outlook hill

We spent two relaxing nights at Outlook Hill.. good location, excellent views, lovely decor. We were pleasantly surprised upon arrival with the size of the cottage and the deck facing down the Valley; certainly made use of this lovely setting with an afternoon drink watching a magnificent sunset. We found the provisions ample and the furnishings very comfortable. We enjoyed having Dash drop by to visit as we had left our two dogs at home. We feel that the location and view are top of our list, particularly with this accommodation and look forward to returning asap.

Maybe I had higher expectations but the stay was a very disappointing for us. The negatives are minor but it’s not what I would expect for the price that we had paid. The curtains were mismatched and the place was quite dusty. The remote control for the heater was covered in dust and so was the instruction paper for using the heater. Some of the wine glasses still have lipstick marks on them and we had to re-wash a lot of the utensils before using them. It was stated that continental breakfast will be provided but it is mainly on the go breakfast boxes, fruche yogurt, milk, butter and packets of spreadable jams and vegemites. The jam and vegemite packets however were overdue so we couldn’t even use them. I could not be more appalled and needless to say we didn’t bother with the provided ‘breakfast’.The positives are the beautiful scenery and the location was close to the town centre and local wineries. The cottages are all separated which gives us added privacy – however we had the owner dropping in telling us to turn off the porch light because we have left it on and forgot to turn it off. Last I checked, you can’t dictate the use of electrical appliances/devices when you rent out the accommodation. You can’t rent out your property and expect to minimise utility costs at the same time. Having the owner dropping in and trying to tell us what to do totally defeated the purpose of privacy for us. I don’t usually write reviews but seeing as we have initially chosen this place due to the good reviews on Tripadvisor, it is then important for us to write about our own experience. I wouldn’t recommend this place to friends or family nor would I ever come back.

When we were looking for a place to stay for just a nice relaxing weekend away, we stumbled across Outlook Hill purely by accident. We had looked at some of the bigger places in the Yarra Valley and they seemed far to commercial and not as private as we had hoped. We booked Outlook hill, knowing that it would be a nice relaxing weekend away, private and calm. When we arrived we were not disappointed one bit. After a quick phone call to let them know we were there, we opened our cottage and found the most beautiful setting inside, with one of the most attractive and picturesque views I had seen in the Valley thus far. After a quick look around the cottage, and staring at the sun just starting to set over the hills, we decided that this was going to be a wonderful, quiet, relaxing and private weekend. After going out to dinner that night we came back to the cottage and it actually felt like coming home after a night out, we could just flick on the telling, pop open a bottle of wine; unfortunately the one provided was corked :( lucky we came well prepared :) and relax in front of the fire. The breakfast items provided were delicious, local produce and obviously very well made and very well trusted. You have to bring your camera, and make sure you have the charger or spare batteries, because you will spend the majority of the time looking through the lens taking photos of the beautiful scenery. Also, just a short drive to Healesville Sanctuary which is always lovely, and of course the numerous wineries in the area. The only time we were ever "bothered" by owners was a knock on the door Sunday morning letting us know that they had just dropped off the morning paper, a very pleasant surprise. The two dogs there, Dash and Chewie, were very friendly and loved having a cuddle on deck with Dash both mornings. The one thing we said numerous times, and promised to do when writing in their guest book, was that we will definitely be back for our honeymoon early 2012. There was nothing more special than being able to spend time alone, privately and in a wonderful, picturesque area. Thank you so much for having such a beautiful place for us to stay in.

Outlook Hill was quite a surprise to us. We really only went there to be part way to a cycle ride from Marysville, to break the back of the journey from Melbourne. What we got was just so much more than that. The cottages from the outside looked good but not spectacular. Then we settled in and started to appreciate the taste and care that had gone into them, the wood fire set and ready to go,the many details, the, well, good taste. This went for the restaurant too. The whole experience released the tensions we arrived with and left us with a sense of open warmth. We will be back! PS If you like motorcycle riding (we do) then there are some top riding spots leaving from Outlook hill including Reefton Spur, Black Spur, Chum Creek road, Myers Creek road.PPS We have rated it with five stars - when I previously went there some years ago it would have rated a four star, just. Much has changed.

