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The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly

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Look for this sign when you arrive.
The Conservatory is a pleasant retreat throughout the day and in all seasons.
A corner of the living room with Seven Sisters by local artist, Vickie Cousins.
The main bedroom has a queen-size bed with superior bed bedding and a heater.
The main bedroom with local and European artwork.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Fenced yard

Explore the area

View map
Port Fairy, VIC
  • Place, Port Fairy Coastal Reserve
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Port Fairy History Centre
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Griffith Island
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly

Built in the early twentieth century and close to the historic Old St Andrews estate, the Gatehouse is ideal for families or romantic getaway weekends. It was refurbished in 2016 and now includes a new, well-equipped kitchen and bathroom. In 2017 the front verandah was restored and the former back porch converted into an old-fashioned conservatory which looks over the back garden. There is a cosy gas log fire for winter evenings. The cottage is well furnished and decorated with local art work. A small library of general reading, travel and fine art books is located in the dining room along with family games. There is free Wi-Fi and a Smart TV, CD and DVD player. The bathroom includes laundry facilities.

The back garden is fully fenced, secure for young children and pets, with a large lawn area and outdoor furniture. It is ideal for backyard cricket. There is plenty of off-street parking. We have a standard Pet Policy which we can send you. Pets are welcome to be inside the cottage but according to certain conditions. Most pets are happy sleeping in the conservatory.

The Gatehouse offers accommodation for four people in a queen bedroom and a twin bedroom. There is a separate dining room with a table for six. Take advantage of our special rates for longer stays and last-minute bookings.

Guests, especially children, are welcome to pick flowers, herbs and vegetables from the grounds of Old St Andrews and seasonal fruit from the orchard.

The Gatehouse is in the centre of Victoria's first formally identified heritage township. It is close to fine restaurants, cafes, pubs, a day spa, specialty shopping, the wharf and both beaches. The town has public sports facilities and an internationally renowned links-style golf course. The local buses stop 20 metres from the front door.

Port Fairy is well situated for exploring the world-famous volcanic landscapes of the Western District as well as wild coastlines, several national parks and a wealth of historic buildings. It is approximately 60kms (50 minutes' drive) from World Heritage listed Budj Bim and Tae Rak National Park.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 10 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load the dishwasher

Gather used towels

Remove personal items and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights and lock the doors

Please follow the Council's 'four colour rubbish bin' instructions: GREEN of organic waste; YELLOW for recyclable waste except glass and soft plastics; PURPLE for most glass; RED for landfill.

Don't forget to return the spare set of keys to the Vegemite jar if you have used them.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

We have a minimum three-night booking policy but this may be waived and an administrative charge (approximately 20%) added if circumstances permit.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9210999
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Port Fairy

Located in Port Fairy, this cottage is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. Port Fairy History Centre and Port Fairy Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Port Fairy Coastal Reserve and Belfast C.R. Coastal Reserve. Travelling with kids? Consider Eclectic Designs Glass Blowing Studio and Go Surf School. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby.
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Map
Port Fairy, VIC

What's nearby

  • Eclectic Designs Glass Blowing Studio - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Port Fairy Coastal Reserve - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Port Fairy History Centre - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • East Beach - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Griffith Island - 3 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Warrnambool Station - 23 min drive
  • Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 168 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Stump - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rebecca’s Café - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Gipps Street Fish & Chips - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪East Beach Fish and Chips - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪The Victoria Hotel - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly?

As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly on 19 May 2026 start from AU$240, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Gatehouse - historic cottage - pet friendly located?

This family-friendly Port Fairy cottage is located on the waterfront, within a 15-minute walk of Eclectic Designs Glass Blowing Studio, Port Fairy Coastal Reserve and Moyne River. Go Surf School and East Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 138 out of 154 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 154 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 154 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 154 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 154 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Libby G.

