After our recent holiday a couple of months back in the UK, where dogs are welcome in most hotels, B&B’s and restaurants, I jumped at the invitation offered by Chris and Jen Tucker to road test their dog friendly Leddicott Cottage a recently renovated B&B and woodlands hidden away near the charming village Olinda, situated at the highest part of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
“Did you say car?” [Holly’s second favourite word!] “Come on lets go!!”
“Excited a family holiday with our paw rents.”
On our way to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges to road test a luxury B&B – Leddicott Cottage.
Doesn’t matter what season you visit, its such a stunning scenic drive though towering Mountain Ash and ferns gullies. Only 35 km drive from Melbourne’s CBD makes it very accessible.
We felt like we were transported straight back to the Lake District.
Quietly nestled in a tree lined country lane we arrive at our at our destination for our mini holiday. Leddicott Cottage.
I don’t know who was more excited to see the ‘Welcome pack’ for the dogs? It was probably me, I was thrilled to see the complimentary PAWDinkum treats with a letter addressed to Dobby and Holly from Jock the dog telling them what to sniff out.
Holly feeling quite chilled and very at home on the couch.
Now lets go for a walk!
There are many picturesque tracks and historic gardens to explore in the area and plenty of dog friendly walks.
Leddicott Cottage provide great maps for both short or long walks, even including the low down for the best local puppucinos and pupcakes for our fur babies too. Or explore some of the Yarra Valley dog friendly fine wineries.
The air is so fresh and clean. So many interesting smells too!
A majestic canopy of Mountain Ash – the tallest flowering trees in the world.
The outdoor dog bath.
Very handy for muddy paws after our walk exploring our surrounds, even dog towels are provided, along with dog bedding, blankets, dog bowls even a leash!
There is even a secure fenced outdoor dog enclosure, which I found very handy to toilet Holly who needed a little extra coaxing.
Plenty of fire wood at hand for the chilly night ahead.
Dobby keeping an eye on things out on the woodland garden, hoping to spot a deer or two.
Fabulous fully equipped kitchen, with state of the art appliances including a Nespresso machine.
I pre-made an easy roasted artichoke soup which I had in the freezer -I topped with finely shaved a Red Hill truffle. So delicious! Here is the recipe if you would like it.
Recipe for Roasted Artichoke Soup:
Makes: 900 ml
Time duration: 40 mins + reheating
Ingredients:
800g Jerusalem artichoke – I used golf ball size (washed only, I don’t peel them)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 red onions, roughly chopped
600ml vegetable stock
Shaved truffle (optional)
Dollop of natural Sheep yoghurt to serve
Extra stock/water to thin if desired.
Method:
- Preheat oven 180 degrees, line a deep roasting tray with baking paper. Roast artichokes for 25 – 30 mins or until cooked through.
- Heat oil in a saucepan large enough sauté onion until translucent,
- Add roasted artichokes followed by the stock, bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Then puree. (I used a stick blender).
- I topped with some shaved truffle and a dollop of natural Sheep yoghurt just before serving.
feeling cozy. Thats more like it!
Beautiful complimentary aromatherapy toiletries.
Did I say bath time!
Taking chillax down a notch.
And to bed… Okay!
Exploring R J Hamer Forest Arboretum – I’ve never seen trees this colour.
Incredible southern hemisphere conifers.
We loved our min holiday and thank Chris, Jen and canine Jock Tucker for inviting us all to road test this beautiful hidden romantic get away. We felt really rejuvenated, its amazing what a weekend break away from routine can do, made even more relaxing have the pups with us.
Will definitely be coming back!
X Fiona