Chaplet Cottage, 1894
History
Nestled in the heart of historic Healesville, Chaplet Cottage is one of the township’s original remaining miners cottages. Built in 1894 during the gold rush era, the cottage forms part of Healesville’s Gracedale subdivision that took place in 1880. The land was first purchased and owned by J. Huggins, then from 1906, it was owned by the Hetherton family for almost a century until their youngest child, Dolly (Dorothy) passed away in 1993, aged 94. Dolly was born in Healesville in 1899.
Recently, this charming home was at risk of being replaced with units - a distressing prospect for local residents, who feared the cottage’s heritage value would be lost forever. Fortunately, owners & hosts Jess and Simon Terpstra saved the cottage from demolition, undertaking a sympathetic restoration during 2022 - 23. Updates made in the 1970s were replaced with traditional Victorian architectural features, including sourcing original leadlight windows for the bathroom. Furnishings were also chosen to reflect the home’s era, with the couple also upcycling and repurposing many antique pieces themselves.
Now offering beautiful adults-only accommodation and the perfect romantic getaway, Chaplet Cottage sets a distinctly luxurious standard of accommodation in Healesville.
Accommodation
Chaplet Cottage is a luxurious one bedroom sanctuary that will whisk you away to a bygone era. With moody moss green walls, soft lighting, the warmth of antique timbers, leather furniture, and vintage collectables, the cottage is a sanctuary from the moment you step inside.
A stunning master bedroom features a king size four poster bed, and layered pure linen bedding, encouraging deep sleep and slow mornings, where time is measured by sunlight through the window. A stunning Verde Alpi marble bathroom, with double rainfall shower heads, and large clawfoot bath for long soaks is the ultimate sanctuary.
The lounge room, with original brick fireplace is adorned with grand artworks and historic prints. Relax on the comfortable sofa and watch your favourite shows on the Smart TV, or settle back in one of the leather armchairs with a good book and glass of wine. And if you need to connect with the outside world, WiFi is available throughout the cottage, with a gorgeous vintage writing desk providing the perfect working space.
The gourmet kitchen is a cook’s dream, with full stovetop and oven, dishwasher, and sintered stone bench with bar stool seating - make yourself an antipasto platter and pull up a chair while your partner cooks. The kitchen also features a cleverly hidden European laundry so you can extend your stay, along with pantry essentials, Nescafe coffee machine, and a range of teas.
Directly off the kitchen is a beautiful outdoor deck with dining area, a lovely spot for coffee each morning, and eating al fresco in the evenings as the sun sets. There’s also a Webber BBQ for long lunches while enjoying your private garden surrounds.
Chaplet Cottage can also become step-free with a temporary ramp available, and ample heating and cooling keeps you comfortable in all seasons.
Special Features
Antique and Vintage Decor
Clawfoot Bath
Fully Equipped Kitchen
WiFi
Things To Do
Chaplet Cottage is located just off the main street in Healesville, a short walk to many excellent cafés, restaurants and boutique stores. Enjoy breakfast at dine and sample local wines at Innocent Bystander, and enjoy a heaty pub meal in Healesville Hotel’s courtyard beer garden. A day wandering the bush trails at Healesville Sanctuary to meet Australian native animals is a must, and afterwards, head to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie to watch chocolate being made and satisfy your sweet tooth while taking in views over the Yarra Valley.
The cottage is also within a short drive of many world class cellar doors including Domain Chandon, distilleries including Four Pillars Gin, Redwood Forest, and the Black Spur scenic drive with its towering trees, lush ferns, and picturesque landscape.
