VISITING THE GRAMPIANS?
Stay at Petschel House Bed & Breakfast
A short background…
Petschel House is today set on 14 acres a few kilometres south of the Hamilton township in the Victorian Western District. The bluestone house was originally built by the German (Prussian) family Rentsch. It was the first original farmhouse in this area. The Petschel family joined the Rentsch family by marriage and it became a Petschel House. There have been several changes in ownership since it’s beginnings it has a long and interesting history – another story…
Jenni and Mervyn bought the property in late 2016 and have relocated their Eltham life into the quieter and more serene environment. Firstly a new purpose built studio (designed by architect Robert Marshall) was constructed to house Jenni’s tools and painting activities. The studio is where the painting classes are to be conducted. There is space for painting, printmaking, jewellery work and desks for other activities. Next came the renovation of a Food store and hay shed – now the BIJOU GALLERY – so named by Elizabeth Arthur, the curator and Gallery director of repute in her speech at the opening of Jenni’s Studio. More on this later – Bijou is little jewel in French and it is all of that – a gallery for exhibiting Jenni & Mervyn’s artworks and sculpture, art supplies and produce made from the Petschel orchard.
Another shed has been rebuilt and lined as Mervyn’s studio and Workshop space for the STUDIO FRAMING picture framing activities relocated from Eltham. It’s a larger framing shop now than we had in Eltham and a more usable space.
There is also a lake with an island and a attractive rickety old bridge not safe to cross (at this stage) several paddocks housing alpacas and a few sheep. The orchard is overflowing with espalier apple trees, grapes, apricot, plum, peaches, lemons and raspberries. There are patches of strawberries, garlic and saffron. All of which have been turned into Conserves and pickles.
The Studio and Gallery opened to visitors in April 2018 and has begun it’s future journey of working with a new community for Jenni and Mervyn in Hamilton. The community has been invited to the first ‘Afternoon Tea’, an ‘Artists’ Picnic’ and the first workshops have already happened. There will be plenty more to come…
Your Accommodation
Petschel House has a Queen size Room for guests who would like to stay over – perhaps attending a workshop, travelling to Hamilton for work or as a tourist? Booking enquiries may be made directly to Jenni and Mervyn on 0417 585 102.
A continental breakfast (which includes toast, home made conserves, cereal, tea & coffee) is included with accommodation. All day tea and coffee making facilities are available and guests may explore the variety of garden rooms at their leisure. Also included is a private bathroom, wifi and fridge facilities. We also have a ‘hot breakfast’ menu is available on request.
The art gallery and studios are available for guests to view and seasonal produce may be available for sale. And for the artist we have an extensive art material shop offering fine materials and giftware.
