Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD and among some of Australia’s best wineries are the Lakeside Villas of Crittenden Estate. Established within the Crittenden Winery and Estate, these contemporary villas are built over and seem to hover above the estate’s gorgeous lake. Being gorgeously secluded and only having three villas available means that guests get to enjoy a rare level of privacy here. Whether you’re looking for a easy weekend getaway or just a home base to explore the many amazing vineyards and beaches of the Mornington Peninsula, Lakeside Villas and Crittenden Estate may be just the thing for you.

Top Tips

• There are only 3 villas available at Crittenden Estate, making a stay here an incredibly exclusive experience. Because of this, it goes without saying that you should book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment. While the villas and estate may give off a romantic atmosphere, families with children are more than welcome to stay. You can even request to book all 3 villas for a great family weekend getaway.

• It is worth noting that there is no internet access available at the Lakeside Villas of Crittenden Estate. If you’re looking to completely disconnect from the world for a few days, this is good news. If however, you would like to remain on the grid (or have children or teenagers who will kick up a fuss), we recommend using your phone’s network or alternatively, bring a portable WiFi modem to use for the duration of your stay.

• While the villas are considered a 4.5 star accommodation, it is run with guest independence in mind. So while the staff will be happy to help with any of your requests, certain amenities (like room service) are not available. That being said, the villas are all equipped with a full kitchen so you and your family can enjoy the freedom of cooking and eating at any time of day. Pro tip: hire a car and explore and get your groceries from many farmers’ markets in the area to get the freshest and best produce the peninsula has to offer.

• For guests over the age of 18 (the legal drinking age in Australia), it’s definitely worth visiting the Crittenden Wine Centre. The centre was built to give visitors an insightful and fulfilling (albeit boozy) experience, encouraging them to taste and learn about the wines at their own pace in a seated and relaxed environment. Crittenden Estate is renowned for producing a wide variety of wines (26 types, to be exact), and at the wine centre, you are more than welcome to try (and buy) them all.

• It’s safe to say that there are many things to see and do on the Mornington Peninsula. If you’re visiting as a couple on a romantic getaway you could try a spa day at the Peninsula Hot Springs or a romantic horseback tour of the local wineries. If you’re travelling as a family you could visit the Enchanted Maze for some wholesome family fun, or visit the Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife conservation park for an up-close-and-personal meet and greet with Australia’s most famous inhabitants. There really is something for everyone so make sure to ask the staff for recommendations upon booking.