Accommodation at Baldessin studio
For artists or writers wishing to stay on-site at the Baldessin Studio, we offer a choice of comfortable &simple, self-contained accommodations. Staying and working full time over a number of days or weeks does allow for a level of immersion, focus and concentration that is often hard to achieve! Not to mention the degree of relaxation, creativity and well-being that comes from being free to work and rest to your own timetable, in such tranquil surroundings. Available for retreats and during workshops. Currently three accommodation options are available, each with a different character: the Printmakers Pod, the Gîte and the Artist's Garret.
We try to keep costs down to remain accessible to most budgets. The price does not include breakfast, so you will need to factor that in, but there is tea and coffee provided. Bring your own sheets, pillowcase and towels and we provide everything else.
Evening meals are available at local eateries, or self-catered in your unit. Please check the opening hours of the local eateries as they mostly open from Thursday to Sunday.
A note about cancellations & fees:
For all accommodation bookings & queries, please contact us via email at accommodation@baldessin.fr
Accommodation fees will be invoiced during your stay. Payment (by Bank Transfer) before departure is appreciated.
Any modifications or cancellation on your bookings should be made with at least 10 days notice, or else a cancellation fee will be incurred.
As our accommodation options are popular, we recommend booking in as soon as possible. We hope you enjoy your stay with us!
The Printmakers’ Pod
Our brand new remodelled shipping container, situated just below the studio and looking out over the bushy gully is now ready for you! Wake up amongst the gumtrees and sip your breakfast coffee while spotting our resident kangaroos.
This cosy (fully insulated Pod) is equipped for short term stays, with a queen bed, ensuite, microwave, split system heating/cooling, fridge, electric kettle and toaster. Note - there is no kitchen.
$80 per night
BYO Linen* or hire a Linen Pack (for $20)
The Artists' Garret
In the attic above the studio, this one-bedroom flat overlooks the bush at treetop height; ideal for bird- and kangaroo-spotting. The Garret is a great space for an artistic retreat, with ready access to the studio downstairs. Access is via an exterior staircase and unsuitable for those with restricted mobility.
The Garret has a friendly, cosy feel with sloping whitewashed attic ceilings and dormer windows. The bedroom has a queen size bed and ensuite, with a fully equipped kitchen, sitting room and small balcony. The Garret has a reverse cycle unit for heating and aircon as well as Wifi.
$90 Per Night Minimum 2 nights - BYO linen* or hire Linen Pack for $20
Extra fold down sofa bed $40 per night.
The Gîte
Retaining the rustic stone and timber look, the Gîte is next to the main house and kitchen garden and is recommended for longer residencies. Situated about 50 meters from the studio, accessible by car or through the bromeliad garden. This is our most spacious and comfortable unit.
The Gite has a large deck where you can sit and enjoy the bush close up. A separate bedroom with a queen size bed, a large living space with sofa-bed, bathroom and basic kitchen facilities. The Gite has a reverse cycle unit for heating and aircon.
$120p/n Minimum 2 nights - BYO Linen* or hire Linen Pack for $20
Extra fold down sofa bed $40 per night.
For further information and bookings, please contact our accommodation team:
Email: accommodation@baldessin.fr
Phone: 0431 821 838
*LINEN
Owing to the high demand for our charming accommodation we find the load of washing on tank water unsustainable. Our popularity is proving to be a burden on our facilities! So we are asking artists to BYO bed linen (or if you forget, hire some from us on arrival for $20)
We provide:
A duvet, duvet cover, extra blankets, bathmat, pillows, tea towel and hand towel
You provide:
Queen size sheets, pillowcases and towels.
If this is not possible, we can provide a linen pack for an extra charge of $20. Linen pack contains: 1 Queen size fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 2 pillowcases and 1 bath towel.
We supply:
Tea, coffee, cooking oil, seasonings, some dry tinned food left by previous guests and tea towel.
Liquid soap, bathmat, dishwash liquid, hand towel.
Duvet, pillows and electric blanket.
OTHER Accommodation near Baldessin Studio
(We cannot guarantee this list is always up to date)
WILD DOG CREEK RETREAT
Shared accommodation (private bedrooms) in a lovely home just a short drive from the Studio.
300 Wild Dog Creek Rd, St Andrews.
Queenstown Retreat – St Andrews
80 Smiths Gully Road, Smith Gully – About a 10 minute drive from the studio –
Phone: 0407 881 245
CandleBark Ridge - St Andrews
Treetops Cottage- Self Contained Valley Escape - Panton Hill
2 Bedrooms – Highly recommended by past students.
Information here
“Echidna Corner” - B&B –
60 St Andrews Street, St Andrews (Crn St Andrews street and Dodd street)
Comfortable, roomy flat in beautiful bush setting where parrots and kangaroos are regular visitors.
Living / dining area, kitchen, bathroom
Bedroom with Queen Size bed
Balcony overlooking bush
Aircon
Gas heating
Free wifi
15 minutes walk from Baldessin Press Studio
10 minutes walk from St Andrews General Store and Café
Rosemary Glaisher - Tel: +61 412 149 351
Email: rosemarystorey0@gmail.com
MUDBRICK COTTAGE - WARRANDYTE
Recommended by past participant.
2 night minimum stay
Warrandyte is about 1/2 hour drive from the Studio
Public transport, taxi, Uber
Taxi – If you are flying into Melbourne airport, we suggest you contract a private taxi that can bring you straight to the studio. We generally use the services of Harry: 0433 256 284
Harry has driven people from the airport to the studio on many occasions, so he knows the way. He will also stop at a local supermarket for you to pick up supplies on the way. You just need to pre-arrange this with him. The trip from the airport to the studio will take about one hour and will generally cost about $120 (AUD).
Public transport – Our closest train station is Hurstbridge. A trip from the city of Melbourne to Hurstbridge will generally take about an hour. You will need to purchase a MYKI card at the station to travel on public transport anywhere around Melbourne.
Uber or Taxi services are available to take you from Hurstbridge station to the studio at 90 Shaftesbury av, St Andrews.
Food and takeaway nearby
Nearest supermarket, deli, health foods, and more in Hurstbridge (9kms) or Diamond Creek (15 km)
St Andrews market every Saturday morning from 8am (1km). You can purchase fresh fruit and veg, cheese, and takeaway food.
A Local Baker at St Andrews for sourdough artisan breads and pastries (1km). Open Thur- Sun
Folk Alley Cafe at St Andrews General Store for very basic supplies and takeaway healthy, delicious food. (900m)
A Boy Named Sue – wood fired pizza restaurant, licensed (1km). Open Fri - Sun
Panton Hill Hotel (6kms)
St Andrews Hotel (1.2 kms)
Smith’s Gully General Store cafe (3kms)
For people staying long enough to have time to look a bit further, we are within a 40-minute drive of the Yarra Valley wineries, TarraWarra MOMA, Kinglake National Park, Heide MOMA, Montsalvat, and only one hour from Melbourne CBD.
Other relevant information for those staying on-site
During the bushfire season, we reserve the right to cancel any workshops and accommodation if the rating is at extreme, in which case the workshop and/or your stay will be rescheduled.
Important phone numbers
April Baldessin - 0431 821 838
Tess Edwards – 0448 144 449
Silvi Glattauer – 0417 377 962
Gabe Baldessin - 0487 324 005
