Sailor's Whisk, c. 1910
Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
When strolling past Sailors Whisk, an aptly named, seaside-blue-hued cottage, tucked down a gravel road lined with bushland & coastal tea tree, you’d never imagine it was once a workers cottage in Essendon, Melbourne. Surrounded by an indigenous garden, a family of Eastern Rosellas who’ve made themselves at home — and around the corner, never-ending views across Western Port Bay to Bass Strait, it’s as if this little cottage was destined for a life by the sea.
Built c.1910 as one of a pair of cottages, its identical twin still sits along Lincoln Road in Essendon today. It’s believed the cottages built during this period may have serviced the nearby Maribyrnong Cordite Factory, constructed between 1909-12, and the original munitions factory, Colonial Ammunition Company, in Footscray.
Owners & hosts Laura and Daniel Agostino are the perfect renovation duo — Laura is a successful interior designer and owner of Mermaid Bay Interiors, and Daniel owns a carpentry business. They saved the cottage from demolition, transporting it in one piece to Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula, then undertook a complete renovation. The 1980s kitchen & flooring were removed, and walls were stripped back and replastered. Two sash windows were restored & reinstalled by Daniel into the north-facing dining area, now a sun-filled space to gather for meals. As some of the original floor was damaged, solid reclaimed timber boards were laid, wire brushed, and oiled by hand to create an aged patina finish.
A true passion project and labour of love, Sailors Whisk is a reflection of the couple’s focus on thoughtful, sustainable practices in the way we live. It’s evidence that a repurposed, restored home using reclaimed materials can be just as wonderful as any grand home…and much more warm & welcoming!
Many of the cottage’s period details still remain, including exterior architraves, colourful leadlight windows including the entrance door, high ceilings and decorative plasterwork in the front bedroom, internal doors, and red pine sash windows throughout. Luxurious accommodation for up to four adults, there are two bedrooms, both with queen beds fitted with soft, pure linen bedding, duck down duvets, and reclaimed wool blankets. Complimentary bathroom amenities include Rasasara Ayurvedic skin & hair care products and Dindi Naturals soaps.
The new kitchen was given a contemporary, country feel, with butler’s sink and all modern appliances. The focal point is a handsome navy blue, cast iron Esse cooker, perfect for preparing gourmet meals with produce from one of Mornington Peninsula’s renowned farmer’s markets — and the pantry is stocked with ingredients to get you started, including locally grown & milled Tuerong Flours for pizza dough, semolina, herbs & spices, and Main Ridge Olive Oil. Also included in your stay is a welcome box with Milk Lab milk, Capi sparkling water, compostable Urban Brew coffee pods, and local goodies from Red Hill Muesli & The Peel Thing. For an additional cost, you can also select from one of Sailors Whisk’s custom gourmet hampers when booking.
Throughout the cottage there’s beautiful vintage & antique pieces to admire, collected by Laura over the years, and local artworks adorn the walls. In the lounge, relax in one of the leather armchairs in front of the fireplace with a good book…or cosy up with a wine & cheese platter on the comfy sofa, playing checkers and chatting the night away. Outside, there’s plenty of space for breakfast in the sun on the back verandah, and homemade pizzas are a must in the woodfire pizza oven. The huge firepit, encircled by natural rocks, is a special place to gather at the end of the day.
Special Features
Chef’s Kitchen
Coastal Walks
Fire Pit
Vintage Styling
Things To Do
Flinders is a scenic coastal village on the Mornington Peninsula, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. A popular destination in summer, Flinders is equally as enchanting in the cooler months — a wild winter’s walk to Flinders Blowhole or the hike to Bushrangers Bay will enliven your senses. Within walking distance from your accommodation, explore Mushroom Reef, and browse boutique stores & a wide range of local art in the galleries along the main street.
‘The Pen’ is a foodie’s paradise — indulge in sweet treats from Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, and dinner at Donna Maria in Flinders. Head to Johnny Ripe in Main Ridge and bring back an apple pie to enjoy at the cottage. The surrounding region has many wineries, cellar doors and farm gates to discover, and go strawberry & cherry picking in summer. Nearby, Red Hill Community Market has been held each month since 1975, and offers a wide range of local fresh produce, gourmet food and local arts & crafts.
