Birchtree Bower - Sun-Kissed Forest Garden, Emerald

Birchtree Bower is a solid bluestone cottage set among the trees at Sun-Kissed Forest Garden. It is attached to Myrtle Loft by a locked interior door - when booked independently, the door stays locked and the cottage is entirely yours. For larger groups, both properties can be opened as one building.

The cottage has two bedrooms: a queen room and a second room with bunks, which works well for children or guests who are not bothered by the arrangement. The kitchen is properly equipped for cooking in, and the dining area seats the group comfortably. The living space is warm and unpretentious, and the forest starts immediately outside.

Kangaroos appear in the yard at dusk. The bird life through the day is genuinely something. The four acres are open to wander whenever the mood takes you.

The full cottage is yours: both bedrooms, the bathroom, kitchen, and living areas. The locked door connecting Birchtree Bower to Myrtle Loft remains locked throughout your stay unless you book both properties together. The four-acre grounds are shared with the other villas on the property and are open to explore.

If you have any questions during your stay please get in touch with me via the booking site or directly through contact information.

Emerald is a quiet hill town with a settled, independent character. The Dandenong Ranges National Park begins almost at the edge of the village, and the walking tracks through Sherbrooke Forest and the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk in Belgrave offer genuine old-growth forest within 20 minutes of the property.

Though secluded in the forest, the cottage is only a 5-minute drive from the village of Emerald. Here, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars for dining out, as well as local attractions like the historic Puffing Billy Railway, perfect for a scenic train ride through the hills. Emerald village offers everything you need for a relaxed stay while keeping you close to conveniences.

A car is recommended. The Yarra Valley is 30 to 40 minutes by road. Melbourne CBD is approximately one hour. Puffing Billy connects Belgrave to Gembrook via Emerald and is worth at least one trip.

Emerald village is five minutes from the property and has cafes, a good pub, and local restaurants that reward the short drive. Puffing Billy departs from Emerald station and is one of those things that sounds like a tourist activity but turns out to be genuinely enjoyable.

The Yarra Valley cellar doors are 30 to 40 minutes away. Healesville, Coldstream, and Yering are all worth building a day around. The Healesville Sanctuary is excellent if you want to take children somewhere they will not stop talking about.