‘Basswood’

Framed by mature flowering gardens alive with birdsong, Basswood is a wonderfully private retreat where contemporary architecture sits comfortably alongside an eclectic collection of art, beautifully considered furnishings and the natural landscape beyond.With four bedrooms, three bathrooms,  Flinders village, beach and golf course all within easy walking distance, Basswood offers an exceptional base from which to discover one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most charming coastal enclaves.

Inside
A study in contrasts, Basswood pairs clean architectural lines and soaring ceilings with richly textured furnishings, natural timber and an eclectic collection of art. Vast expanses of glass draw the gardens into almost every room, while the northern light moves gently through the living spaces as the day unfolds.

At its heart, a generous open plan living area brings everyone together. The kitchen, with its deep charcoal cabinetry, stone island and well stocked cupboards, is made for those who find as much pleasure in preparing a meal as sitting down to enjoy it. Gather around the dining table for ten, linger over another glass of wine, or retire to the comfort of the sofas as the wood fire takes the edge off a cooler Peninsula evening.

Four bedrooms offer peaceful places to retreat, with a king bedroom, two queens and a twin room with its own sitting area and television. Particularly well suited to younger guests, the latter doubles as a second living space when a little separation is called for.

Three bathrooms complete the accommodation, including a beautiful bathing space where a freestanding tub sits beneath natural light.

Outside
The gardens are an integral part of life at Basswood. Mature, colourful and well established, they envelop the home in greenery, creating a great sense of seclusion, quite unexpected for somewhere so close to the village.

Birdlife is abundant, and the north facing deck, shaded by flowering wisteria, offers a front row seat to the changing garden throughout the day.

As evening approaches, the outdoor chiminea provides a little warmth when the coastal air begins to cool. Add a glass of something wonderful from one of the Peninsula’s nearby cellar doors, a nice bottle of Baillieu rose perhaps, accompanied by a few chocolates picked up from the village chocolatier just around the corner, and there’s very little reason to venture elsewhere.

With fully enclosed grounds, generous lawn and quiet corners amongst the planting, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the garden at your own pace.

Beyond the Garden
Flinders has long been one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most quietly appealing villages. A little removed from the busier coastal towns, it retains an easy, unhurried charm, with good food, independent galleries and a particularly beautiful stretch of coastline.

From Basswood, much of village life can be enjoyed on foot. Wander down towards Flinders Pier, where the fishing boats and changing tides are part of the daily scenery. Beneath the water, the wonderfully peculiar weedy sea dragons are another of the area’s treasures, with snorkelers occasionally rewarded with a glimpse of these extraordinary creatures around the pier. Come summer, keep an eye out for the local mussel man serving freshly prepared mussels by the beach from in Van. A wonderful, simple pleasure, and one worth planning a visit around. We certainly do. 

Flinders Golf Club, the tennis and bowling clubs, beach and yacht club are all close at hand, while the surrounding coastline offers wonderful walking opportunities, from gentle seaside rambles to longer stretches along the clifftops.

Beyond the village, the Peninsula opens up into a landscape of rolling vineyards, celebrated cellar doors, coastal trails and exceptional golf courses. Spend an afternoon discovering a favourite Pinot Noir, take the scenic route through the hinterland, or follow the coast towards some of the region’s more secluded beaches.

And for those days when venturing out seems entirely unnecessary, the gardens, the fire and a well stocked kitchen make a rather convincing argument for staying in.

The Little Details
Accommodation: Sleeps up to 8 Guests

Bedroom One: 1 x King Bed
Bedroom Two: 1 x Queen Bed
Bedroom Three : 1 x Queen Bed
Bedroom Four: 2 x Twin King Single Beds (& alternative 2nd living room/children’s retreat)

Bathrooms
Three bathrooms, including a beautiful freestanding bathtub, with contemporary fittings and finishes throughout.

Living
Open plan kitchen, dining and living, with seating for ten at the dining table. Fully equipped cook’s kitchen with a selection of cooking essentials and condiments.

Open wood fireplace, reverse cycle heating and cooling, ceiling fans, WiFi, Apple TV, Netflix and Kayo.

Outside
North facing deck, outdoor chiminea, barbecue, fully enclosed grounds. Off street parking for up to four vehicles, with access from Bass Street and Wood Street.

Location
Within easy walk of Flinders village, Flinders Golf Club, the beach, pier, yacht club, tennis and bowling clubs. Wineries, cellar doors, coastal walks and additional golf courses are all within a short drive. The list of options is endless!