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Discover a tranquil world designed with families in mind: a place where children can be children, and parents can relax! Kingbilli’s secluded stone cottage offers two bedrooms, full kitchen, spacious living, woodfire and kids playground surrounded by 200 acres of wildlife refuge and picturesque farmland, home to over 100 species of wildlife and a cuddly collection of llamas, donkeys, ponies and horses. In an atmosphere of natural harmony, guests remain private whilst kids are free to wander where they will, making it the perfect hideaway for families hoping to escape the everyday hustle and experience some old fashioned bush magic.
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We’ve just returned from spending 4 days at Kingbilli Estate and found the estate to be what is says it is - a prefect spot where “kids can be kids” and lovely escape from the hectic pace of city life. The bush and nature setting of Kingbilli was beautiful and peaceful. The estate itself had plenty to occupy our three kids (ages 7-12) and they had a great time roaming the property and getting acquitted with the horse, donkeys, Llamas, etc. Highly recommend the Poach Professor session. I would tend to agree that is Kingbilli is not a B&B, and couples looking for more discerning accommodation might find it a little lacking in “luxury touches”. We weren’t however looking for a B&B and found the estate to be great family getaway if you’re looking for somewhere to get acquitted with nature and enjoy a "country experience". Our accommodation, “The Studio” was set in beautiful natural surroundings. With the running creek on one side and pond on the other, the outside pergola was a great spot to relax. The accommodation itself was clean and had a cosy fireplace in the main area. We had expected “self catering” accommodation, and as regular “self catering” travelers, had packed what we needed. The kitchen was clean and equipped with the essentials but leaned more to the “basic side of things, so don’t expect to find a dishwasher. The hosts were friendly and helpful and left us to enjoy our time. We didn’t use the Jacuzzi so can’t comment on it although we were told that it freshly cleaned the day we arrived. The tennis court was as it says on the website, a “hit and giggle court” which suited our kid’s just fine. There were bicycles on the property but not really suited to younger kids and would suggest bringing your own as it was fun to cycling the around the estate. Obviously the pond, lake, etc were not fenced, so this not suite toddlers or family's traveling with very young kids needing close supervision. All in all, a really enjoyable family holiday spot out in the country with younger, preteen kids with lots to learn, experience and enjoy.
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Date of stay: April 2012
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Georgina B, Owner at Kingbilli
Responded 2 May 2013
Thankyou so much for taking the time to write such an informative review... I think it really helps potential future guests! We're so glad you and the kids enjoyed yourselves... I know the animals appreciated their cuddles!!
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We had a lovely stay at Kingbilli and especially enjoyed interacting with the all the animals on the property. The llamas were very tame and there was one young brown one that was happy to give us nose kisses. The horses could be petted and the black swans recently had cygnets. Our teenage son was able to walk around the property without any issues in his gum boots and he was surprisingly content not having phone/internet access....in fact, it was good to see him getting outdoors and some fresh air for a change! The cottage was very comfortable in general, with decent kitchen facilities, a wood fire and electric blankets on all the beds. The flooring is a bit cold, so I suggest bringing warm slippers or socks if visiting in the cooler months though. We brought our own dvd's and had downloaded movies onto a tablet, so we had our own entertainment when we were in the cottage. We visited nearby towns like Marysville, Alexandra & Taggerty for meals and attractions (like Stevenson's Falls & Lake Mountain). We had a perfect snow day at Lake Mountain...we were able to hire equipment in Marysville one afternoon & then get to Lake Mountain early the next morning. We'd recommend staying at Kirribilli if you are looking for a quiet family getaway and you love animals....
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Date of stay: September 2018
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Georgina B, Owner at Kingbilli
Responded 22 Sept 2018
We’re so glad you enjoyed yourselves! Thankyou for the lovely review!
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You know what I liked about this place? Everything. I go to a farm to have a farm experience, not a hotel. The wooden cabin was quaint, the fire was cosy, the smell of fresh roses on arrival, sweet and soothing. The bikes were old, rusty & creaked- cool! If you want to go mountain biking, bring your own bikes. If you want to slowly roll along a winding dirt track and spend time marveling at the donkeys & llamas, you'll be ok with the bikes provided. The tree-lined driveway is as picturesque as an Impressionist's painting. Yes, there's a spa, but don't be disappointed if it's not up to scratch. Take gumboots to a farm, not your swimming costume! If you're expecting something modern, with mobile phone reception, you might be disappointed. If you treasure a rustic, relaxing holiday, you'll be delighted. Remember to take a walk with the children at dusk, and take a torch. The wombats are huge!
I loved Kingbilli!
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Date of stay: May 2013
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was an extremely disappointing end to our holiday. Before arriving here, we had stayed at three other b&b's, which were all amazing, which, unfortunately made this experience all the more disappointing.
