Black Springs Bakery – Media & Comments

Magazine Articles

“Forty eight luxury escapes to get you through the working year”
The Australian (Wish Magazine) - September 2006

On arrival it takes a moment to adjust to this enchanting B&B: are you in the northeast Victoria or rural France? Hidden behind the old bakery, the two-storey dwelling has low-slung ceilings and whitewashed or bare walls that ooze rustic appeal. The imitation is an impressive one, aided by an aroma of lavender in the French inspired garden and a fit-out that puts style over substance (whitegoods are hidden behind doors). Details extend from the handmade French lamps, potbelly stove and linen upholstered couches to a proliferation of ceramic jugs, hand-hewn wooden furniture and guineafowl pecking around outside your door. Curl up with a book; avoid turning on the television and play along with the charade to get the most from the experience – magnifique!
Lowdown – This is France without exorbitant travel costs.

“Wicked Weekend"
Herald Sun - January 2006

Escape to Provence for a few days without having to take your passport. Three hours north of Melbourne and a few kilometres south of Beechworth is a little pocket of Southern Europe - complete with parterre garden, quince orchard, olive grove and original 1880s stone buildings. Black Springs was originally a settlement that serviced the local farming community. Today the beautiful area is listed on the Victorian Hertage Register.

The Room - This charming one bedroom B&B is housed in a pretty two storey stone barn with cottage garden and private courtyard. Owners Anthony Flahive and Fran Coburn, who run the tres chic Frances Pilley homewares store in Beechworth, have furnished it with stylish simplicity - soft fabrics, Provencale-style ceramic pots and luxurious toiletries. Piece de resistance is the hand-painted checkerboard bedroom floor upstairs.

The Food - Provisions for a terrific country breakfast include King Island yoghurt, smoked salmon, bacon and eggs, homemade jams and fresh local Milawa bread with homemade biscuits in the larder. Though its self-contained, you could make the most of your rural escape and dine at Wardens Food and Wine in Beechworth.

The Fun - Meander through the olive grove or the quince walk, smell the lavender and picnic on the hilltop overlooking the lush countryside. There's a 10 per cent discount for guests at the Frances Pilley shop in Beechworth.

Beautiful Accommodation in Victoria and Tasmania
6th edition, 2005

“Set in extensive gardens, which include an olive grove, Black Springs Bakery is a truly relaxing experience. Find a shady spot under one of the ground trees, explore the prolific garden beds and dine alfresco in the charming courtyard.”

Guests Comments

“Had a wonderful two nights in a beautiful place steeped in history and delightful touches of Provence. We loved every aspect and look forward to our return visits.”

“Four days is not enough! What a wonderful place to revive the mind and soul. The recent restoration to the barn represents a fine and tasteful balance between the contemporary and the traditional.”

“Thank you for providing us with a little bit of Europe in our own backyard. Just the right place for rest and repose. We highly recommend the store and its devine wares.”

“Yet again we have enjoyed the tranquillity and charm of Black Springs – long may it continue”

“A truly unique, magical place to stay. It was like walking into our dream – the rows of lavender and olives, the quince walk and the beautiful wild garden full of colour and perfume – and - our beautiful house. Thank you Fran and Anthony for letting us share this with yourselves”

“Everything is great about Black Springs. We will definitely be back – next time for longer.”

“Didn’t know these places still existed. Loved it.”

“Tres provencale. Tres confortable sauf quand il faut faire pipi au milieu de la nuit.”

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