Offering a generous mix of indoor and outdoor living, the old orchard cottage has been lovingly renovated with a new bedroom wing to complement the original home and accommodates up to 13 guests. The Retreat has seven bedrooms, that look onto open paddocks or through French doors to a wisteria-covered courtyard.

Stay cozy during the cooler months by lighting a fire in the brick, open-fireplace or enjoy the atmosphere of a blazing wood burner as you sip a glass of wine and listen to music on the inbuilt SONOS system. The chefs in your group can get creative in the well-equipped kitchen that includes a five-burner induction stove-top, oven and steam oven. Or if that's too much effort, we can arrange catering or a private chef on request. Once the cooking is completed, enjoy your meal around the 14-seater Jimmy Possum dining table, next to French doors that open onto the courtyard - creating a flow of indoor/outdoor living.

Homely touches ensure that the Retreat is ideal for families. Enjoy the full-sized tennis court equipped with a basketball ring and hit up wall; with basketballs, tennis racquets and sports equipment available to you. For a rainy timetable, play a board game, read a book in the light-filled sunroom or sit back and enjoy a movie on Foxtel.

During the warmer months, relax by the 12.5m tiled, solar-heated pool or warm up in the heated Hot Tub next to the large pool house. This separate entertainment area has a TV, comfortable furniture, air-conditioning and a generous deck, along with an outdoor fireplace. It overlooks the pool and garden, then back to the Retreat.

The owners firmly believe in a good night’s sleep and have ensured all rooms have quality Sleepmaker mattresses, made up with crisp linen along with plush towels for guests to use across three full bathrooms and two half bathrooms.

The Retreat's elegant, country styling will make you feel at home while the fresh country air will leave you rejuvenated and inspired. If you are keen on exploring the area, the Mornington Peninsula is a world-renown wine region with spectacular wineries, cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, galleries and food stores, all just a short drive from the Retreat. They include the area’s newest luxury hotel and restaurant, Jackalope, which is less than one minute away from the Retreat by car.

Merricks North Retreat is a favourite for families, small groups and corporate retreats and is less than one hour’s drive from Melbourne.

Winter Specials 

Valid from 01 June - 31 August

• Stay 5-nights and take 5% off
• Stay 7-nights and take 10% off

Get in touch to redeem offer.

Merricks North is centrally located in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, sandwiched between two bays, an hour south of Melbourne. Merricks North borders Red Hill, a wine region renowned for quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties. The Peninsula itself is home to more than 200 wineries and 50 cellar doors. The area has long been a getaway destination, famed for wines, artisanal food, beaches and coastal living. Everywhere you venture, you will find kitchen gardens, seasonal menus, stunning vistas and exciting activities including The Peninsula Hot Springs, golf courses, surf breaks, galleries and entertainment for the whole family.

Merricks North is at the centre of this, just minutes away from the charming village of Balnarring. Here you will find a supermarket, cafes, shops and restaurants. Further down the road are the rugged beaches of Merricks, Pt Leo and Flinders, where you can enjoy long walks, swimming, fishing and surfing.

For golfers, Flinders Golf Course is the top public course in the area, with expansive views over Bass Strait. Serious golfers can't go past The National and Moonah Links, both private clubs not far away (tee times can be arranged). Neighbouring Merricks are the popular suburbs of Flinders, Red Hill, Main Ridge and Shoreham, where you will stumble upon gorgeous cafes, food stores, cellar doors and world-class wineries; Montalto, Port Phillip Estate, Red Hill Estate, Ten Minutes by Tractor and Pt Leo Estate and many others, are all under 10-minutes’ drive away. The newest is popular Jackalope, just one minute away, and offers three fabulous venues - the down-to-earth food and wine store Rare Hare, the fine-dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot and the flashy cocktail bar, Flaggerdoot.

If you feel the need to venture out, you'll be spoilt for choice.