Cotterville B&B

If you're planning a visit to Melbourne and fancy staying somewhere other than one of the large city hotels, we may have found the solution.

Cotterville B&B, in the suburb of Toorak, is one of six residences in a Victorian terrace built in 1887. A gold rush-era property, it is larger than most terraces. There is a faux widow's watch on the roof and some pretty Italianate exterior brickwork.

Ground floor windows have Gothic arched heads of red and cream brick and decorative tiling.

Owners Howard Neil and Jeremy Vincent have injected art and charm into every room of their home. They even have a pair of shoes once owned by Elizabeth Taylor — and two black schnauzers named Elizabeth and Taylor.

There are two double bedrooms for guests, so Cotterville has a maximum of four at a time. There is a large share bathroom and three sitting areas. Unlike most B&Bs, visitors are not restricted to their room. They are free to wander around. At 5pm each day, cheese and wine are served. That's when you can ask the owners all you need to know about Melbourne.

Breakfast is served in the dining room — it's an informal affair at a time to suit the guest. You may choose a cooked breakfast, or maybe poached fruit and muesli. Jams and marmalades are cooked on the premises.

Location

Cost

Prices quoted are correct on November 9, 2006.

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