While the location was peaceful, the staff seemed friendly and the kitchen was well equipped, the 'little touches' that make a b&b special (and worth the $990 for four nights) were certainly lacking, to say the least.......We had to purchase our own coffee (in preference for the International Roast which was provided), use our own beach towels for our showers (as the ones provided were very small and worn), had to use our own soap, shampoo/conditioner (only one bar of soap was provided- to be transferred from shower to basin). We also had to purchase 2 CD's, as while there was a CD player, there were no CD's, and we were unable to pick up a radio station. We also were required to buy some aeroguard and citronella candles, due to the amount of mossies (creek near cottage) and had to request a fan, as there was no air-conditioning or fan in the cottage. We only had one spa during our four nights..... it just did not compare to the other 'decent' spas we had at our previously visited b&bs. We likened it to sitting in our duck pond at home (with the 'added bonus' of leaves and stones at the bottom)
The website spoke about having a tennis court and row boat.... The first night we walked to the lake to use the row boat- only to find it was on the edge of the lake (upright) with a foot full of almost black, stagnant water and leaves inside. We decided against using it. The following evening we decided to play tennis. After walking to the court we found that we were unable to play tennis, as the court appeared neglected- it was covered with HEAPS of leaves and sticks to the point that it was unusable. A BBQ was also advertised- but we only used it once....it almost burnt my partner's face-due to a gas leak.
We also chose to bring our own breakfast, as all that was provided in this $990 fee was some bread, marmalade and cooking butter.
We are big bnb travellers, and know the quality in this price range is usually A1 (we have never been tempted/felt compelled to write a negative review. We will not return to Kingbilli!
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Date of stay: January 2012
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agree with disappointing, This was an extremely disappointing weekend away. We also stay at other similar styled places and this just does not even rank.
As they said, not worth the money, BYO everything. TV etc is a complete joke, postage stamp old TV, no CD's, DVD's not even some romantic or soft music. No Telly (Forget Internet or Cell)
I would not even say peaceful. They actually rented the cottage attached to us whilst they advertise that it will be guaranteed single use and no one else on property.
Do not go here, especially if in summer (Not even a fan) and especially if seeking privacy. Totally agree with the duck pond comment re the spa. Will add though it is a dirty duck pond out by the Driveway 30 meters away from the front door of the cottage, it will be cold when you arrive and the timer prevents you actually even heating it!!
Again this is our first negative review like the other reviewer. We actually booked and paid three nights and packed up and left a day early. It is THAT BAD.
Wildlife?? Try three donkeys and two dirty unloved matted lamas along the driveway. Only other wildlife will be the very annoying scratching and roof racket that keeps you up all night!!.
We too will not return to Kingbilli!
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Date of stay: April 2013
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Georgina B, Owner at Kingbilli
Responded 30 Apr 2013
In fact, Kingbilli is home to twenty-three llamas, with new babies due any day now. Fourteen of our breeding females and their last batch of four bouncy babies inhabit the large paddock directly across the driveway from the guest cottages... thus, I can only suggest these guests did not look very closely at their surroundings during their stay. Admittedly, as they left early each morning to attend a nearby training course, and returned late each day, I imagine they had little time left to explore the property. At 300 acres, it is a large place, which does take time to get around. All our llamas are extremely loved, and hand-fed daily, usually around lunchtime. Indeed, we regard them as very precious members of our family. Being native animals of the high altitudes of South America, they have extremely thick woolly coats which are felted in order to provide them with impermeable insulation against both heat and cold. This is their natural, healthy state, which gives them what this guest has described as a "matted" appearance. It would be acutely painful - and thus, we believe, cruel, and very unnatural - to attempt to brush out this felt. Certainly, I cannot imagine what their reaction would be if we attempted to wash them! They do go swimming in our lakes and creek in Summer, perhaps this would help. The two llamas to which this guest refer are Orpheus and Chief. Chief is our very valuable stud male, and has indeed been looking particularly miserable of late, as we recently removed him from the females' paddock, in order to give the girls a break from breeding over winter, as is custom amongst llama farmers. Naturally, being separated from his women and the activities he enjoys with them has depressed him somewhat! Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, until Spring, when he will rejoin them. He is a very cuddly boy and we attempt to make it up to him in the meantime. Orpheus is our retired stud male, who, at almost 17 years old, is extremely elderly for a llama, and has become rather fragile, mentally, as he has aged. We spoil him every day with treats, and when he remembers who we are (not always!), he seems still to gain pleasure from our attention and company. The property is also home to three cheeky donkeys and nine horses (who, again, receive apples and pears daily from our own large vegetable patch and orchard). And seven peacocks. We would not describe any of these animals as "wildlife"... as they are not native, but domesticated. And, they are each given their own pages on our website and serve as great cuddly companions for visiting families with children (our primary guests). I, Georgina Beach, (one of the property owners), am a biologist, and have spent many years cataloguing the native wildlife found at Kingbilli using professional zoological research methods. I can and do guarantee the constant presence of nearly 200 native species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs living here all year round. However, with the exception of most of the birds, who are constantly visible and audible... and the possums who do regularly run across the roof at night... most of the native animals living here do require some effort to be found and spotted, whether it is through walking our steep, well-forested hill-country during the day... or wandering through the gardens and paddocks after dark with a torch (which we provide in the cottage, along with a map, species list and field guides). With reference to the cottages themselves: we do state, clearly, on our website that whilst only one cottage is let to guests... and thus, those guests are indeed the only customers present on the property ...the other two cottages are inhabited by (a) our volunteers - currently a young French couple and (b) myself and my partner Simon. Also clearly described as being on the property, some 400m away from the cottages is the Homestead, housing my parents, Ginny and Michael Beach, joint owners of Kingbilli. We do not make any pretence that we do not all live here - without all of us, the property could not function. We make no secret of the fact there is no mobile reception at Taggerty - indeed, reception is erratic throughout the local district. And it is also true we do not provide internet or telephone access in the guest cottage, nor do we supply CDs or DVDs. On our website, we clearly recommend guests bring their favourite CDs/DVDs with them. Our televisions, CD and DVD players are the same models we use ourselves - though I do confess, living as we do in this beautiful environment, with so much to draw us outdoors, we use them little, so perhaps our requirements are less than those who prefer to rely on this equipment for a greater proportion of their entertainment. For this I apologise. And of course, I would assert our spa is clean and fully functional - but then, that is only my word against the reviewer, thus it seems foolish to attempt the argument. All I will say, is we are here, at all times, and it is our great wish to assist our guests in any queries or problems they may have during their stay. I only wish these guests had come to us whilst they were here, so we could have at least assisted them in working out the spa, finding the animals they wished to see, and generally to have a more enjoyable experience.
