The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting
Built in 1999 and part of the larger Old St Andrews estate, this architecturally designed apartment is ideal for couples. It was renovated in 2011. The courtyard is sheltered and secluded. North, east and west facing, the balcony overlooks an orchard, native garden and beyond towards the town. The Loft is a short walk to the centre of the town and is close to everything. It includes a new, well-equipped kitchen. There is a cosy log fire for winter evenings. It is well furnished, has a small library and is decorated with local art work. There is free Wi-Fi and a smart TV, CD and DVD. There are separate laundry facilities. There is plenty of off-street parking and undercover parking for one car. Rainwater is available in the kitchen for making tea and coffee.
The Loft offers accommodation for up to three people in a queen bedroom and on an additional single bed in the reading alcove. Take advantage of our special rates for longer stays. Guests, especially children, are welcome to pick flowers, herbs and vegetables from the grounds of Old St Andrews and seasonal fruit from the orchard.
Old St Andrews comprises Port Fairy's former Presbyterian church and manse located on 0.4ha of landscaped grounds. It is the largest surviving estate in the centre of Port Fairy. The heritage buildings which date from 1854 and 1856 have been restored over the past twenty years. It is an ideal spot for bird watching (up to 50 species have been recorded) and you may even see some rare small native animals. This is one reason why the accommodation is not suitable for pets.
The Loft is in the centre of Victoria's first formally identified heritage township. It is close to fine restaurants, cafes, pubs, specialty shopping, the wharf and both beaches. The town has public sports facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool. Port Fairy is well situated for exploring the world famous volcanic landscapes of the Western District as well as wild coastlines, National Parks and a wealth of historic buildings.
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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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Port Fairy
Located in Port Fairy, this holiday home is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. Port Fairy Golf Club and Yambuk Beach Slide are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Port Fairy Coastal Reserve and Belfast C.R. Coastal Reserve. Travelling with kids? Consider Eclectic Designs Glass Blowing Studio and Go Surf School. Looking to get your feet wet? Surfing/body boarding and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
Does The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting on 9 May 2026 start from AU$216, 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.
Is The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Loft - modern apartment in heritage garden setting located?
This family-friendly Port Fairy holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Eclectic Designs Glass Blowing Studio and Port Fairy Public Cemetery. Go Surf School and East Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thanks for your positive review. We enjoyed your visit over Easter and your appreciation of our grounds and wildlife, especially the birds. We look forward to you returning.
Cheers, Timothy
Lovely, comfortable accommodation in a great location
Ann E.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr 2021
Hi Ann
Thank you for your review. We are glad you were comfortable and enjoyed the Loft after your bike rides and other adventures. It was good to see the smoke coming out of the chimney, a sure sign that our guests are cosy in the cold, wet weather.
Cheers, Timothy
Hi Derek, thank you for your positive review. You were ideal guests and most understanding about the late blast of wintry weather. We look forward to seeing you again. Cheers, Timothy and Roger
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay: Very comfortable bed, unique loft accommodation, beautiful gardens, walking distance to shops and restaurants and wonderful hosts!
Will certainly be back to stay!
linda s.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec 2023
Hi Linda,
We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay in The Loft. It is special to wake up with the sun shining over the fruit trees in the orchard with Port Fairy's mighty Norfolk Island Pine trees as the distant backdrop. You caught the last flush of Spring. We look forward to welcoming you back soon, whatever the season.
Cheers, Timothy
Our hosts were engaging, warm and informative. Location is perfect and The Loft warm, clean and comfortable.
Vikki C.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2020
Thank you Vikki for your kind words. You were very easy to host. We hope the break prepared you well for your return to work. Cheers, Timothy and Roger
The owner was very friendly and made me feel very welcome.
The delicious breakfast supplies and coffee were perfect and the loft was very comfortable
Would definitely re book
Denise M.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2022
Thank you for your positive review. We are glad that you could relax comfortably with family and friends around the fire on such an unseasonable wintry weekend. The muesli is home-made, and the coffee beans are sent down from one of the best roasters in Melbourne. We would be pleased to welcome you back.
Cheers, Timothy
A lovely loft house, clean & cozy. Perfect for a weekend away. Walking distance to shops & beach. Couldn’t recommend more highly.
Alison G.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov 2021
Dear Alison
We are glad that The Loft worked so well for the milestone anniversary weekend. Please don't leave it until the next milestone before a return visit!
Cheers, Timothy
A lovely homely cottage - warm and inviting. The home is just a 5 or 10 minute walk to the town centre and a myriad of restaurants and coffee shops. A perfect getaway!
Lawrence B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2022
Dear Lawrence,
Thanks for your review. We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay in Port Fairy at The Loft. Once upon a time finding good food and a good cup of coffee were very difficult but now, as you say, the township is spoilt with choices. There is even a coffee roaster conveniently located next door to a Greek patisserie. We look forward to welcoming you both back.
