Title: Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek Riverfront vacation home with private pool and kitchen ## Photo gallery for Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek ![Property grounds - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76460000/76452900/76452888/59ce876c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Outdoor pool - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76460000/76452900/76452888/20fc527f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76460000/76452900/76452888/5f770a06.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76460000/76452900/76452888/2bfcb249.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Dining - Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek (Skipton)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76460000/76452900/76452888/a148f713.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Experience country charm at this fully restored Bluestone Homestead. Enjoy a game of pool in the games room, or unwind with a glass of red by the Coonara while watching sheep and horses graze nearby. With expansive outdoor entertaining areas overlooking a salt pool, sprawling gardens to explore and bike rides along the Skipton rail trail, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. ## Reviews 9.4 Exceptional ### Entire home 4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8 ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Air conditioning - Outdoor Space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek Fully restored Bluestone Homestead, with large open spaces, games room with full pool table, formal and informal dining rooms and extensive outdoor entertaining areas, overlooking a salt pool, and a beautiful creek . Throw in a rod, or ride the rail Trail, enjoy a red by the Coonara, whilst watching the sheep and horses wander around the paddocks. A beautiful country property perfect night sky for stargazing, wandering around the sprawling gardens or a ride your bike on the Skipton rail trail to Linton and enjoy the local cafes. Mt langi Ghiran Winery is a 30 minute drive. ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach loungers ### Pool/Spa - Outdoor pool - Private pool ### Parking and transportation - Onsite parking options include a garage ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Electric kettle - Kitchen island - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 4 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 2 bathrooms - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Fireplace - Living room - Separate dining area ### Entertainment - Games - Smart TV ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Firepit - Garden - Outdoor entertainment area - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Work spaces - Desk ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking. - Wheelchair accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - In a rural location - In a village - Near a hospital - On a river ### Things to do - Arcade/game room - Billiards/pool table - Table tennis - Tennis - Birdwatching nearby - Cycling nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Wildlife walks nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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Book for 8 people for whole house for Christmas,January and Easter Period.Booking for 2 people is not accepted for Christmas,January and Easter Period 2 people is a couple, 1 room. 4 people is for 2 rooms If need 4 bedrooms please book the whole house. Enquire through owner. ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Note from host: Children need to be supervised ,due to pool,creek ### Events No events allowed ### 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 Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation Property Registration Number 5 ## About the area Located in Skipton, this vacation home is in a rural area and on a river. Streatham Golf Club and Beaufort Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Skipton Streamside Reserve and Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. [Visit our Skipton travel guide](https://www.expedia.ca/Skipton.dx3000471910) [View more Vacation homes in Skipton](https://www.expedia.ca/Skipton-Private-Vacation-Homes.d3000471910-aaPrivateVacationHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-37.69119%2C143.34944&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=6-QDPPccvu_nKHrsKiYp1q6EkqI=) Skipton, VIC ### What's nearby - Skipton Streamside Reserve 6 min drive \- 3.8 km - Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve 10 min drive \- 14.0 km - Vite Vite Streamside Reserve 11 min drive \- 19.2 km - Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve 12 min drive \- 20.3 km - Pink Lake Wildlife Reserve 19 min drive \- 34.6 km ### Getting around - Beaufort Station 30 min drive ### Restaurants - Skipton Football Club 3 min drive - Bluestone Bubbles and Banter 2 min drive - Emu Creek Deli 2 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek have a pool? ### Is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek pet-friendly? ### How much is parking? ### What time is check-in at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek? ### What time is check-out at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek? ### Where is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. [More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 12 8 - Good 2 6 - Okay 2 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 8.6 Cleanliness ### 9.6 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Isobel B. Mar 14, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy #### Beautiful Home We had one lovely night in this beautiful, historic home, we would have loved to stay longer! ##### Isobel B. Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Helen P. May 5, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great country stay Had a relaxing family break in this great house that was warm, relaxing and had everything we needed. Thanks Liz! ##### Helen P. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gijo J. Feb 14, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family Getaway Property is beautiful and more than what they described. We loved the place and will come back with our friends. Ideal for two families . Pool is not heated but good enough for a hot sunny day. ##### Gijo J. Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Claire R. Jan 14, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### An exceptional rural retreat We had a wonderful stay at Gumbower Homestead. The house is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful piece of Australian history, updated to be a welcoming family retreat. The open kitchen and living area looking out to the pool and paddocks is stunning - a welcome reprieve from city life. We all spent happy days by the pool (not heated but warm enough for our January stay) and explored the surrounding area. The house has everything you need, the gardens are beautiful and Liz is an excellent host. We look forward to coming back! ##### Claire R. Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gemma B. Jan 24, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### A fantastic find! Gumbower is an idyllic country property set amongst beautiful gardens with stunning views of rolling fields housing sheep and horses. We spent every day in the immaculate swimming pool and enjoyed star gazing on the clearer nights. The house itself is gorgeous and everything you need is provided. First class stay! Thank you Liz. Note: We loved meeting Barb and Graeme who showed us around Skipton’s historical precinct. I can also recommend coffee and cake at the local cafe - Bluestone, bubbles and banter. Local shop also has everything and well stocked. ##### Gemma B. Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024 ### 6/10 Okay #### Christopher A. Jul 14, 2025 Liked: Check-in, communication, location Disliked: Cleanliness Nice location and gardens ##### Christopher A. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Kristy P. Jan 29, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### We had a lovely stay it’s a beautiful quiet place The only downfall bugs In kitchen/lounge Overall beautiful ##### Kristy P. Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Beth A. Feb 15, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Gorgeous property, lovely stay. This lovely old homestead is spacious, beautifully decorated and very quiet. The beds were very comfortable and the drapes blocked all the morning light, perfect for sleep-ins! Lots to do there, pool table, board games, swimming pool (too cold for me but my 9 year old went in!), sunset views, we had a wonderful time. ##### Beth A. Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Rhian & Jake P., Melbourne Jan 2, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfect summer getaway A beautiful old property sitting in mature, landscaped grounds within easy reach of the small country town. Topped off with a pool that sits at the back of the house looking out of acres of rolling fields. The perfect summer getaway! ##### Rhian & Jake P. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022 ### 6/10 Okay #### kim s. Jul 22, 2025 Liked: Location Disliked: Check-in #### Nice house but too cold to use any facilities like pool table Had to walk to neighbours to ask them to ring owner for code to get in..Only 1 Fire place available to light dirty plates knives ect in draw shower looking a little dirty so we didnt use it... would make wonderful summer house for families ##### kim s. Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jo R. May 21, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family weekend away Beautiful country house surrounded by gorgeous gardens and pockets to explore. The house is well equipped with everything you could possibly need. Liz was the perfect host, very accommodating and made sure everything was perfect for us. A lovely weekend away and quality time with the Coonara fire making it so warm and cozy. Would definitely stay again 😍 ##### Jo R. Stayed 2 nights in May 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Rhonda G., Balaclava, Victoria, Australia Jun 13, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Idyllic rural retreat This property delights you as soon as you arrive. Beautiful bluestone home with a modern well equipped kitchen, snooker table, table tennis table and pool. All this, with an amazing view of Emu Creek and sheep grazing in the paddocks. This property is a rare find and if you are looking for a rural retreat, this is it. Skipton itself is very quiet with just a supermarket and chemist but if you looking for a pub or cafe to eat in, you will need to travel further afar to Linton, Snake Valley, Smythesdale or even Ballarat. We loved our long weekend at Gunbower homestead and Liz was a fabulous host. Thanks so much ##### Rhonda G. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Aleshia M. Nov 7, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### 4.5 out of 5 An absolutely beautiful home and property, it's a lot more impressive in person! You really won't be disappointed. The pool was out of order when we went which didn't matter because I don't believe it's heated so it would have been too cold to go in. But I did book this hoping the weather would be warmer so it potentially could have been really disappointing. We did find some things in the kitchen could have been a little cleaner. But other than that, we really had an enjoyable stay and would recommend it :) ##### Aleshia M. Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Maria R. Apr 25, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location #### Top notch getaway! Liz’s place is absolutely gorgeous. The view is spectacular and the house itself has everything you need for a relaxing time away. The horses and sheep surrounding the property were a great addition to the already serene atmosphere. Plenty of adventures and walks in and around the property. Liz was a good host and took us on a little tour and was helpful when we needed assistance. We would love to visit again. Thanks, Liz! ##### Maria R. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022