Blog

Puffing Billy

by Carmel | Feb 19, 2019 | Attractions, Dandenong Ranges, Emerald, Local attractions

Relax and take in the views as the steam train, Puffing Billy chugs its way through forests, grasslands and over historial bridges.

Fern fronds signaling Spring

by Carmel | Sep 11, 2021 | Carmel's thoughts, Our gardens

Spring is just around the corner and this tree fern knows it. I love this time of year at Ferny Hill Retreat when the gardens burst into life.

Gardening in the hills is a BIG job!

by Carmel | Mar 9, 2021 | Buzz, Carmel's thoughts, Dandenong Ranges, Emerald, Our gardens

I looked at the gum tree in Ferny Hill Retreat’s front garden the other day only to discover that a massive branch was split and very dangerous…

The rewards of hosting a short term rental (beyond money)

by Carmel | Dec 29, 2020 | Buzz, Carmel's thoughts, Wellbeing

When I was setting up my short term rental apartment I hadn’t anticipated the joy it was going to bring to my life…

Guest’s private fernery & patio

by Carmel | Nov 9, 2020 | Buzz, Our gardens, Our guests, Wellbeing

Privacy is assured at Ferny Hill Retreat, Emerald. This idyllic outdoor space is for guests only. Need a relaxing break?

New feature wall in the bedroom

by Carmel | Sep 14, 2020 | Buzz, Carmel's thoughts, Interior design

I’ve been wallpapering a boring, beige bedroom wall at Ferny Hill Retreat to make a feature of it …

We’re officially one of Airbnb’s best of the best

by Carmel | Sep 8, 2020 | Awards, Buzz, Carmel's thoughts, Emerald, Our guests

Ferny Hill Retreat, a funky holiday home in Emerald, is thrilled to announce we’ve been awarded Airbnb Superhost’ status.

Uplifting spring garden photos, 2020

by Carmel | Sep 8, 2020 | Carmel's thoughts, Emerald, Our gardens, Wellbeing

Check out photos of Ferny Hill Retreat’s spring gardens, sprinkled with a little uplifting prose. Enjoy!

Lessons Learned in 2020

by Carmel | Sep 7, 2020 | Buzz, Carmel's thoughts

There’s been lots to think about in 2020. Coronavirus has turned the world on its head. Here are 10 key things I’ve learned so far…

Check out those smiles!

by Carmel | Jun 25, 2020 | Buzz, Our guests, Wellbeing

The Kumar family are Ferny Hill Retreat’s guests today. As you can see from their happy faces they’re already enjoying their stay.

Holiday rental with a guest-authored book!

by Carmel | Jun 16, 2020 | Art, Buzz, Our guests

Our guests can contribute to an ongoing story in the ‘And Then … Book’. They can be as whacky as they like, writing their own …

Black Lives Matter

by Carmel | Jun 10, 2020 | Buzz, Carmel's thoughts, Wellbeing

Several years ago I was lucky enough to live in a rural First Nations Community in the Northern Territory. As a white woman, it was…

Staying a little longer

by Carmel | May 27, 2020 | Buzz, Local attractions, Our guests

Ferny Hill Retreat’s current guests are enjoying their stay so much they’ve booked 2 extra nights. It’s a pleasure having them here.