Cheers, Timothy and Roger
We love the seclusion of The Loft & so close to everything. The loft has all we need for a Port Fairy long weekend and would have been more than happy to stay the week and more... T & R provide so much in the way of local knowledge you are immersed in the community.
Donna T.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2022
Dear Donna
Thank you for your review. It was good to have you back again and, next time, please do stay for a week. We are careful not to flood visitors with too much information but we are happy to share what we know whether its about the town's history, architecture, gardens in detail or just the best bread and coffee.
Cheers, Timothy & Roger
From the initial contact right through our stay our experience was first class. Our hosts ensured we had everything we needed and the breakfast supplies were generous. The accommodation suited our needs and the location is very quiet and a 5 minute walk to town centre. Could not fault any part of our stay. Highly recommend!
Michael H.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr 2024
Dear Michael
Firstly, I apologise for a slow reply. I thought that I had done so already.
Secondly, thank you for such a positive review. Guests said some time ago that The Gatehouse was at the "Cinderella Centre" of Port Fairy: not too far and not too close to everything, as well as being peaceful. People love the sense of open space beyond the conservatory. Watching the distant Norfolk Island Pines turn gold at sunset is our favourite moment.
Cheers, Timothy
Our stay at The Loft was perfect. The generous provisions of free range eggs, beautiful bread, fruit and fresh coffee beans for a perfect coffee was everything we could have wanted. The balcony overlooking the rambling garden and the reading alcove were great for quiet relaxing holiday and yet a few minutes walk away were the cafes and restaurants of this charming historic town. We’re already looking forward to staying again.
Jeannine W.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 May 2022
Dear Jeannine,
Thank you. That's all rewarding to hear. We did want you to enjoy your stay at The Loft on your second attempt. It is a great getaway. The view from the balcony, even if it doesn't include a glimpse of the ocean, is one of the best in Port Fairy. We are already looking forward to welcoming you back.
Cheers, Timothy
We had a relaxing time staying at The Loft on our holiday in beautiful Port Fairy. The hosts were delightful and attentive, and the location was wonderful. Thank you!
This lovely apartment is set high above a beautiful garden on an historic site. Hosts were very helpful and we had everything we needed. Good location close to town.
Gillian M.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2021
Dear Gillian,
Yes, the elevated view from the balcony is actually one of the best in Port Fairy. It's also excellent for bird-watching, by the way, all through the day. We manage the garden with a 'wild' section near the Highway, 'meadow' long grass in the orchard and nectar rich flowers around the house and we don't use insecticide. Wallabies visit during summer and we once had a koala with a baby stay for several days. We enjoyed hosting you both.
Cheers, Timothy
What a lovely property and location! Gorgeous cottage with a balcony and various spots for reading and relaxing. Easy walk to restaurants and shops. Walking distance to canal and beaches. The owners were so welcoming and helpful and even pointed out a visiting koala in the garden. I’d happily stay here again.
Justine S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Mar 2023
Hi Justine,
Yes, we do see (or sometimes just hear) a koala in the garden including with a baby on its back. Wallabies are more frequent visitors. But the continuous birdlife brings us the most pleasure. We're glad you enjoyed your break and would be very pleased to welcome you back.
Cheers, Timothy and Roger
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer B.
16 Apr 2019
Private, clean, tasteful, welcoming
The location is good particularly if you like to walk. Beautiful tree outlook from all the windows. Well equipped and comfortable. The owners were very obliging.
Jennifer B.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2020
Thank you Jenny for your positive review. We enjoyed your stay and our conversations. Thank you also for looking after Old St Andrews while we had to be away. We look forward to your return.
Timothy and Roger
The Loft couldn’t have worked out better! Everything was top notch, from the linens to the breakfast fixings. We appreciated all the little extras provided. Timothy was a wealth of knowledge of the area and both Timothy and Roger were a delight to visit with.
Douglas W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr 2020
Dear Douglas, it was wonderful to meet you both after such a long wait and journey. You were very easy guests to host (at a difficult and worsening time for everyone) and are among our guests best ever. We hope you get home safely and look back on your time in Western Victoria and along the Great Ocean Road fondly. Please return to finish your journey, starting again from Port Fairy. Cheers, Timothy and Roger
Great location to enjoy the delights of Port Fairy
Enjoyed our stay immensely. Location great. Loft well laid out. Hosts thought of everything. Useful Provisions on arrival. Enjoyed walking the colourful garden with church on premises, orchard and flowers.
Connie G.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Mar 2023
Thank you for your very positive comments, Connie. We were pleased that you took an interest in the garden and orchard, both a bit more ramshackle than they should be. We were especially pleased that you picked some of the fruit. Please think about returning in another season, even winter for different fruits and flowers and for wood fires.