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying in one of these beautiful cottages recently. I could'nt fault our stay and our hosts Peter and Lydia Snow were so warm and friendly. The cottages are some of the best I have stayed in within the Yarra Valley and well priced. The views are worth the room rate alone! Some of the best available in the region. Wonderful balconies to watch the sun set in the evenings.The food was excellent within the restaurant and was perfect for our special occasion. A good menu that is well balanced and within walking distance of the cottages. The Outlook Hill Pinot Noir is exceptional drinking.I have no hesitation in recommending and hope to return again soon.

This is a great place to get away from it all and just relax. The cottage is one of 3 set on a hill with a deck allowing you to enjoy the view of the valley and vinyard with a glass of wine (or 3). A romontic setting with spa, separate bedroom and tasteful decor. We will certainly go back for another stay.

My partner and I felt that the website depicted the cabins in a more glamorous and luxurious way than in reality. My initial impression was that it could have been cleaner; we discovered rodent droppings next to the microwave, and the cabin could have generally done with some extra cleaning. My partner actually saw a rodent in the kitchen during our first night!The breakfast provisions were nice, but not 'gourmet' as we had imagined. Some bread from the local bakery, eggs, bacon, sausages and Yoplait were provided. The coffee was just standard Nescafe.What really prompted me to write this review, however, was the fact that we required clean sheets after our first night's stay. (We were staying 2 nights in total). Obviously, one would think that a request like this would be dealt with in a subtle and gracious way - yet upon asking the host, she replied that they do not provide guests with more sheets because it is a self contained cottage and we were "only" staying two nights. If I wasn't so embarrassed by the situation I would have told her directly my thoughts about this! Eventually, after further awkward exchanges, she agreed to provide some more sheets; however, when we returned later that day none were to be found. My partner had to ask her again.On a positive note, the view from our cabin was nothing short of spectacular with a beautiful big balcony.

The cottages are peaceful...modern...and we enjoyed our stay. The Yarra Valley is certainly a fantastic place to unwind. We were somewhat disappointed on some things that were advertised as included on their website, only to find they were not there when we checked in.We stayed in the Chocolate Cottage, which according to the website, promised :-Bvlgari toiletries (no)-Locally made muesli (no)-Tomatoes for cooked breakfast (no)-Pantry of goodies with pasta, pasta sauce, parmesan & bikkies (no)-Fluffy robes on weekends (we got only one but there were two of us staying)-Fluffy towels (small, not fluffy, and only 3 provided)-Crisp linen (no)-Complimentary bottle of wine (no)Despite this, the cottage was quite clean (could do with a bit of dusting underneath the bed and the rug could do with a shampoo)...the decking was fantastic for sitting outside and watching the sun set...and the breakfast provisions were great. The location is quite central for visiting all that Yarra Valley has to offer, and the hosts, Peter and Lydia are quick to respond to enquiries and very friendly.Although the list of items above might sound somewhat trivial....when you believe that you are booking 5 star accommodation (even if it is self-rated)...I guess you expect everything to be almost perfect. Overall however, had a relaxing stay...and I think I would probably return again at some stage....

After reading all the reviews on various websites we decided to book outlook hill for 2 nights. Their web site promotes that it is a 5 star retreat and promises fluffy robes, towels and crisp sheets. On the contrary the sheets were not crisp, the towels have not been changed over in possibly years (as they were thin and rough) and the robes were also far from fluffy.The bed was also extremely uncomfortable, so much so that we did not stay the second night that we paid for as we wanted to go home to get a good night sleep. On a positive note, the location/view was absolutely beautiful and the food provisions were delicious.

Stayed for two nights at Outlook Hill Cottages. Excellent place to stay in. Good location near vineyards. Comes with big balcony, overlooking open field and vineyard. Price included free bottle of wine from their vineyard, fresh eggs, bread and tomatoes on vines, to make your own breakfast in the kitchen. The hostess was helpful and friendly and offered to replenish food and firewood. Will love to return to stay here again.

We stayed here for 2 nights in February 2006 and absolutely loved it. The units were gorgeous, with everything you needed and the deck had fantastic views. Really convenient for loads of vineyards plus close to Healesville and the lovely Healesville Hotel (highly recommended for a meal)