Home Away From Home: Relax at Cortes Kiln, a 100-year-old tobacco kiln-turned-couples’ retreat

After being cooped up at home, there’s no doubt that Victorians are very much looking forward to exploring their own backyard, and just as eager to welcome them and others from around the country are those in the state’s romantic regional pockets.

One such example of this is in Gapsted, just over three hours’ drive north-east of Melbourne, on the cusp of Victoria’s alpine region. Here lies Cortes Kiln, a 100-year-old tobacco kiln-turned-couples’ retreat, lovingly restored and run by its proud owner, Ronaldo Cortes.

On a walnut farm that has belonged to the Cortes family for generations, the kiln was originally used to dry tobacco before being converted into a house rented by the farm’s workers. And with a new generation coming up with new ideas, the kiln has once again been given a new lease of life.

“I had been working in Melbourne as an assistant for an architecture photographer, so I offered to buy the kiln from my mum, giving myself the opportunity to build something special of my own,” says Cortes. “The place was in desperate need of attention, but I saw big potential in turning it into a boutique farmstay, where couples could go to decompress and regenerate.”

The rebuild took Cortes about a year to complete, and with the help of builder Patrick Nannipieri, of Rocklea Builders, and architect Kate Fitzgerald, of Whispering Smith, Cortes Kiln welcomed its first guest in January 2018.

“Given the kiln’s rich history, it was important for us to highlight its age in the very best of ways, such as keeping its original, red bricks exposed, sticking to the steep pitch of the roofline, and working around the brick fireplace,” Cortes says.

Leading the way with the interior design, Cortes purposefully kept things minimal, blending whitewashed walls and polished concrete floors with pared-back furniture, providing a calming palette throughout.

“My favourite features are the hand-poured concrete benchtops and basins, and especially the bath, which can be found within the internal garden,” says Cortes.

“The translucent polycarbonate cladding in this space welcomes in so much natural light, allowing the plants and ferns to thrive, as well as the adjoining living room to be drenched in sun.”

Given the kiln has been designed to best embrace nature, Cortes encourages his guests to explore a little further.

“The property neighbours my parents’ walnut farm, where guests are welcome to wander about the orchard, or even take the bikes for a ride down to the river for a relaxing swim,” Cortes says. “And given the 175-acre [70-hectare] property, I can assure you that social distancing won’t be a problem.”

While in Gapsted …

Have a tipple at Gapsted Wines

Take a short drive and head to Gapsted Wines, a local, whimsical winery, where you can swill and sip cool-climate wines from the cellar door, order from the a la carte menu.

Get your caffeine fix at Coffee Chakra

In the neighbouring town of Myrtleford, pop into Coffee Chakra for freshly roasted coffee that can hold its own against those of Melbourne. You can also order from their breakfast menu, serving all the familiar favourites.

Enjoy authentic Italian meals at Lupo’s Kiln Cafe

Also situated in Myrtleford is Lupo’s Kiln Cafe, offering authentic Italian meals. Enjoy house-made pasta, ravioli, gnocchi, lasagne, and Italian sauces. The cafe is set within a tobacco kiln.

Take the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Care for a scenic bike ride? Consider tackling the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. The mostly disused railway route has views of valleys and mountains.