Cheers, Timothy
Lovely property in quiet & peaceful location. Timothy & Roger are fabulous hosts…….hospitable, warm & friendly and ever ready to assist if needed.
We had a very enjoyable stay….just wished for warmer weather
Thank you both again 🙂
Chris B.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Mar 2023
Hi Chris,
Please forgive me for what must seem like a tardy reply. I thought I had already. We're glad you enjoyed yourselves. It won't help to hear that the weather was delightful after you left, indeed perfect for the Folkie. Please try again but Spring and Autumn are usually the best times.
Cheers, Timothy and Roger
We had a great time at the Loft. Perfect for a couple to getaway and stay in Port Fairy. Timothy and Roger were very accommodating and informative. The accommodation was very clean and had everything you need. Good location. I would highly recommend this place and are hoping to come back there one day. Thanks heaps
Francis v.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2024
Thank you Frank for your positive review. I suspect that The Loft might have been even cleaner after your stay. You impressed us as guests.
The Loft is well situated. It may not have a view of the ocean or river but, we think, it does have one of the best views in Port Fairy from the balcony and across the tree tops. We hope that you and Marg do return, perhaps in a warmer season. In the meantime, we trust that the log fire kept you warm at the start of winter.
Cheers, Timothy
What a delightful property! We enjoyed our break at The Loft in Port Fairy. The location was perfect and it was so comfortable and well equipped. Timothy was a gracious host and gave us helpful information about what to see and do. Breakfast goods were provided which was a lovely surprise. We’d love to visit again.
Jane S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Apr 2023
Hi Jane
Thank you for your positive comments. We enjoyed hosting you both. I am sorry that the breakfast goods couldn't include any homemade apricot jam or cumquat marmalade. The last of the apples in the orchard are going into my Kashmir Chutney tomorrow, a bit of an Anzac Day tradition. I'll try to save you some, perhaps not for breakfast but, thinking again, delicious with eggs and bacon!
Cheers, Timothy
The Loft is a wonderful place to stay in Port Fairy. Quiet & peaceful. Though still close to the toen centre. Roger & Timothy are excellent host, very thoughtful & considerate.
Tim M.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2024
Hi Tim
Thank you for your review. It was good to host people returning to Port Fairy with such deep connections to the town. You'll be pleased to hear that it has now rained after three months with effectively none. The view from The Loft's balcony has a new freshness with green grass expected shortly.
Cheers, Timothy
A fabulous place from which to enjoy the delights of Port Fairy. The elevated, well designed and tastefully furnished apartment overlooks a Tuscan inspired garden. Breakfast on the balcony was the perfect way to start the day and an on point selection of books made for a perfect stay. Easy stroll to beaches. Friendly hosts. Can’t wait to return.
Rodger C.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Feb 2022
Hi A & R
Thank you for your review. You are right about the Tuscan influence in the garden but it is as much due to practicalities of the limey soil and dry conditions as it is to our aesthetic as architects interested in landscapes. We strive to have books and art appropriate for Port Fairy and its hinterland, rotating items from our fuller collections. Please remind us to have a fresh selection for your next visit, including Annie Baxter's diaries about Yambuk.
Cheers,
Timothy & Roger
The Loft is set in a private garden setting, with a number of excellent restaurants just a short stroll away.
Hosts Timothy and Roger were welcoming and provided provisions for our breakfast and also provided a home made slice.
The property also includes a small orchard and we were able to pick plums to enjoy with our breakfast.
Thanks for a very enjoyable weekend.
David S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2020
Dear David, thank you for your positive review. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and the plums. We enjoyed your conversation. The apples and pears are next to ripen, then the olives and finally the pomegranates. The persimmons don't look promising. We very much enjoy and like to share the cycle of the seasons. The Loft is an ideal eyrie to watch them pass. Cheers, Timothy and Roger
Timothy and Roger greeted us like we were old friends. The accommodation had everything, coffee beans, fresh sourdough bread, eggs, fruit, cereal, jam &yogurt.The wood heat was so nice. Breaky on the balcony overlooking the gardens.Thank you Timothy and Roger for looking after us.
Pam I.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2025
Hi Pam
Thank you for your kind words. I am pleased to say that we have many old and now dear friends whom we met through their staying at The Loft. By the way, I confirmed with Roger that yours was the first log fire of the season. We're glad you enjoyed it as well as having breakfast on the balcony in the winter sun.
We hope that you too will return, perhaps in a different season, to be welcomed back as old friends.
Cheers,
Timothy
About the host
Hosted by Timothy Hubbard
The owners have lived at Old St Andrews permanently since 1998. One is a retired teacher, the other a retired heritage architect and planner who has been associated with Port Fairy's conservation since the early 1980s.