Walshan House - Apollo Bay
House in Apollo Bay
6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsKitchen or Kitchenette, Parking, Balcony or Patio and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this house rental
Discover the enchanting Walshan House, a unique retreat nestled in the heart of the bush yet just minutes from the beach and town conveniences. Set on 1.5 acres of lush gardens and orchards, and bordered by the stunning Great Otway National Park, this mud brick fairy tale home offers a serene escape into nature.
Step through the charming timber French doors adorned with leadlight into a world of rustic elegance. The Wisteria-lined veranda and antique furnishings add a touch of old-world charm to this two-level abode.
The expansive double-height entry and dining area bathe in natural light, creating a welcoming and airy atmosphere. Cozy up in the lounge area by the wood fire, or enjoy a movie on the TV or DVD player. The adjacent sun room, perfect for reading or daydreaming, is stocked with games, puzzles, and toys, ensuring endless entertainment for all ages.
On the main level, you'll find a comfortable queen bedroom and a bathroom featuring a built-in bath with a picturesque view of the National Park. Upstairs, the open mezzanine level boasts a luxurious four-poster queen bed and doors leading to an ocean-view rooftop deck. A single bed with a trundle and another bathroom complete this level.
Double doors from the dining area open onto a deck and paved BBQ area, ideal for alfresco dining and relaxation. The expansive mowed lawn surrounding the house provides ample space for cricket or football games.
Walshan House, located along the iconic Great Ocean Road in Marengo, is just a 5-minute drive from Apollo Bay’s vibrant restaurants, cafes, shops, and a pristine swimming beach. Explore nearby Shelley Beach and the Great Ocean Walk, which meanders through the National Park, offering breathtaking coastal views.
Step through the charming timber French doors adorned with leadlight into a world of rustic elegance. The Wisteria-lined veranda and antique furnishings add a touch of old-world charm to this two-level abode.
The expansive double-height entry and dining area bathe in natural light, creating a welcoming and airy atmosphere. Cozy up in the lounge area by the wood fire, or enjoy a movie on the TV or DVD player. The adjacent sun room, perfect for reading or daydreaming, is stocked with games, puzzles, and toys, ensuring endless entertainment for all ages.
On the main level, you'll find a comfortable queen bedroom and a bathroom featuring a built-in bath with a picturesque view of the National Park. Upstairs, the open mezzanine level boasts a luxurious four-poster queen bed and doors leading to an ocean-view rooftop deck. A single bed with a trundle and another bathroom complete this level.
Double doors from the dining area open onto a deck and paved BBQ area, ideal for alfresco dining and relaxation. The expansive mowed lawn surrounding the house provides ample space for cricket or football games.
Walshan House, located along the iconic Great Ocean Road in Marengo, is just a 5-minute drive from Apollo Bay’s vibrant restaurants, cafes, shops, and a pristine swimming beach. Explore nearby Shelley Beach and the Great Ocean Walk, which meanders through the National Park, offering breathtaking coastal views.
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Fireplace
Parking
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
TV
Map of Apollo Bay
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
4.0 / 5.0
We loved staying at the mud brick cottage. Absolutely gorgeous home and surrounding views of garden and forest. Lots of native birds feeding on the lawn and we spotted a koala walking across the lawn too. There’s no other heating apart from a couple of small oil heaters in the bedrooms and the fireplace. That said, the fireplace when kept going kept the house toasty warm. Overall a very pleasant stay. We really enjoyed it!
Some items for improvement:
More attention to detail on the dusting of the house overall is required. The interior lights at night were quite dull compared to other holiday homes I’ve visited - would be nice to brighten the bathrooms and lounge fireplace area. Also please check out the microwave as I couldn’t get it work. The dripping tap in the bathtub needs to be fixed.
3.0 / 5.0
We really loved this house for its rustic, old time vibes and artful and architectural elements. While it’s a little old in places it makes up for it with rustic charm.
However we stayed in late winter and it was bone cold. Two little inadequate radiators, no amount of firewood was going to break that chill. It really detracted from our stay. No one likes to be bed ridden because of the cold.
5.0 / 5.0
private, well appointed, lots of toys for kids, lovely fireplace
5.0 / 5.0
Perfect
Peaceful and perfect
Very private
Large bedrooms and bathrooms
It was pretty cold but the fire kept us warm and toasty.
Highly recommended
5.0 / 5.0
Perfect rustic getaway
Great base for exploring the area, close enough to town but with a feeling of seclusion. Ideal for young children.
5.0 / 5.0
Charming house in ideal location
My partner and I came here with my parents. The location was ideal, a short drive to the main Street in Apollo bay but hidden away in the bush. The property was cozy, full of charm and had everything we needed for a relaxing long weekend. Would highly recommend.
3.0 / 5.0
Peaceful and rustic, with a some let downs, but overall a lovely family getaway experience.
We loved the look of Walshan House, and chose it for its rustic charm, peaceful and secluded property photos, and description.
