Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

Photo gallery for Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek

A traditional brick house with a chimney, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and trees.
A two-story house with a covered porch, surrounded by lush greenery and a bird bath.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by a fence and greenery.
A wooden deck with a hot tub, lounge chairs, and a small garden area.
A hallway with a patterned rug, a vase with flowers, and a door with stained glass windows.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Arcade/game room
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Skipton, VIC
  • Place, Skipton Streamside Reserve
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Vite Vite Streamside Reserve
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom One

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

Outdoor dining
Naringal Station - Shearer's Quarters Farmstay - Huge Farmhouse for 18 people!
Wallinduc
  • Air-conditioning
  • Tennis court
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2 reviews)
Naringal Station - Shearer's Quarters Farmstay - Huge Farmhouse for 18 people!

About the area

Skipton

Located in Skipton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. While the natural beauty of Skipton Streamside Reserve and Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Streatham Golf Club. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking/biking trails and cycling.
View more Holiday homes in SkiptonOpens in a new window
Map
Skipton, VIC

What's nearby

  • Skipton Streamside Reserve - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve - 10 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Vite Vite Streamside Reserve - 12 min drive - 19.2 km
  • Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve - 14 min drive - 20.3 km
  • Sovereign Hill - 50 min drive - 68.0 km

Getting around

  • Beaufort Station - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Skipton Football Club - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bluestone Bubbles and Banter - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Emu Creek Deli - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

As of 12 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek on 16 Nov 2026 start from AU$426, 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 Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rural Country Retreat, Homestead, Skipton Rail Trail on Emu Creek located?

This family-friendly Skipton holiday home is located on a river, 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Skipton Streamside Reserve, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Blacks Creek Nature Conservation Reserve and Vite Vite Streamside Reserve. Lake Goldsmith Wildlife Reserve and Mount Bute Scenic Reserve are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 12 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property for a quiet getaway
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Nice location and gardens
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous stay over the new year period. Lovely big house with great amenities.Plenty of things to do from relaxing in to pool to fishing ... Perfect, relaxing stay...
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful Home

We had one lovely night in this beautiful, historic home, we would have loved to stay longer!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great country stay

Had a relaxing family break in this great house that was warm, relaxing and had everything we needed. Thanks Liz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

We had a lovely stay it’s a beautiful quiet place The only downfall bugs In kitchen/lounge

Overall beautiful
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Feb 2023
Hi Kristy I am glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. You and your family are welcome back .Warm nights , lights on and doors open will attract bugs . Will review fly screens. Thanks Liz
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Gorgeous property, lovely stay.

This lovely old homestead is spacious, beautifully decorated and very quiet. The beds were very comfortable and the drapes blocked all the morning light, perfect for sleep-ins! Lots to do there, pool table, board games, swimming pool (too cold for me but my 9 year old went in!), sunset views, we had a wonderful time.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Feb 2023
Hi Beth We thank you for your honest appreciation of Gumbower Homestead. It is a special place and we would be happy to have you and your family back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect summer getaway

A beautiful old property sitting in mature, landscaped grounds within easy reach of the small country town. Topped off with a pool that sits at the back of the house looking out of acres of rolling fields. The perfect summer getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jan 2023
Thanks Rhian and Jake ,it is a very special place and you looked after over the New Year period , she welcomes you back . Thanks for your kind review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Getaway

Property is beautiful and more than what they described. We loved the place and will come back with our friends. Ideal for two families . Pool is not heated but good enough for a hot sunny day.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Feb 2024
Thank you Gijo for your review, we are very happy you enjoyed your stay with us. It is a lovely old house and a beautiful space to have a country get away. Thanks for leaving it so clean. You are welcome back anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family weekend away

Beautiful country house surrounded by gorgeous gardens and pockets to explore. The house is well equipped with everything you could possibly need. Liz was the perfect host, very accommodating and made sure everything was perfect for us. A lovely weekend away and quality time with the Coonara fire making it so warm and cozy. Would definitely stay again 😍
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2022
Thanks Jo for your kind review , i am glad you enjoyed your country Get away with the family. Jo left it spotless and would be welcome back anytime.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely spacious family home which suited our party of 7 very well. All instructions clear. A bit cold and windy, but that cannot be helped. There was a big log burner if we needed it. Beds very comfortable. Kitchen equipment a bit random, but we found everything we needed.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

An exceptional rural retreat

We had a wonderful stay at Gumbower Homestead. The house is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful piece of Australian history, updated to be a welcoming family retreat. The open kitchen and living area looking out to the pool and paddocks is stunning - a welcome reprieve from city life. We all spent happy days by the pool (not heated but warm enough for our January stay) and explored the surrounding area. The house has everything you need, the gardens are beautiful and Liz is an excellent host. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jan 2024
Thanks, Claire, for your beautiful review. We agree its such a wonderful piece of our history and we love to share it with people like you & your family who appreciate it. The gardens and the view are special as well. Thanks for leaving it tidy. You are most welcome back.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in

Nice house but too cold to use any facilities like pool table

Had to walk to neighbours to ask them to ring owner for code to get in..Only 1 Fire place available to light dirty plates knives ect in draw shower looking a little dirty so we didnt use it... would make wonderful summer house for families
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A fantastic find!

Gumbower is an idyllic country property set amongst beautiful gardens with stunning views of rolling fields housing sheep and horses. We spent every day in the immaculate swimming pool and enjoyed star gazing on the clearer nights. The house itself is gorgeous and everything you need is provided. First class stay! Thank you Liz. Note: We loved meeting Barb and Graeme who showed us around Skipton’s historical precinct. I can also recommend coffee and cake at the local cafe - Bluestone, bubbles and banter. Local shop also has everything and well stocked.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Idyllic rural retreat

This property delights you as soon as you arrive. Beautiful bluestone home with a modern well equipped kitchen, snooker table, table tennis table and pool. All this, with an amazing view of Emu Creek and sheep grazing in the paddocks. This property is a rare find and if you are looking for a rural retreat, this is it. Skipton itself is very quiet with just a supermarket and chemist but if you looking for a pub or cafe to eat in, you will need to travel further afar to Linton, Snake Valley, Smythesdale or even Ballarat. We loved our long weekend at Gunbower homestead and Liz was a fabulous host. Thanks so much
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

4.5 out of 5

An absolutely beautiful home and property, it's a lot more impressive in person! You really won't be disappointed. The pool was out of order when we went which didn't matter because I don't believe it's heated so it would have been too cold to go in. But I did book this hoping the weather would be warmer so it potentially could have been really disappointing. We did find some things in the kitchen could have been a little cleaner. But other than that, we really had an enjoyable stay and would recommend it :)
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Hi Aleshia I am glad you enjoyed your stay. The pool is back functioning ,so ready for the hot weather,sorry about that. Hope you may come back again sometime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Top notch getaway!

Liz’s place is absolutely gorgeous. The view is spectacular and the house itself has everything you need for a relaxing time away. The horses and sheep surrounding the property were a great addition to the already serene atmosphere. Plenty of adventures and walks in and around the property. Liz was a good host and took us on a little tour and was helpful when we needed assistance. We would love to visit again. Thanks, Liz!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2022
Thank you Maria and Dan , it was a joy to host you and you left our home so lovely and clean. I am glad you got to wander around the glorious garden as all the roses are out. We would welcome you back .
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback