The Observatory | Leafy Hideaway & Stargazing Deck | House in Emerald
Arrive, unpack, feel at home.
🌴 Escape to this art-filled, mid-century styled mountain hideaway on ½ an acre of garden, trees, and lush greenery with a touch of rainforest. Enjoy two private decks: a rooftop for stargazing and a lower deck through bifolds with fairy lights and a gas outdoor heater. Curated interiors, Smart TV, and total privacy—plus top local cafés, and weekend markets like The Lost Woods 3 min walk away. Cook a romantic meal or head out for one nearby. Walking tracks are outside the front door 🚪!
🏡 Built from repurposed shipping containers, this home features:
• King bedroom memory foam mattress
• Queen bedroom memory foam mattress
• Small third bedroom with a fold-out double sofa
• We have a smart TV on a stand with wheels (it moves!) to any room of the house where you can log into your subscription platforms like Netflix Disney etc. You need to use your own hotspot.
• Linen & Towels: 100% cotton sheets and bath towels provided.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel.
• Heating: Large gas heater in living area + portable oil heaters in both main bedrooms.
• Kitchen: Fully equipped with oven, stovetop, fridge, microwave, cookware, and basic pantry items.
• Laundry: Washing machine + clothes airer provided.
🌴 Property Notes
• WiFi: There is no WiFi. Mobile reception varies by carrier. (Local cafés offer WiFi if needed.)
• Water: The property is partially off-grid and runs on rainwater — please use thoughtfully.
• Privacy: The house is on a large block with neighbors over 200m away. Some bifold doors have no curtains to maximize the mountain views, but the property is private.
• Power points are located in main rooms for hairdryers/styling tools (not in bathroom.)
Winter time in the mountains is cold so come prepared with your Ugg boots and woolies.
🌄 The Location
You’re perfectly positioned to explore the entire Dandenong Ranges region, with nature walks, iconic experiences, and food all close by.
📍Must-Visit Attractions:
• 🚂 Puffing Billy Railway (5 mins)
• 🌳 Emerald Lake Park
• 🌺 Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden
• 🥾 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk
• 🌲 Sherbrooke Forest & Falls Walks
• 🎨 William Ricketts Sanctuary
⸻
🛍️ Local Markets & Artisan Finds
• 🌿 The Lost Woods Market (Monthly at Puffing Billy Park – 150+ stalls!)
• 🧺 Belgrave Big Dreams Market
• 🛒 Sassafras village shops – Antiques, handmade goods & teahouses
⸻
☕️🍷 Where to Eat & Drink (All Within ~10km)
Emerald
• 🍳 The General Food Store
• 🍕 Elevation at Emerald
Monbulk
• 🥂 Yarra Ranges Estate – Boutique wines & views
• 🥗 Tatiana’s Café
• 🍺 The Watering Hole Tavern
Sassafras
• ☕️ Miss Marple’s Tearoom
• 🍰 Ripe Café Sassafras
• 🍽️ Dine Divine
Olinda
• 🌸 Seasons at Cloudehill
• 🍜 Olinda Tea House
• 🍕 Dudley’s Olinda
• 🍻 Pig & Whistle Tavern
Belgrave
• ☕️ Earthly Pleasures Café – Iconic heritage café with vegan options
• 🍽️ Babajis Kerala Kitchen – Flavourful Indian street food
• 🍷 Sooki Lounge – Funky music venue/bar with great food
⸻
Take long forest walks. Discover local makers. Lounge on the deck with a glass of wine. Curl up with a book in an art-filled space.
This is slow mountain magic—and our home is made for it.
Built for staying, not just sleeping
What you'll find on site
Good to know · before you book.
Bookings fulfilled by Booking.com, Vrbo, or Expedia you get their booking protections and support.
Frequently asked questions
No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
No, this Emerald house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
Best-rates for the Emerald house starts from $262 per night with includes Child Friendly, Kitchen, Laundry, Parking, TV, Balcony/Terrace, Sports/Activities, Wellness Facilities, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Air Conditioner, Security/Safety, Bedding/Linens, Fireplace/Heating, Entertainment with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Based on the information received from our partner, the Emerald house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Emerald house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
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