During our trip to the Dandenong Ranges, we stayed in the Hathaway Suite at The Loft In The Mill, in Olinda.

The Hathaway Suite

The Hathaway Suite is one of four accommodation options available at The Loft In The Mill, and it is one of the most magnificent rooms that we’ve ever experienced. It exudes a romantic, timeless charm, featuring an open fireplace and a sunken bedroom. The suite includes a spacious lounge, a separate shower, and a sunken corner spa bath.

An Overview

From the outside, the stone building presents a solid and magnificent facade, with a spa service located on the ground floor. The finely manicured topiary in the delightful gardens reflects the care and attention the owners have taken to curate an exceptional experience. With a large, private car park, the three-story building stands proudly on the grounds. A small outdoor staircase leads to a patio with garden furniture, which opens to the reception door. The solid entrance door at street level offers access to three options. Doors on each side of the hallway lead to The Victorian and The Hathaway suites, and a staircase ascends to The Loft.

Since we arrived a little late, the owners had left the door unlocked, with the key to our suite inside. As we entered the cosy yet spacious suite, we were immediately hit with a sense of “wow.” The lounge welcomed us warmly, featuring a fireplace already set up with kindling and firelighters. Naturally, Christian lit the fire right away.

Inside

The lounge features a comfortable sofa and ottoman, along with a large-screen TV connected to a DVD player. Unfortunately, the TV signal was weak, but we had no intention of watching broadcast television. Instead, we discovered drawers full of DVDs and a stack of books to enjoy. A wallpaper mural depicting a flower garden and an antique fence covered in roses was far more appealing than any screen. The clever decor makes the main door blend seamlessly into the feature wall. Only the door handle is visible, peeking out from the roses.

In one corner of the lounge, a cupboard houses a fridge stocked with bread, milk, orange juice, and butter. The counter was adorned with breakfast cereals, jams and marmalade, Vegemite, and a selection of teas and coffees. We felt well taken care of, knowing we could relax in the morning with everything provided. The space also includes a microwave, kettle, toaster, china plates, and cutlery.

Our excitement grew as we explored the rest of the suite. The king-sized bed sits in a sunken room with access to a small balcony, though unfortunately, the weather didn’t allow us to enjoy it. Next to the bedroom is a sunken spa bath that resembles a four-poster bed.

On the other side of the suite, we found a small shower and loo, with a vanity basin right outside. They provide soaps, toothbrushes, and a small cupboard stocked with two robes, slippers, and a stack of fresh, fluffy towels.

Another charming feature off the main lounge is hidden behind a heavy curtain. This little opening leads to a sunroom with two comfortable chairs, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine while watching the world go by—or for savoring tea and breakfast.

Regretfully, we had the suite for only one night. However, if we ever return, we will definitely choose this accommodation as our base for exploring the rest of the Dandenong Ranges.