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George's Place
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By: Winsor Dobbin, Issue 37 – Summer 2009
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(George’s Boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat – Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia)
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A NEW BOUTIQUE BED AND BREAKFAST ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA IS A GOOD REASON TO RAISE A GLASS.
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Bed and breakfasts have come a long way. The new wave of B&Bs are slick, chic and very private – like George’s Boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat, a recently opened, architect-designed facility that’s the perfect base for exploring the Mornington Peninsula – one of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions.
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The suites at George’s (there are only four of them) come with private balconies offering sweeping views of Port Philip Bay. The ambience is more designer guesthouse than traditional B&B. The suites are beautifully furnished, with large bathrooms (think fluffy towels and Molton Brown accessories), and the breakfasts are superb with fresh fruit followed by a range of options from hearty to healthy. Hosts Stan and Marg Schofield are fountains of knowledge about local attractions and love to chat with guests.
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George’s hosts regular hands-on cooking schools under the tutelage of chef Duncan White-Robertson, and offers a range of packages. Those looking to really spoil themselves might consider the Luscious Package, which includes a dozen red roses in your suite on arrival, a bottle of Champagne (the real stuff) and strawberries, two nights’ accommodation, gourmet breakfasts daily, dinner for two at either the Ten Minutes by Tractor or Long Table restaurant, a private spa at Peninsula Hot Springs and a personalised wine tour of one of the world’s finest pinot growing regions. The cost is $1,490 per couple.
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The on-site cooking school offers a choice of eight different themes, ranging from classic French menus to the flavours of south-east Asia to health-conscious cooking.
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The deluxe golf and gourmet package, at $1,500 per person, includes two nights’ accommodation, golf at two of the world-class courses on the Peninsula, meals and beverages including two seven-course degustation dinners with chef and sommelier, spa, wine tour, transfers and a gift pack.
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While you are just minutes away from some of the best pinot noir producers in the country; names like Stonier, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Kooyong, Paringa Estate and Yabby Lake, you are also surrounded by farmland – and the local produce is excellent. Try to time your visit to coincide with the Red Hill Market on the first Saturday of each month, or visit the local Red Hill Cheese factory, Mornington Peninsula Chocolates or the Red Hill micro brewery.
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There are also simpler pleasures to be enjoyed; like a walk around the Arthurs Seat National Park. On a clear day the views extend as far as the Melbourne skyline and Mount Macedon. Throw in art galleries, bird watching sites and some beautiful beaches – there is no shortage of choices.
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Details:
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George’s Boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat
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