Church Lane is a tranquil getaway in north-east Victoria, consisting of two modern tiny homes just a hop, step and a jump from Brown Brothers’ Milawa vineyard.
Situated back-to-back in a semi-rural setting adjacent to an 1866 church that has been beautifully repurposed as the owners’ residence, the tiny homes afford privacy and a level of comfort that belies their somewhat utilitarian exterior.
For these self-contained tinies are really not so tiny, with more than enough space for a leather lounge at the foot of a comfy queen bed, a dining table and kitchenette, and a generously size, naturally lit bathroom.
Spectacular sunset
The tiny home we stayed in, number two, is the pick of the two as you can plonk yourself in the Japanese bathtub on the deck and enjoy mountain views and a spectacular sunset. (Guests in number one can console themselves with a beautiful sunrise.)
Kick back in the tub or on the deck with a beer or a glass of wine from one of the local wineries, along with locally baked bread and provisions from the Milawa Cheese Factory. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
Located at the rear, number two is the more private of the two tinies, but both are wonderful hideaways, very quiet and peaceful. Configured as open-plan studios, they are well-appointed with reverse-cycle air-conditioning, wi-fi, smart TV with Netflix, bedside reading lights, generous-sized shower, even a heated floor in the bathroom.
A key lock box by the door allows for easy self-check-in with a code provided in advance. Inside, everything is immaculate, with decor that is right on point: clean, modern lines withScandi tones, wooden floorboards, local artworks, and pops of colour in the scatter cushions.
Light breakfast
All stays include a light breakfast of artisan bread that you can pop into the toaster, tea and plunger coffee, and various spreads. Each of the tinies sleeps two, with a fold-out bed available on request for a third guest at an additional charge.
We can highly recommend the winery experiences on offer at nearby Brown Brothers. Church Lane is the accommodation for Brown Brothers’ Milawa Luxe Escape: Sip, Stay, Savor experience, one of Australia’s Ultimate Winery Experiences.
The accommodation is within walking distance of the winery and cellar door, as well as the Milawa Hotel and Ava Restaurant. If you’re into cycling, bring your bike or hire an electric one locally and check out the rail trail that wends its way through the region, passing wineries and providores along the way.
It’s a fantastic region for driving around, with much to see and do, including the King Valley’s Prosecco Road, birthplace of some of the best Aussie iterations of Italian-style sparkling wine.
Two hours to ski fields
Church Lane is less than two hours’ drive from the Victorian ski fields, making it the perfect stopover. We stayed in spring but I can imagine that it would be beautifully cosy in winter.
Unlike a lot of boutique accommodation, one-night bookings are welcome here. The hosts prefer a minimum of two nights on long weekends, but according to their website, if they have space they’ll fit you in.
Church Lane
145 Church Lane
Milawa VIC 3678
Australia
Tel: +61 (0)493 239 579
www.churchlanemilawa.com.au
Christine and Maurie visited the region as guests of Ultimate Winery Experiences, Brown Brothers and Church Lane. Photos © FoodWineTravel except for the first and last photos which were supplied by Church Lane and used with permission.