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Kingbilli was everything they said on their website and more! It was so nice to go somewhere where our kids could go in and out whenever they wanted without us having to worry about keeping an eye on what they were getting up to. They fell in love with the cuddly horses and donkeys, they fed them all our bread and carrots!!!! And they loved watching the baby llamas playing too.
The volunteers were really sweet and came to tell us when there were some kangaroos out with the llamas, and Michael let my son help him to feed the swans, they were so cute. We'll have to come back when they have their babies!
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Date of stay: April 2013
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:They only let one of the cabins out to guests. The other two are there for the volunteer people...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Georgina B, Owner at Kingbilli
Responded 2 May 2013
Dear Samantha and family... our heartfelt thanks for such a stellar review! You're extremely kind, and we look forward to having you all back sometime in the future!
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Kingbilli is divine. I need say nothing more, but I will. It is less than an hour from Healesville and tucked at the bottom of the Cathedral Range. The accommodation is delightfully tasteful and peaceful. You can check-in and be left alone (I like that)! There is a kitchen to make all of your favourite things (stop in Healesville and stock up) and I suggest you take everything you need, as when you walk into your cottage, you may never want to leave. If you do want to explore, the nearby Cathedral Range National Park is less than 5 minutes drive and a great place to do some day walks. At night at Kingbilli, you may see wombats, owls, bats, frogs and many other more common native critters. If you want noise, pubs and people .... this is not the place for you! I recommend a three night stay, but two at the very least! Divine! Great Property. Next time I will do a Llama trek ... I just couldn't bring myself to leave the cottage this time!
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Date of stay: July 2012
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:All of the cottages looks beautiful. I stayed in the studio ...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything looked just like it does in the photos. We stayed for a whole week and it really is a place for kids to be kids, just like they said it was. My husband spent every day out around the farm with our two little boys, and I ACTUALLY GOT TO SLEEP! It was awesome. Thanks so much Kingbilli, we will be back!
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Date of stay: April 2018
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Georgina B, Owner at Kingbilli
Responded 17 Apr 2018
You’re more than welcome Trish and Marshall, it was lovely to see your boys having such fun with their Dad! Daniel misses them already!!!
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That's all my children said all the way home "I wanna stay!!" We fell in love with this place and can't wait to come back. It was just so relaxing and everything we needed. So nice to meet likeminded people. Thankyou!!!
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Date of stay: January 2016
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great place, lovely cottage, very well appointed and decorated, scrupulously clean. But no matter how great and pleasant the cottage is, the real star of the show are the propety, surroundings and wildlife. We've enjoyed some good bracing walks up the hills of the property, stopping to pet the llamas and enjoy the awesome view on Cathedral Range from the top. There's also a big pond which is a nice place for sunset. I'm a keen wildlife watcher and was over the moon to see a wombat bolt across the drive one night and a possum clamber up a tree (and then onto the roof of the cottage, cheeky bugger), and of course lots of birds in the gardens during the daytime including some very lovely satin bowerbirds. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife in general and has both inspiring and horrifying tales of her days as a wildlife carer. Cathedral Range is just next door (5-10 mns drive, I borrowed a pushbike from Kingbilli and cycled there... slightly longer but much nicer!) and provides great bushwalking opportunities. And of course at the end of the day, a nice dip in the jacuzzi outside (takes a while to heat up, plan ahead!). Don't think it gets much better than this this close to old Melbourne, true breath of fresh air without compromising on comfort. I'll be back :-)
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Date of stay: April 2013
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Georgina B, Owner at Kingbilli
Responded 2 May 2013
Dear Stef, It was a real pleasure having such keen wildlife enthusiasts visit us. It's always great seeing people explore every inch of the property, and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting you both! Thanks so much for the very kind review!
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There are more places to choose from in the Taggerty area.
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaTaggerty
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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