Best known for its folk festival, Port Fairy is a pretty, character-filled fishing town with heritage buildings, picturesque riverside wharves, wild beaches, bracing walks, good restaurants and Drift House, a design-inspired retreat.
The folks at this award-winning boutique hotel are not the type to rest on their laurels. Owners John Watkinson and Colleen Guiney spent last year’s lockdown sprucing up their retreat. They remodelled one of the suites and are now tackling another one.
The pair created this beautiful B&B eight years ago, working with Melbourne architects Multiplicity to transform the original 19th-century bluestone house and add a glass and steel extension. Two years ago, they took over the Edwardian cottage next door, crafting another unique sanctuary and adding a glass-walled salon in the garden where people can meet and eat.
In contrast to its heritage facade, the great attractions of Drift House are the unexpected and constantly surprising contemporary interiors. Cocooned in a wealth of creative detail, the rooms are a sanctuary from the world outside.
“We wanted to create something that gave everybody an opportunity to stay in a building designed by a leading architect,” Watkinson says.
Each of the six suites is different. Using an interesting mix of materials – timber, tiles and steel – the rooms are softened with colourful fabrics and throws. Suite four is a light-filled, first-floor room in the extension to the main house where perforated metal louvres can be adjusted to suit the light. A strip of the original bluestone refers to the past, and the carpet-covered door and quirky handle make for a complete contrast.
Staying here is fun with clever doors that are like pieces of a puzzle. Splash around in the bright blue-mosaic-tiled open bathroom with an indulgent bath or crash out in front of the giant hidden projection screen.
The urge to touch everything is strong, from the corded light switches to the furry door. A window seat to look into the garden is next on the agenda here, Watkinson says.
All the rooms are unique, so regular guests can have a slightly different experience every time they stay.
The garden pavilion, the Salon, is a welcome addition. Breakfast is served here and, at night, guests can have a drink and relax by the fire in the sunken lounge, surrounded by local sandstone and timber.
Drift House was a sea-change move for Watkinson and his work-life partner, Guiney. She now has more time to concentrate on her art, which is hung throughout the hotel.
“Port Fairy’s strength is the simple pleasures in life. It’s a particularly friendly place with a strong year-round community that has a tradition of volunteering,” Watkinson says. “People come here to relax – and not feel guilty about relaxing.”
Pull up a chair in the delightful Conlan’s Wine Store and taste some of the delicious local produce on offer from chef Matt Dempsey. Enjoy a great selection of wines and treats, and perhaps finish off the evening with a cocktail in Coffin Sally’s cosy bar.
Cross over the pedestrian bridge for a swim at East Beach. Then join the passing parade winding along the Moyne River, past working fishing boats and historical wharves. The trail around Griffiths Island and the Port Fairy lighthouse is a popular walk.
There are lots of interesting stores to explore here. Luone silversmith and jeweller crafts elegant pieces. Fashionista Millie Grimshaw’s Gold Store stocks on-trend outfits and Penny and Reiby offers an interesting mix of homewares, clothes and linen.
Drop into The Oak & Anchor for a well-brewed latte using Cartel beans. A cafe by day and pub by night, the 1857 heritage building has been sensitively restored to also provide accommodation. Ally Richardson looks after the food side of things.
The writer travelled with the assistance of Visit Victoria.