Yes we had a great stay, the host was excellent, , great location, close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage in an excellent location, close to restaurants, shops and the ocean. Great enclosed yard for our little dog. Quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2026
Thank you for your positive review. We're glad that you and your little dog enjoyed your stay at the cottage. The sound of the ocean on a still night, whether from the South or the East beach is one of the simple delights of Port Fairy. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was absolutely beautifully fitted out and the gourmet breakfast provisions were a wonderful touch. Also the location was ideal for the PFFF, very central to everything and our hosts are such genuinely nice people.Would love to stay there again
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2026
We were very glad to host you for the PFFF, especially at short notice. You are too kind about the breakfast provisions but we're glad you enjoyed them. And our chats were entertaining too. You were genuinely nice guests, and we hope to be able to host you again next year. Please keep in touch. Timothy and Roger
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place to stay, comfortable and all mod cons. beautiful garden for the dogs. Short walk into town. Highly recommended
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Apr 2026
Thanks for your review. We enjoyed having your family stay over Easter and hearing your happy appreciation of the back garden, including by the well-behaved dogs, from a distance. We also enjoyed our brief but interesting chats. Watch out for something not unexpected in the mail. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Gatehouse. The location was very central, and the cottage was charming. The generous breakfast provisions and the gas log fire were very welcome. The secure backyard was perfect for our 2 small dogs and the hosts were very attentive and provided detailed communication, making sure that we had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Apr 2026
Thank you for your positive review. It is a cosy cottage in the colder months, and your autumn stay was a taste of things to come. Your two small dogs, notwithstanding their enthusiasm for the garden, were some of the quietest we have hosted. Thank you for your patience and understanding when there was glitch with the keys. Please do think about returning to catch some more fish. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Timothy was very welcoming! The house is in a fantastic location and was perfect for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind words. The location is rather 'Goldilocks', not too close to town and not too far, with some of the best food and coffee just minutes away. We're glad you enjoyed your stay and liked the cottage so much. It's rewarding to hear back from satisfied guests. Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robyn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint cottage with charm. Nicely presented. Great communication with host. Pet friendly. Easy walk to shops, restaurants, beaches & river. All amenities provided, including breakfast items. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2026
Thanks, on all counts, for your kind review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. You were easy guests to host, with clear communications and a delightful dog. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ange C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Holiday as a whole was wonderful. Hosts were friendly and attentive. All amenities were very suitable.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Feb 2026
Hi Ange, Thank you for your positive review. We enjoyed hosting you and your family and your well-behaved dog. And I am pleased that the weather was just right. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hugh V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay in historical Port Fairy.Accomodation was centrally located and very comfortable.Our dog was welcomed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jan 2026
Thanks for your positive review. We enjoyed hosting you, and your dear and very well-behaved Labrador. Dogs love the big back garden. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phil D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Timothy and Roger we’re wonderful hosts and ensured we had all we needed plus more.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Dec 2025
It was a pleasure to have such a delightful and interesting family stay in The Gatehouse for a long traditional Christmas break. We hope that you might be able to return. Perhaps the weather could have been a bit hotter but, at least, it wasn't too hot. Thank you for being such easy guests to host. Timothy & Roger
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed a lovely long weekend in this very comfortable cottage. The central location is perfect, an easy walk to cafes, pubs, shops, etc. Our hosts were very welcoming and thoughtful, we had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Nov 2025
Thank you for your review. I thought I had replied already, but several responses seem not to have been sent. We enjoyed hosting you and hope that you can return. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

8/10 Good

David P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic little cottage in a great location. Secure backyard made it an awesome pet friendly option. Communication by the host was great.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Nov 2025
Thank you for your review. I thought I had done so already, but several seem not to have been sent. We enjoyed hosting you and hope that you can return. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Close to town, nice comfortable and clean accommodation. Thanks to owners.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2025
Thanks for your positive review and for being such well-behaved guests, quiet and very neat and tidy! Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Old world charm with local welcome!

Delightful hosts, beautiful house and within close walking distance to everything. We really enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2025
Hi Tara, Thank you for your positive review and also for your support and understanding in the emergency medical situation which was happening at the time. They are appreciated. I am much better now. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lesley M.