On arrival, the grounds looked lovely, with the tall trees & the lush green grass surrounds. Entering the home, the room that caught our eyes was the lower step down sunroom area with the large window overlooking the front which was nice to later watch magpies and parakeets & fairy-wrens feed from a bird feeder. The home looked to be very well stocked with your usual amenities, plus extra things to help make our stay more entertained with DVDs, books, a piano and even a sunshade for the beach which came in handy.
There is a lot of home decor on the walls which adds to the rustic charm, but on closer look, there are a lot of cobwebs and spider webs in many areas including these items on the walls, especially upstairs. There are no curtains in either bathrooms or on any of the other windows, so if you are used to privacy at night when the lights are on, this may make you feel uncomfortable. Of course the views are lovely without the curtains during the day, but it would be so much better if the window were clean as well. The covers/blankets on the couch downstairs don’t appear to have been washed for some time as they have a dusty smell which gave a family member terrible hay fever and they weren’t able to sit on or near the couches to watch a movie with the family. I think the most disappointing thing for us was on our first night when the temperature dropped; we were really looking forward to lighting up the fireplace, but discovered that the flue was blocked. As a result the smoke had nowhere to go, except for inside the house. So we had to rely on the 2 small radiator heaters to heat such a large home. The next morning we rang management & they were kind enough to bring over more radiator heaters, but we missed out on sitting by the fire. The kitchen could use a dish rack & some tea towels that actually do wipe.
Sitting on the upper deck, on the deck chairs provided, was lovely & so peaceful watching the clouds drift by, & listening to the distant waves & bird life. The night sky is magical when the stars & the Milky Way started to sparkle, & that was also a lovely moment to experience together.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay together as a family getaway where there were no electronic game distractions. It was nice to spend good quality time, in lovely peaceful surrounds, in a down to earth home.
4.0 / 5.0
Secluded getaway
My husband, daughter and I spent a lovely week enjoying this holiday home and surrounding sights over New Year.
The house is a beautifully solid mud brick and wood home with wonderful windows! Set in a large garden with surrounding gum trees ( with koalas)
Recommend a visit. You won’t be disappointed!
5.0 / 5.0
Absolute serenity
Perfect getaway when looking to disconnect and unwind. Would love to stay again.
4.0 / 5.0
Relaxing Getaway
Overall, Walshan House is located in a great area, away from but not far from the town of Apollo Bay. The house itself is beautiful and full of character. We throughly enjoyed our stay there.
2.0 / 5.0
Overall disappointed with this property
We booked this property for a baby moon for my husband and I. I looked forward to it so so much and we we were excited that it was a country style home and so close to the beach. This house has a lot of potential and if fixed up can be a 10/10 property. I said to my husband, I just want enough money to buy it and renovate it myself inside and out.
But when we arrived, first we wondered if we were at the same place as the photos of the property didn’t quite match.
We walked in and it smelt, there was lots of clutter in the kitchen and near the bathrooms of old blankets and other unneccessary items.
The beds were not made properly as there was no quilt covers provided. Please invest in some quilt covers even if they are cheap ones. It’s disappointing that there was 2 sheets and a doonah in between them.
We decided to be positive and stay knowing that this weekend away was our last weekend before baby arrives. Although both of us tried, I ended up crying on the Friday and then spraying the house and wiping dust myself. It just smelt dusty and it was and this wasn’t my pregnancy as my partner was just as disappointed. My partner is the type of guy that NEVER complains and always tries to look for positives and this time he did complain and felt disappointed.
The next day we decided to make the most of the area and stayed out all day long which was beautiful. We didn’t use anything in the kitchen or the house and ended up eating out during our stay. This wasn’t the initial plan as we initially wanted to just stay at house, cook and be cosy.
During our Saturday night, we stayed inside and had the fireplace on which was the best thing about the house. We couldn’t cuddle up on the couch in front of the fireplace because the couches were rock hard and there wasn’t enough space for both of us.
The value for money of this property was disappointing, we loved the location of the house and enjoyed the area, but didn’t like the cleaningness or the facilities provided.
Thank you for having us stay!
5.0 / 5.0
Mud brick getaway
Loved the house - really well-equipped kitchen and lovely fire. Loved the garden frogs and birds! Thanks
5.0 / 5.0
Great house and garden
We loved our stay - house full of character, great fireplace and kids loved all the space around the house
5.0 / 5.0
Great stay
Awesome stay, close to everything, beautiful location and a really amazing house.
5.0 / 5.0
Great Stay
We stayed fo four nights. There were two couples plus a single. Had a great stay!
5.0 / 5.0
Exceeded expectations.
What an amazing little house! Away from everything and everyone but close enough to shops and the beach not to feel completely isolated. Beautiful kitchen and outdoor areas. Would definitely stay here again no questions.
4.0 / 5.0
Great stay
It was a perfect holiday home, such a great location, beautiful property, only negative was the cleanliness specially the cobwebs. Overall loved our stay very much
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely
Beautiful home.
4.0 / 5.0
Serenity close to Apollo bay
We loved our stay Walshan House.
