A Thousand Pines, 1870
History
Built circa 1870 during the Gold Rush era, A Thousand Pines is a beautifully restored miner’s cottage with authentic heritage charm. It is situated in East Ballarat’s Humffray Street precinct, where many intact homes from the 1860s remain. A heritage-listed example of an early mining residential setting, the original Black Hill mine site is nearby.
Today, the site is now Black Hill Reserve, a spacious parkland with beautiful views over Ballarat. In was here on Arbor Day in 1913, that school boys from Humffray Street, Black Hill and Queen Street State Schools planted over 1,000 pine trees. Emma, the owner & host of A Thousand Pines, named the cottage in tribute to this piece of local history.
Rich in period features, the cottage has sloping and high ceilings, warm oak floors, and the original entry door and chimney, internal doors, and sash windows. An interior filled with handpicked antiques and vintage pieces brings the cottage’s past to life, inviting you to step back in time and embrace a simpler, slower pace during your stay.
Accommodation
4 guests — 2 Bedrooms — 1 Bathroom — Families & Assistance Animals Welcome
Two bedrooms, one queen and one double, both feature restored antique wrought iron beds and comfortable Koala mattresses dressed with luxurious linens. Blackout blinds and wall heaters also ensure a blissful sleep. A travel cot is also supplied for families with little ones.
Designed as a romantic and relaxing space, the cottage’s bathroom has underfloor heating, and a deep clawfoot bath with custom-made caddy to hold your wine glass and candles! Sincerely Organic sustainable hair products, and Australian-made Leif body wash are provided, as well as a vintage ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ with range of toiletries for guests’ convenience.
In the sitting room, there’s an inviting old-world feel, with antique trunk coffee table, and a Smart TV cleverly hidden behind a wall of old photos and artwork. Unwind on the velvet Chesterfield sofa in front of the cosy wood-burning fire, while playing a board game or cards.
There’s also a library corner, with a range of books for guests to read about Australia's role in forgotten wars, pioneer women, poetry, architecture, and historical fiction. Spend an afternoon reading about tales from the gold rush, a fascinating period of time in Ballarat’s history.
A fully-equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances has everything you need for cooking and baking - along with pantry staples, condiments, Grounded Chocolate, coffee pods, biscuits, Love Tea and T2 teabags. Upon arrival, guests also enjoy a treat from local bakeries, such as freshly-baked bread, muffins, or scones.
From the dining area, open up the French doors onto your own private cottage garden, with lavender, rambling ivy, mature gum trees, daisies, and a Japanese maple. An outdoor wrought iron setting seats four, with fairy lights above, for al fresco dining in warmer months. The front garden also has outdoor seating, and is fully fenced.
And an outbuilding in the back garden also houses a full laundry, making A Thousand Pines perfect for longer stays.
“We absolutely loved our stay at A Thousand Pines cottage. As soon as we walked in, we were blown away at how gorgeous the cottage was - every room has been decorated with such care. Emma was also a great host, very responsive and friendly!”
Exclusive Offer
Book 2+ nights and mention Historic Stays to receive 50% off any additional nights.
Special Features
Clawfoot Bath
Families Welcome
Cosy Wood Fire
Full Kitchen
Things To Do
Within walking distance of the cottage is Black Hill Reserve, which commands beautiful views over Ballarat. There are historical remnants of open cut and shaft mining, walking tracks, picnic tables, and a mountain bike park with incredible forest scenery.
A Thousand Pines is just five minutes from Sovereign Hill, one of Australia's largest immersive museums. It depicts Ballarat during the first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 and is a popular tourist attraction. Ballarat’s CBD, with its impressive Victorian architecture, cafes, bars and restaurants is also just a few minutes away.
On weekends, spend the morning at one of Ballarat’s markets, then take a walk around Lake Wendouree and explore the Botanical Gardens - established in 1858, discover stunning seasonal displays of colour in the Robert Clark Conservatory.
All images by Kirstie-Lee Photography