Liked: Communication, location
The keys were left for us and the amenities were god
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy, friendly, great location, pet- friendly. Very good breakfast with condiments,Including coffee beans, grinder & plunger.Our hosts were very helpful, sharing their knowledge of this lovely part of the world.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2025
Thank you for your positive review and kind words. We enjoyed hosting you. Port Fairy, along with its hinterland, is a lovely part of the world and we are glad to share it. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay, close to everything

Cute cottage with all amenities, comfy beds.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Nov 2022
Hi Julie, Thank you for your review. Guests often compliment us on the comfort of our beds and the quality of our bed linen. One recently asked for their source and details so she could but them for herself! We are checking our records to help her. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Krys S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Timothy is an excellent host and also very interesting to talk to.He answered my numerous queries promptly and was there to greet me when I arrived. The food supplies were very generous and the cottage is very comfortable. The garden is lovely with lots of space for my German Shepherd dog to run around.It is a good location from which to explore the heritage trail and is within easy reach of shops, beaches and restaurants. I discovered and loved Blarneys bookshop which is close by.I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Port Fairy at the Gatehouse and plan to return later in the year.Thank you Timothy. It is a pleasure to have met you and to have stayed on your property.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr 2026
Thank you for your very positive review. I was keen to support your first foray into the Stayz/Vrbo system and resolve any doubts you had. It was interesting to talk with you across a wide range of topics, both at The Gatehouse and in our orchard. Blarney Books is one of our special treasures, an important contributor to the community fostering local writers, artists and readers across generations. Harper was one of the best behaved and gentlest dogs we have ever hosted. Please do think about returning later in the year. We'll do a special rotation of the books we leave for reading before you come, maybe even finding our copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Port Fairy Jazz weekend

Great location close to everything. Charming home and hosts made us feel very welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Feb 2025
Thank you, Simon for your review and for alerting us to the phantom swimming pool. It has been rectified, and we are working on your other concerns. We hope you enjoyed Port Fairy during its Jazz Festival. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, quaint , very central

Comfortable gorgeous cottage , full of character , warm and cozy , excellent set up for our young puppy, within easy walking distance to fabulous coffee , and gorgeous restaurants
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2025
Hi Rebecca, We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay so much. The Gatehouse is cosy in the winter, and that was really tested the next week. The much-needed rain finally came. Your puppy was delightful, a very well-behaved youngster and clearly happy in the back garden. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

roger v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Port Fairy guest home

The Gatehouse and its hosts were amazing for our stay at Port Fairy. Exactly as advertised and a fantastic secure backyard for our dogs. Good location too
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2025
Hi Roger Thank you for your very positive review. Yes, the location is good, not to close to the centre of town but only a few minutes' walk to get there. We enjoyed your dogs' enthusiasm. It was clear that they were having a good time. We look forward to welcoming them back. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hilary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Midweek break

We enjoyed our stay at the gatehouse, the hosts were friendly and we had a nice surprise with some breakfast provisions they put in the cottage for us. Wecwould stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2025
Thank you for your positive review. You were charming guests to host. People do appreciate our simple provisions and eating breakfast in the conservatory. I wish we could provide our homemade summer jams more often. I'll save a jar of winter marmalade for you when you come back. Cheers, Timothy and Roger
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daryl S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holiday in Port Fairy

Very comfortable and great hosts. Highly recommend.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Feb 2025
Hi Daryl, Thanks for your positive review. We enjoyed hosting you. Cheers, Timothy and Roger
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute cottage in great location

Clean user friendly cottage, great location, park car and leave as cafes, etc, river & beach all in walking distance. Lovely hosts, good secure yard for our small dogs, and some breakfast provisions included.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Nov 2024
Hi Caroline Thank you for your positive review. We are pleased to hear that you and your dogs enjoyed your stay. People marvel at the big back yard and how much their city dogs revel in it. Cheers, Timothy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fiona Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

lovely stay

we both enjoyed our stay.The location was very convenient, close to everything. Port Fairy is a beautiful location for a relaxing and refreshing break.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Nov 2020
Hi Fiona, we are glad that you both enjoyed your stay and, apparently, the schnauzers! Guests do appreciate the location, close to everything but not too close. The Gatehouse is a bit of the true Port Fairy, a real and delightful country town with the sea on two sides. Cheers, Timothy and Roger

About the host

Hosted by Timothy Hubbard

Host profile image

The owners have run holiday accommodation in Port Fairy since 1992, including Shangri-La, Adeline Cottage, The Loft and now The Gatehouse. They own the heritage-listed former St Andrews Presbyterian Church and Manse where they have lived for more than twenty-five years.

Languages:

English

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