It's a tiny house in the Victorian High Country with all the ingredients necessary for the perfect romantic getaway. Whether you're visiting for an engagement, anniversary celebration, or even a birthday retreat, Stella the Stargazer ensures every moment is memorable. And it's safe to say, our visit was just that.
READ MORE: Getaway's Livinia Nixon on 'dream' visit to Portugal with Scenic From the first moment of arrival, it was clear there was something very special about this space. It was the perfect balance of nature and comfort and we quickly made ourselves at home by opening a bottle of complimentary wine and starting the fire. After a few hours of relaxing, my partner and I were treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
And that's when I was caught completely off guard. My partner was beside me, down on one knee and asking me to marry him. Obviously, after nine years, it was a yes! READ MORE: The best cruise lines in the world for 2024, ranked There were clearly many highlights of the stay including our engagement.
But the next stand-out for us, was by far the bed, which extends out the front window and into the open air, giving you the perfect stargazing platform. We were lucky enough to have a clear night and morning and spent many hours with a tea and book lying underneath the picture-perfect sky. Another was the Stella Bathhouse, which included a woodfired Swedish-style sauna coupled with bathrobes, alongside two soaking tubs, where we enjoyed unobstructed views of Mount Buller.
One important thing to note about Stella, it's totally off the grid. This means there's limited phone reception and no wi-fi, giving you a day or two to disconnect from the daily grind. And more importantly, there was complete silence and peace.
All you can hear is the rustle of trees and wildlife. We also loved fire pit and outdoor grill, and we took advantage of the clear weather to toast some marshmallows while soaking up the tranquil surroundings. Stella is currently stationed on the grounds of award-winning Delatite Winery in Mansfield, which is about a two and a half hours drive north east of Melbourne.
We had the opportunity to do a wine tasting and enjoyed lunch that showcased the best locally sourced food and produce. Our favourite dishes included the semolina gnocchi and chicken and pancetta croquettes. And even better - the cellar door is only a short walk away from Stella.
The tiny home itself is fitted out with a kitchen, dry goods and cookware. There's even a care package with socks, a tote bag and a bottle of Delatite natural wine. Breakfast is also provided, with sourdough, bacon, eggs, milk, coffee and butter waiting for you on arrival.
The coffee was such a hit that we decided to pick up our own beans from Merchant Coffee Roasters in Mansfield on the way home. There's lots to love about Stella and it's clear lots of detail went into crafting the unique tiny home. Port Fairy-based design and manufacturing business Ample are the masterminds behind Stella.
Director Aaron Shields said he wanted to create a space that was "luxurious" but not "pretentious". It's a project he hoped could help people connect to the land along with showcasing the beauty of the state. If you are keen to stargaze, be sure to be quick as the tiny home moves on from Mansfield on August 3.
The writer was a guest of Visit Victoria. Stella is $385 (Monday to Thursday) to $445 a night (Friday to Sunday)..