The weather was not ideal but it didn't stop us and we appreciated all the fire wood to keep us nice and warm.
The kitchen was well stocked and we enjoyed being able to cook like I was at home.
The only suggestion we would make is to have the cleaners take a little more care when cleaning the cob webs they were everywhere.
Also the upstaris shower door came off the railing so we opted to use the downstairs shower instead.
Other than these two minor things we loved our stay and will be back.
5.0 / 5.0
Perfect
We loved your property.
So unique! Felt so at home.
We had such a great time!!
We will be back.
5.0 / 5.0
Headspace Heaven
Arriving at Walshan House was like entering another world. I half expected to find fairies dancing at the bottom of the garden. There is no wifi, only a modest TV, which is perfect for people with Fortnite addicted children. The whole house, with rustic everything, is just gorgeous, from the Heysen on the wall to the old school desk.
At night, when the traffic subsides, all you can hear is wildlife and the thundering waves nearby, and of course that huge southern night sky.
Then there is the garden with it’s expansive lawns, and occasional well positioned seats backing on to the rainforest.
Highly recommended venue if you’re in need of some head space, or if you are just looking for a killer place to stay with family or friends.
4.0 / 5.0
Charming House
Lovely place a short drive out of town. Fire place & natural light were the highlights. Loud yard maintenance during our stay was a surprise but other than that, a good time.
5.0 / 5.0
Beautiful, private, old style country feel!
We absolutely loved staying at this beautiful home, two nights was not enough! Clean, old style, the fire place is a hugeeeee yes!!!
5.0 / 5.0
Gorgeous light-filled mudbrick on a secluded property
My family and I enjoyed lounging about the house, taking in the views from every room!
3.0 / 5.0
Doubt that we would return to this property again.
We felt that the property was a great location, however, we were greeted with a dirty fireplace and there were no logs or kindling ready to set. Towels and bedding were clean. The hangings on the walls, particularly the kitchen walls were dirty, dusty and some mold. The koalas in the trees were a big hit. Some recommendations of sites and restaurants would be nice.
4.0 / 5.0
Lovely property, very comfortable.
Great stay however there were quite a few lights not working. The addition of A/C would be nice. Overall highly recommend this unique property.
5.0 / 5.0
Just what we were looking for
Close to the beach and secluded enough for wonderful privacy. Surrounded by blackberry bushes and lush green lawn we had the best time. Even had a koala in one of the trees watching us play. The property was tidy and comfortable and we will definitely stay again 👍👍👍👍👍
5.0 / 5.0
Loved this place-Walshan House.
A peaceful, lush, character filled home with lots of space and light and little nooks to sit in and enjoy different views. Lots of quirky artefacts and very rustic. Though close to the main road it was very private whilst maintaining accessibility. Lots of animals to be seen and heard...crickets, koalas, Black slugs galore, sheep next door. Very spacious with high ceilings and well supplied with thoughtfulness.
5.0 / 5.0
The best thus far.
I can't remember a place where I've thoroughly enjoyed every facet of a rental like I have Walshan house. It all begins when you find the hidden drive way off the Great Ocean rd which leads up to the gates of a fairytale picturesque scenery otherwise known as Walshan House. It's situated just outside of Marengo which is just outside of Apollo Bay...a total of 5 kms from the busy tourist precinct. Literally a 5 min drive from Walshan to Apollo shops.
The house is a mixture of mud brick and board and batten timber panelling which really suits that country/beach style motif. The large bay window really emits an abundance of natural light throughout the house...it was our favourite spot for the family to read and just hang out. I love the openness of the house...the large timber trusses and exposed load bearing timber beams gives the house a great sense of strength and feeling you're in a country/beach house. There's enough private space within the large open plan that everyone is catered for. The kitchen is rustic and is well equiped for all those who love to cook. The beds are firm but comfortable and there's plenty of towels waiting for you when you get settled in. We have an only child and the single bed up on the mezzanine level was perfect for her to be close to us. There are two bathrooms which is great...you can take the man out of the city but you still have to provide him with two toilets...so everyones happy.
There's so much room outside to laze about on the grass or play cricket etc...occasionally you'll hear the whoosh of a car go past...Sundays are more noticeable but who cares when you're relaxed. I could go on but it's almost midnight. To recap...we didn't want to leave and I know we'll be back and if for some reason Walshan house ever goes on the market I'd sell a kidney to buy it.
In the immortal words of Sinead O'Connor..."Nothing compares".
5.0 / 5.0
Perfect chill-out property
A great place for the whole family to slow down, relax and recharge .
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely property!!
Absolutely loved this house - it had everything we needed, plus lovely atmosphere. Twas perfect for our family with 3 children who enjoyed the toy/games area. Great location for enjoying peace & quiet as well as exploring Apollo Bay and the Otways.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Apollo Bay?
The average price for a rental in Apollo Bay is $199 per night. This rental is $201 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Walshan House - Apollo Bay. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Walshan House - Apollo Bay pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Walshan House - Apollo Bay?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, fireplace, parking, balcony or patio, and hot tub or spa.
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