THE LOCATION

Nagambie is a tiny Victorian town 90 minutes north of Melbourne on the Goulburn Valley Highway. It sits on the shores of Lake Nagambie, a hot spot for water-based activities, including the annual Head of the River rowing regatta. The lesser-known Goulburn River, which feeds the lake, is a bush paradise, with an abundance of native plants, birds and wildlife, including platypus, turtle and brolga. Riverside Chateau Tahbilk and Mitchelton wineries give the region a gourmet touch, and racehorse Black Caviar was born here.
 

THE SPACE

Hide and Seek sits on 40 hectares of bushland that spreads five kilometres along the sandy banks and wetlands of the Goulburn River. Its creators, ex-Melbourne couple Nedra Kriekenbeek and Tony Hammond have cleverly combined the down-to-earth workings of a sheep farm and private winery with the fun of the river and bush. Guests can kick back on sunbeds spread along pumice-coloured sands, swing from a Tarzan rope, go canoeing or learn to waterski. The self-contained guest accommodation is brand new, with two levels that can sleep 16, plus a few more with extra beds. The timber slat exterior blends with the surrounding gum trees and rural landscape, but the interior has a design quality with gleaming white walls, beautifully crafted contemporary wood furniture, art by Patricia Heaslip and architectural lines that lead the eye towards the river and vineyard. It looks and feels like five-star digs.

THE KIT

On the ground level are an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge, a large master bedroom with an en suite and bath, and a kid-tastic bunkroom with five single bunks, a trundle and queen bed. Adjoining are a studio lounge and bathroom with a drop-down queen bed. The upper level has two large master bedrooms with en suites and baths, and an open-plan living area, including a kitchen with a six-seater island bench and 10-seater dining table. There are television sets in most rooms and quality linen and towels. Both levels have wood fires and balconies with barbecues and river views. Children will love the huge fenced-off play area with a sandpit, trampoline and playground.