The saying “you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl” is so true in the case of Ada and Prue.
Both were born and raised in the country, however they met in Melbourne in 1987.
After many years of living and working in the city, and dreaming of developing a country property from scratch, the dream became a reality with the purchase of a 20 acre “rabbit infested” paddock, high in the Sedgwick ranges at Harcourt North - just 1 ½ hours north west of Melbourne & 25 minutes south of Bendigo. The granite hills and spectacular views which overlook a sheltered, fertile valley, were the main attraction to the block.
The property originally boasted just fifteen trees being beautiful 200-year-old gums. Twelve years on, the original 20 acres plus an adjoining 15 acres purchased, is home to approximately one thousand trees and numerous species of birds that have returned to the area, along with the occasional possum, echidna and kangaroo.
For the next couple of years after purchasing “MillDuck”, Ada and Prue continued to work in Melbourne and spend every possible weekend developing the land.
In the cold depths of July 1994, the transition to the country was made, leaving behind central heating and, luxuries such as internal toilets - to begin 6 ½ years as “Shed Dwellers” Both women reflect on their time in the non insulated colourbond shed with affection, saying it gave them an increased appreciation of their environment and its weather patterns. This valuable information was incorporated in the selection of the house site, the house design and building materials.
We love living in a straw bale house which is warmer in winter & cooler in summer ... passive solar design rocks!!!
Our hard work & determination to make a home here has paid off, we are so lucky & happy to share this special place with guests.

It's unique, it's private, it has fantastic views & granite rocks.
The animal & bird life abounds ... echidnas, kangaroos, many bird varieties.

Enjoying quality time, especially with your partner, is one of the most underrated activities of life.
After staying here, many guests have told us they feel like they had a longer stay that what they actually did ... it felt so rejuvenating.
Most people who stay here say they wish they could have stayed longer (esp the one nighters) ... & a lot come back or take up our offer of a Gift Voucher ... "3 nights for the cost of 2". It's only available to people who have stayed.
Read our Trip Advisor reviews.