Luxury Mountain Retreat in the Dandenong Ranges

Entire home in Sassafras, Australia

  1. 8 guests
  2. 4 bedrooms
  3. 6 beds
  4. 3 baths
Hosted by Nic
  1. Superhost
  2. 11 years hosting

Listing highlights

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the key safe.

Unbeatable location

100% of guests in the past year gave this location a 5-star rating.

Garden view

Soak up the view during your stay.
A luxury forest retreat in the Dandenong Ranges, close to Puffing Billy and the Yarra Valley wineries. Perfect Melbourne getaway. You’ll be immersed in nature, peace and tranquility in our magnificent forest with your loved ones, enjoying fine dining/entertainment options, invigorating bushwalks into local villages, warm cosy fires and garden views from every room.
Awarded HOLIDAY HOME OF THE YEAR 2025 !

A private chef option is available to give you a truly memorable experience.

The space
All photos are authentic, not AI generated.

Whitelodge sleeps 8 people max, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, glorious garden and forest views from every room. 2 living zones, outdoor dining BBQ area, entertainers kitchen and full butlers pantry. Views of the majestic forest from the front terrace and a rear terraced garden paradise to connect with the surrounding beauty.

State of the art programmed Hydronic heating throughout the whole house, 2 wood burning fires, you’ll never be cold. Cool in summer with 3 bedroom ceiling fans and air conditioning in living area.

Whitelodge has 4 bedrooms, 2 with king beds and 2 with queen beds. Both the king beds can be split into singles.

The upstairs bedroom room also has an oversized king single bunk bed which will sleep 2 children. Kids LOVE this bunk. The sofa in the lounge also converts to a very comfortable queen bed.

All beds are dressed with pure flax linen and cotton, towels supplied, all good quality and professionally laundered.

There are 3 luxurious bathrooms, all with high quality fittings, monsoon rain shower heads, heated towel rails, master bedroom with ensuite and smart TV.

There are 2 indoor living zones, both with smart TV/DVD, Netflix, unlimited WIFI, 2 wood fires, generous comfortable furnishings.

Whitelodge offers many sociable spaces. The front deck is beautiful for breakfast in the sun watching the birds. The outdoor BBQ area for alfresco dining and kitchen grotto for serious entertaining. Fine dining table seats 10-12 for atmospheric, memorable dinner party vibes.

The grassy terrace enjoys dappled shade, views of the waterfall which features 2 ponds and is a lovely place to set up an outdoor table or a deckchair and a book. Pathways meander throughout the terraced garden and there are many beautiful places for reflection, rest, inspiration and creativity. The gardens light up at night and provide an awesome backdrop from every room within.

The large kitchen and separate butlers pantry are fully equipped for groups with everything you will need to prepare and cook the finest of meals. The pantry is well stocked with staples including olive oil, vinegars, condiments, dry spices and nonperishables such as flour and sugar, tea and coffee as well as tin foil, glad wrap, baking paper etc. Tea towels provided. All kitchen cleaning products provided.

2 ovens, 2 side by side dishwasher drawers, electric cooking, bar fridge, coffee/tea station, Nespresso pod coffee machine, coffee grinder and plunger. Large blender, food processor, NutriBullet, stick blender/mixer, electric slow cooker and other essential appliances.

The butlers pantry is a complete preparation zone leaving the expansive kitchen for interactive dining and entertaining. The only thing it doesn’t have is the “Butler” but this can be arranged!! And why not have our private chef do the cooking for you?

We work with an accomplished private chef Mark, who will come to the house, prepare, cook, serve and clean up for you so you don’t need to leave the house. He will work with you to design menu options perfect for your group. Just ask and we will put you in touch with chef Mark to give you a quote for your chosen menu.

STRICT NOISE RULES please read our house rules before you decide to book!
8 guests max, no extra visitors without prior permission by owner.
CCTV to external entrances comply with all privacy regulations.

