The Observatory | Leafy Hideaway & Stargazing Deck

🌴 Escape to this art-filled, mid-century styled mountain hideaway on ½ an acre of garden, trees, and lush greenery with a touch of rainforest. Enjoy two private decks: a rooftop for stargazing and a lower deck through bifolds with fairy lights and a gas outdoor heater. Curated interiors, Smart TV, and total privacy—plus top local cafés, and weekend markets like The Lost Woods 3 min walk away. Cook a romantic meal or head out for one nearby. Walking tracks are outside the front door 🚪!

🏡 Built from repurposed shipping containers, this home features:

• King bedroom memory foam mattress
• Queen bedroom memory foam mattress
• Small third bedroom with a fold-out double sofa
• We have a smart TV on a stand with wheels (it moves!) to any room of the house where you can log into your subscription platforms like Netflix Disney etc. You need to use your own hotspot.
• Linen & Towels: 100% cotton sheets and bath towels provided.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel.
• Heating: Large gas heater in living area + portable oil heaters in both main bedrooms.
• Kitchen: Fully equipped with oven, stovetop, fridge, microwave, cookware, and basic pantry items.
• Laundry: Washing machine + clothes airer provided.


🌴 Property Notes

• WiFi: There is no WiFi. Mobile reception varies by carrier. (Local cafés offer WiFi if needed.)
• Water: The property is partially off-grid and runs on rainwater — please use thoughtfully.
• Privacy: The house is on a large block with neighbors over 200m away. Some bifold doors have no curtains to maximize the mountain views, but the property is private.
• Power points are located in main rooms for hairdryers/styling tools (not in bathroom.)

Winter time in the mountains is cold so come prepared with your Ugg boots and woolies.



🌄 The Location

You’re perfectly positioned to explore the entire Dandenong Ranges region, with nature walks, iconic experiences, and food all close by.

📍Must-Visit Attractions:
• 🚂 Puffing Billy Railway (5 mins)
• 🌳 Emerald Lake Park
• 🌺 Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
• 🥾 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk
• 🌲 Sherbrooke Forest & Falls Walks
• 🎨 William Ricketts Sanctuary

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🛍️ Local Markets & Artisan Finds
• 🌿 The Lost Woods Market (Monthly at Puffing Billy Park – 150+ stalls!)
• 🧺 Belgrave Big Dreams Market
• 🛒 Sassafras village shops – Antiques, handmade goods & teahouses

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☕️🍷 Where to Eat & Drink (All Within ~10km)

Emerald
• 🍳 The General Food Store
• 🍕 Elevation at Emerald

Monbulk
• 🥂 Yarra Ranges Estate – Boutique wines & views
• 🥗 Tatiana’s Café
• 🍺 The Watering Hole Tavern

Sassafras
• ☕️ Miss Marple’s Tearoom
• 🍰 Ripe Café Sassafras
• 🍽️ Dine Divine

Olinda
• 🌸 Seasons at Cloudehill
• 🍜 Olinda Tea House
• 🍕 Dudley’s Olinda
• 🍻 Pig & Whistle Tavern

Belgrave
• ☕️ Earthly Pleasures Café – Iconic heritage café with vegan options
• 🍽️ Babajis Kerala Kitchen – Flavourful Indian street food
• 🍷 Sooki Lounge – Funky music venue/bar with great food

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Take long forest walks. Discover local makers. Lounge on the deck with a glass of wine. Curl up with a book in an art-filled space.

This is slow mountain magic—and our home is made for it.