Stay in a charming, old cottage at a century-old property
Montaza Park was originally a mixed farming property, begun in the early 20th Century, based on fruit growing with a milking cow, hens and possibly goats and pigs. An almond tree, plums and an old fig tree are remnants of these earlier times.
Montaza Park has in its grounds, apart from the Main House (our residence), The Cottage, an old-fashioned one-bedroom timber building dating back many decades that has been refurbished and is available for short-term stays. The Cottage is fully furnished and well set up with TV, kitchen, bathroom/laundry with both a wood heater and reverse cycle air conditioning.
The Cottage is suitable for one person or a couple. The tariff is $130 per night for two people, $120 for a single.
Joanna, the friendly Labrador cross, wants to come out and say hello. She is in the front garden of the Cottage shown in late afternoon sunlight with wisteria in full bloom.
Complete the Contact form or call hosts Peta Townsing or John Pritchard on 08 9764 1111 if you would like to enquire about accommodation.
Wisteria frames The Cottage at Montaza Park, 61 Grimwade Rd, Balingup, just 1.5 km
from the main street.
View Montaza Park gardens at times apart from the Festival
Interested gardeners can visit the garden during spring and autumn by appointment.
The cost is $6 per person with groups of four or more preferred. Includes a one-hour guided tour and a brochure. No charge for children under 12.*
The garden is park like in its arrangement, being large with many mature trees - exotic near the house and native along the creek line where Flooded Gums predominate with several good specimens of Blackbutt. There are, I think two Jarrah trees left and several Marri. On the hillside are many young Blackbutt saplings. The freshwater stream flows all year and provides a moister environment for such plants as bamboos, Tupelos and hydrangeas.
The garden is based on minimum waste and maximum recycling principles. Mowing and mulching are carried out extensively. Chemical fertilizers are used only occasionally and mostly in the slow-release forms. There is the infrequent resorting to herbicides which are used when nothing much else will work, eg on blackberries. We recycle weeds, papers, scraps and have flocks of domestic fowls, Belgian Bantams and Guinea Fowls. Not many insects or snails are safe! Sturdy shoes a must.
*Caution: the garden is a marvellous place for adventurous children but there is a steep hillside (with wonderful views from the top), a running stream with ponds, an assertive rooster in the orchard (fortunately fenced) and the odd rather wild patch.
Complete the Contact form or call Peta Townsing on 08 9764 1111 if you would like to book a visit.