Mount Horrocks Cottage

Feel cocooned against the world's hustle and bustle in the welcoming and relaxing privacy of your own cottage, or share the seclusion with some close travelling companions. Discover Mount Horrocks Cottage as the perfect spot to start or finish your day - enjoy a country breakfast as the sun rises over Mount Rufus in the east, or relax with a glass of wine and spot the kangaroos as the sun sets in the west over Mount Horrocks, before dining at one of the Clare Valley's excellent restaurants. If you prefer the BBQ awaits, or for the ultimate treat we can arrange for your own personal chef to prepare some wonderful cuisine.

The climate is a mountainous style with four definite seasons. Hot dry summer days with cool nights. Pack your winter woolies for the cold wet winters. Spring and Autumn are cheerful, sunny and colourful. Each season is well worth a visit to enjoy the changing landscape and variety of activities and attractions.

The cottages are self-sufficient, relying totally on rain water with waste water being processed through an enviro-cycle and subsequently used to water the garden.

Thanks for making our wedding dreams come true. We wouldn't change a thing and look forward to sharing many more good times with you all as Mark and I grow old and grumpy together!
- Michelle and Mark

Location

Set on 90 acres of undulating grazing country Mount Rufus and Mount Horrocks Cottages are a few minutes from Clare, wineries, restaurants, artists studios and the Riesling Trail.

The cottages are on our Saxon Stud, "Avenue Ridge". Saxons were the original breed of sheep imported to Australia and are the base of the present day Australian Merino. The wool averages 13 micron and is classified as superfine. It is used by Italian wool for high-end fashion wool fabrics.

Until several years ago we always had a problem with foxes taking lambs, and this was compounded later when packs of town dogs began mauling the ewes. To protect the sheep we invested in a Maremma dog and eventually became the original breeding kennel in SA for this variety, Maremmasta Kennels. The dogs originated in Italy over 2,000 years ago where they were used by shepherds on the plains of Maremmano to guard their flocks against wolves and bears.

Today we have four of these dogs on the property and you will be able to see two of them with the breeding ewes - though it can be a bit tricky because they are white also! They live with the sheep day and night all year round, using self-feeders in the paddock and drinking from the dams and troughs. Their flock is their litter and during lambing they will often be seen helping ewes to clean up the new arrivals. Later they can be seen lying in the sun while lambs use them as springboards. They are very gentle dogs but will guard their flock from intruders, with one dog standing between the person and the sheep while the other dog moves the flock away.

	With breathtaking views over the famous Polish Hill River Valley, private, quiet and ultimately relaxing, Mount Horrocks Cottage has everything required for a luxurious break from a busy lifestyle. From the minute you open the door the contemporary, comfortable décor immediately eases the tensions of everyday living.
	The sitting room has reverse cycle air-conditioning, comfortable couches and a woodfire to complete the mood. Or, if you dare to upset the peace, a hidden TV/video/DVD compendium are there for you to discover. See another sitting room photo here.
	Take advantage of our wide range of discount cards to dine in one of our fabulous local restaurants or dine in the cottage with its romantic setting and quality glassware china and cutlery. Enjoy the Shorts Package in romantic seclusion, a delicious cheese and fruit platter, quality steak, sausages, salad and potato with a Clare Valley wine. Finish with an espresso coffee, chocolates and port. On the long summer evenings eat outdoors, taking in the never tiring views of the Polish Hill Valley.
	The two queen size beds have super comfortable mattresses, a choice of pillows, electric blankets, woolen or cotton blankets and of course a cosy doona (duvet).
	A corner twin spa awaits you in the bathroom with plush towels, heated towel rail, bubble bath, hair dryer and locally made olive oil soap – go ahead and pamper yourself!
	The kitchen is equipped with portable hotplates, electric frypan, microwave, kettle, toaster and espresso coffee machine. The views from the kitchen sink make the chores a delight.
	The decking is something to behold, with an electric BBQ/Kettle, outdoor setting and views you can't get away from.
	You will be tempted, like so many others, to return and re-capture the experience of these delightful cottages in each of the four seasons.

Those little extras

• A bottle of wine to get you started
• Home baked bread
• Provisions for a hearty cooked country breakfast - essential before a day of wine tasting on the Riesling Trail
• Twinings tea selection
• Cappuccino espresso coffee maker
• Port
• Quality crockery, cutlery and glassware
• Two queensize beds in each cottage made up with crisp fresh quality linen
• Carefully selected discount cards to wineries, restaurants and attractions to give you a taste of the Clare Valley
• An iron and ironing board to get rid of those wrinkles before you set out
• Two person spa with bubbles and hand made soap
• Towelling robes
• Heated towel rails to warm those thick fluffy towels
• Hairdryer
• Wood fire
• Reverse cycle air-conditioning
• TV, DVD/CD/Video player
• DVDs, videos and CDs
• Board games and puzzles
• Binoculars
• BBQ and wonderful sweeping views

Bookings

Check availability and book online now or phone on 0412 265 031.

Spoil yourself and make your stay even more memorable with one of our specially designed packages.