First impressions are important. As an increasing number of visitors travel to the goldfields, it is reassuring that for many, their introduction to the area will be a thoughtfully designed B&B offering all the comforts of home.

Opening at Easter this year, the Next-Door Guest House has been beautifully renovated to celebrate the home’s history while offering all modern conveniences.

Owner of the B&B, Andrea, said the family-run guest house had been incredibly popular since opening at Easter this year.

“We had never run a B&B before, but the house next door came on the market and we bought it,” Andrea said.

“It was a run-down old cottage when we first bought it and we did a complete renovation. I was pregnant and then on maternity leave, so it was sort of a maternity leave project for me. It took us about eight months to do it.

“We renovated it specifically as a B&B – as somewhere that I would like to stay, and that’s how I run it.”

Situated just a short walk to town, Andrea said guests are pleasantly surprised at how close they are to wineries and historic towns such Castlemaine, Dunolly and Talbot.

“It’s been terrific, we’ve had awesome guests from everywhere and they have been fantastic. It’s a lovely way to introduce people to the area, everyone who has stayed a has been so respectful and lovely.”