ranges, courtesy Daniel Boissevain (note: branch on the left points to The Buckland)

 

 

News @ The Buckland


Winter 2009 Newsletter


Snow Bunny or not ...

... Winter has definitely arrived @ The Buckland.

The ski season opened this year with an early dump of 'real' snow on the ski fields of Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek and even Mt. Buffalo sports a snow cap. Even if the slopes hold no real allure for you, how about a crisp day out on a snow shoeing tour on Mt. Buffalo or Mt. Hotham or an exciting spin in a dog sled around Dinner Plain? From $110 p.p., visit www.sleddogtours.com.au for more information.

Then, after an adventure filled day, head out to one of our award winning restaurants for dinner or snuggle up and warm those cold hands and noses in front of a cozy fire at The Buckland. Updated listing of dining options available on our website - click here.

 

Winter Escape Special

Stay 4 nights in studios one to four and only pay for 3 nights, including Eddie's country style breakfast buffet and cooked breakfast each morning. Surprise the significant other in your life with a few days away from it all: with fresh winter air, sunny days and starry nights, enjoyment and relaxation are guaranteed.
Book now on-line or call us on 0419 133 318 and start looking forward to a relaxing break! (valid until end of August, conditions apply)

 

Preview: Lazy Lunches Italian Style

After the success of the 'Lazy Lunches' series last summer, the first of the Italian themed 4 course lunches for next summer will be hosted on Saturday, 21st of November at The Buckland - Cafe.
Chef Mick Parsons is currently again on a 6 months recipe gathering & wine tasting tour through regional Italy, soaking up inspiration for the new regional menus he will create for our guests. The theme for the first lunch of the series is Taste of Tuscany.

Very limited seats available, book early! $135 p.p. including matched premium imported Italian wines.

Why not turn this into a real treat and make it a long weekend? We have just the package, exclusive to our guests: 3 nights accommdation, enjoy the Lazy Lunch on Saturday, and, to burn off all those calories, on Sunday go on a guided half day hiking tour with Mick and Jackie (incl. lunch) on Mt. Buffalo and then leave on Monday for a leisurely journey back home.

All for $1,199 per couple (price valid for studios one to four, add $100 for No. 5, includes breakfast each morning), lunch and hiking package only available for $250 per person.

For more on hiking and having fun read The Height of Pleasure published by The Age in March'09 and featuring a guided hiking tour, gourmet food and The Buckland, amongst other earthly delights. All hiking tours & packages featured are available again upon Mick & Jackie's return from Italy in November.

 

Driven indulgence

A brand new service available in our Great Alpine Valleys: hire your personal chauffeur, guide, photographer and host for the day ... be driven in your own car or have a luxury vehicle of your choice organized, then sit back and enjoy a guilt free, ever so luxurious tour of the best wineries and restaurants in the Alpine valleys. Great for couples, girls weekend away, a group of friends wanting to explore the region together or for those occasions when only the best will do to impress.

Visit Driven Indulgence

for more information.

 

 

 

Thank you all for your valuable input ...

... by completing our guest survey! Some of the improvements as a result of your input so far:

  • New fly screens to the French doors of the studios, guaranteed bug safe.
  • Shelves for books, CDs and DVDs are currently being installed in the cafe so that we can offer you a more comprehensive library of movie and music titles and also the odd book to read (and take home if you haven't time to finished it).
  • A selection of cheeses and spreads have been added to the breakfast buffet for more variety (please let us know if you have special dietary requirements when you make a booking, we are happy to cater for all needs.)
  • Rubber bath mats are placed in all bathrooms to assist with slippery floors when wet.

Please keep up your input, whilst not everything can be done at once, we are continuously working on upgrading The Buckland. We won't introduce an aircraft landing strip or swimming pool with pool side bar any time soon though, but thanks all the same for the suggestions! However, all towels have recently been replaced with new fluffy ones and new bathrobes are on the way as well.

 

Lily Marlene

Sadly our old girl is no more. Since she is gone to doggy heaven Charlie has been promoted to head of security and is in charge of greeting our guests in the mornings. Negotiations for a new work place agreement are currently underway (involving an upgraded supply of bones amongst other conditions ... ).


Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Sabine, Eddie & Charlie

stay@thebuckland.com.au

tel: 0419 133 318

 

Autumn 2009 Newsletter

 

Finally autumn has arrived @ The Buckland - the heat is gone and we even had some rain. Here is our autumn update:

 

The Bushfires ....

 

... fortunately this time never even came close. Neither the Buckland Valley or any of the beautiful towns of the North East were affected. Beechworth, Yackandandah, Myrtleford, Mt. Beauty and Bright are all completely untouched. Mt. Buffalo is as beautiful as ever and trees and vegetation show amazing regrowth since the last fires in 2006.

 

Autumn Colours and Festivals

Bright' s many deciduous trees and also the vineyards in the region are getting ready for a riot of colours, always a feast for the eye and great opportunity for the keen photographer.


Autumn Colours around BrightThe Bright Autumn Festival is on again from

25th of April to the 6th of May with open gardens, an art exhibition and many other attractions.

Visit http://www.brightautumnfestival.org.au

for the festival program.


La Fiera, a new festival in Myrtleford (22nd to 24th of May), promises a weekend of fun Italian style. We are in particular looking forward to the re-enactment of a game of chess first played in Marostica near Venice in 1454. Two rivals for the hand of the Lord of Marostica's eldest daughter were dissuaded from fighting a duel and instead directed to play a game of chess using living people on a giant chess board. A classic tale of macho passion but one with a happy ending! http://www.festival.org.au/index.html

 

5 Star Accreditation for 'No. 5'


No. 5'No. 5' has been officially declared luxurious. With its newly awarded 5 star status it is now the only accommodation facility of this standard in our region. How fabulous is that?

In case you missed the last newsletter, 'No. 5' opened in December '08: Built from recycled steel, super insulating sandwich boards, corrugated iron, timber and natural stone it is totally environmentally friendly and with its simple lines sits well in the landscape. Its interior design is modern with emphasis on style, space and creating a connection between the inside and the surrounding natural beauty. Due to its larger size it is perfect for a longer stay. Talk to us about special rates for stays of 4 nights and longer.

 

Pedal to produce ....

Pedals to Produce... a tasty new initiative that combines cycling with food and wine and offers a very easy way to work up an appetite while cycling around some of the most beautiful countryside Victoria has to offer. You can pick up a basket for your bike (bring your own or hire one locally) which includes a range of discount offers from local producers. Your adventure then starts with visits to cellar doors, a stop at the local brewery or farm gate. Fill your basket with all the goodies and then enjoy a picnic in one of the many scenic spots around the area. A very European approach to enjoying life, now available in our beautiful part of the world. http://www.northeastvalleys.com.au

 

3 for 2 night special extended ...

... escape the doom and gloom, surely you deserve a break and life is beautiful in the Buckland Valley!

We have extended this fabulous offer, in fact if you now book any two nights or more to stay before Christmas 2009 in studios one to four we will give you an additional night for free (excluding long weekends). If you can't stay the extra night, enjoy an early check-in or a very late check-out instead!

(Offer valid until the end of March 2009, subject to conditions, check availability on-line)

This is our contribution to help the Australian economy, specially the local economy, back on its feet. Now is the time to do your bit!

wine leaves

We would love to hear from you!

Best wishes from

Sabine and Eddie

www.thebuckland.com.au

tel: 0419 133 318

stay@thebuckland.com.au