About the Cottage
Luxury and European Sensibility
About the Cottage
Lovingly restored (late 2012), luxury appointed, weatherboard cottage which nestles itself amongst the renowned Norala Garden and perfectly placed to make the most of the Ovens River and walking tracks at the back gate.
- Open fire, with high quality wood provided, given a cozy warmth on colder evenings
- Reverse cycle air conditioner
- Luxury linens imported from the USA
- Antique furnishings from Europe and the local diggings area
- Soft furnishings from around the world
- Local provisions in the kitchen (olive oils, vinegars and spices) to simplify your gourmet short stays
- Spacious timber back-deck with BBQ and furniture for outdoor dining in the private garden setting
- Additional heaters during the colder months and fans to keep you cool in summer
The cottage is equipped with all the things you need; 4 hob gas stove, dishwasher, microwave, oven, washing machine, dryer, TV/DVDs, Bluetooth Sound System, CD player plus CDs, books, magazines, BBQ and even a small fly-tying desk for artisans amongst us!
Enduring Quality and Comfort
Mrs Simpson, the unique cottage at Norala Garden now gives you a special opportunity to enjoy the renowned gardens built by Miss Norma McGown and Miss Alma Stanhope in the 1960s, and lovingly maintained since then.
Quality Bright accommodation, where you can enjoy the garden in privacy at your leisure. Located right in the centre of Bright, this beautifully renovated cottage magically sits in the ever changing landscape of the historic garden and will allow you to truly unwind and recharge.
This cottage accommodates a maximum of 4 people, with one King and one Queen size bed. For longer stays, the King can be made into 2 singles upon request.
As the property has Bakers Gully running through it, Mrs Simpson at Norala Garden is not suitable for children under the age of 8 and they have to be supervised by an adult at all times when they are playing near the water.
Mrs Simpson is dog friendly for well-behaved pooches - just ask us first!
Smoking is not allowed in the cottage, the decks or the garden. Thanks!
Magical Norala Garden
Since 1961...
Since 1961...
Since 1961...
A long-time Bright Open Garden icon, Norala Garden is one of Victoria's notable gardens. It is the result of many years of establishment and maintenance by the late Miss Norma McGown and her friend Miss Alma Stanhope. Feel their passion for creating gardens for enjoyment, rambling woodlands, open lawns and shade trees.
Bakers Gully
Since 1961...
Since 1961...
Throughout the garden and from the back deck of the cottage, the gentle rushing sounds of Bakers Gully can be heard, which provides coolness and tranquility.
Beauty
Since 1961...
For all seasons
The garden first appeared as one of Australia's icons in the 1996 book by well known garden writer Dr Holly Forsyth (The Constant Gardener TM); Garden Lovers Guide to Australia. Her entry reflected on its uniqueness.
For all seasons
Relax and reflect
For all seasons
The garden features a large variety of camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and a large tree canopy which frames the garden and further gives context. In Winter the hellebores provide a carpet of muted colour whilst in Spring the camellias simply light up the garden from every angle.
Bright colours
Relax and reflect
Relax and reflect
At times the paths are strewn with crimson, red and pink as if the garden is making itself up for a wedding procession.We encourage visitors to enjoy the garden and respect the work of Norma and Alma who have created a unique place of great beauty and calm in a very rushed world.
Relax and reflect
Relax and reflect
Relax and reflect
Guests to Mrs Simpson and Norala Garden enjoy the garden in a variety of ways, with keen photographers taking shots (some of the images above were taken by recent visitors; Mr. D. Male and Mr. A. Coloma) during the recent Spring Festival or botanical painters adding own interpretation to their holiday at Mrs Simpson.
Things to do
Restaurants
Reed and Co, The Bright Brewery, and Tomahawks are just a few names at walking distance, with the award winning Wandi Pub and Wandiful Produce a bike ride away and the Stanley Pub and Wineries a short drive.
Fly Fishing
The magic and prolific Ovens and Morses can be fished from the back gate, with the Buckland and Kiewa just a short drive away. But there is always another river, in another valley somewhere...! Local guide Matthew Howell can help you hook a trout and straighten your cast. Get your gear sorted out before you go though, and the team at the FlyFisher in Melbourne know the Cottage and can set you up with the right gear for the season.
Cycling and running
Breathtaking scenery, quiet country roads, alpine ascents, happy-to-help locals and an action-packed events calendar. With such a wide range of cycling options, this part of the world is THE ideal holiday destination for avid road cyclists. Iconic rides such as the Alpine Classic can be tried by the brave hearted, for the rest of us, the rail-trail to wineries may be a more genteel way of cycling for pleasure!
For runners there are plenty of fresh air options including the Bright Running Festival or the Buffalo stampede for those wanting competition. For those simply wanting to enjoy the outdoors there are plen
For the family
Take a movie in the sumptuous surrounds of Sun Cinema or take a walk along the Canyon walking trail or the Cherry Walk. Both start at the back gate of Mrs Simpson Cottage.