Guest access
There is parking for 2 cars in the driveway and a large flat parking space out the front for a further 2 cars.
The key is located in a key safe on the property. Access details will be provided upon booking confirmation.

There is ramp access at one end of house and ramp access to the first garden terrace.

Other things to note
Whitelodge is professionally cleaned with eco friendly products where possible. This not only protects our environment, but keeps the septic system and tank water clean. Please be mindful of minimising the use of any chemicals and your water usage while staying at Whitelodge.

You will need insect repellents during spring and summer, it’s a forest!

Your cleaning fee covers all professional cleaning, linen and laundry costs. It does NOT cover extraordinary cleaning such as BBQ/ovens, dirty dishes, moving furniture, stain removal from furniture, bedding, rugs or carpets, extra rubbish removal etc. Guests will be charged for additional cleaning costs

PRIVATE CHEF OPTION
A professional and accomplished chef can be recommended for ANY of your bespoke catering requirements. This means no preparation, no cooking, no cleanup and no one has to drive!! Contact owner.
See review below, September 2025 (Amanda)

“Thank you so much Mark for the magnificent meal last night.
I was not aware of your accomplishments and you did not disappoint as my niece Emma has suffered from an eating disorder the past few years and we have never seen her eat a full plate let alone 3 whole courses. While you don't have to share your secret recipe, I told her I would ask you for the pea & asparagus soup recipe o
Again, thank you so much Mark, my mother in law, Joan won't stop talking about you and we have now set a high benchmark for future family events.
You're welcome to cook for us anytime and I hope to see you in my kitchen again.”

There is a comprehensive manual provided to ensure your stay is problem free, please take the time to read this thoroughly.

There are many things to do and your guest manual will provide many day trip options, maps and recommendations.

The pizza oven needs an experienced operator so we do not allow guests to use the oven. Sorry.

Where you'll sleep

1 of 2 pages

What this place offers

Garden view
Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises
TV with Standard cable

Accessibility features

This info was provided by the Host and reviewed by Airbnb.

Select check-in date

Add your travel dates for exact pricing

Rated 4.96 out of 5 from 49 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is a guest favourite based on ratings, reviews and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 96% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 4% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Sassafras, Victoria, Australia
This listing’s location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighbourhood highlights

Whitelodge is in the heart of the forest on one of the most beautiful, quiet scenic roads in the hills. It’s location is key to providing an outstanding base for a Ranges getaway. Within very close proximity to the 3 major wedding reception venues in the hills, it is ideal for family accommodation.

Whether it’s walking, road trips or bicycle riding, it’s all on the doorstep.

Forest walking tracks at your front door, all local attractions within a short drive or walk to local cafes, restaurants, great shops, Puffing Billy, magnificent gardens, galleries, picnic grounds, wedding venues......or just peace and quiet...all one hour from Melbourne CBD

Meet your host

Superhost
141 reviews
4.91 out of 5 average rating
11 years of hosting
In 2003, my partner and I had to face a very serious illness. As many people do, we changed our priorities and decided to work hard and live our dream, to live in the vibrant city of Melbourne and create other beautiful places to enjoy, a house in the forest (Whitelodge Mountain Retreat Sassafras) and a house on the beach (Whitelodge On Long Island, Frankston) City - Mountains - Beach Originally from the UK, my other dream was to become a true blue Aussie citizen. I have now realised these dreams and have spent 10 years passionately renovating, building, shopping for antiques and trolling through junk shops. I own and run a successful hydronic heating company so all my other work has been in my own time and I’m proud that I’ve achieved some amazing lifestyle options. Offering these lifestyle options to likeminded guests to enjoy as well, enables me to keep this dream alive. When you stay in one (or both) of my houses I hope you can see the love that has gone into their creation and sincerely hope you have as much fun and enjoyment as we always do. Eat, drink and be merry!

Nic is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly-rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-Hosts

  • Angela

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 pm
Checkout before 11:00 am
8 guests maximum
Safety & property
Exterior security cameras on property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
Heights without rails or protection