Beginning its life as the home for James Townsend, Birregurra’s first bootmaker and saddler in 1864, Bootmakers Cottage in Birregurra in Victoria’s western-district, has seen many uses over the years, including a saddlery, surveyor’s office, and in more recent years a tea house, cafe and event venue.

The cottage is now proudly refurbished and is the heart of the property, accommodating up to six people, with two beautifully themed queen-sized bedrooms, a twin room, cute-as-a-button lounge and dining room, kitchenette and rustic bathroom and mud room. The residence is included in the hire of the venue and is perfect as a host quarters or preparation area.

The event space itself is a large red-brick courtyard, accessed via a gorgeous silver birch and lavender-lined pathway from a white picket gate on Main Street. The courtyard is ringed by period buildings – the cottage, the bathhouse (comprising male & female/all access toilets and shower), an all-weather stage which doubles as a day-lounge, and the old stables – now converted into a full bar, commercial wash up area, storeroom and escape room, complete with barn doors and internal bar. A 100 year old oak tree shades the courtyard and together with the English box hedges provides the perfect green backdrop for a summer, autumn or spring wedding.

Whether you go for al-fresco dining under umbrellas, or a full night-time marquee with fairy lights, Bootmakers Cottage at Birregurra is a delightful country wedding experience.

Birregurra itself is a charming country town, on the banks of the Barwon River and home to the world-famous Brae Restaurant. It has three beautiful heritage churches (including the heritage listed blue stone Christ Church), the Royal Mail hotel, a cute set of shops and boutiques, and a dinky country golf course and bowls club. “Birre” as the locals call it, is within a short drive to the beautiful Otway Ranges, mountain hamlet of Forest, and the beach side towns of Lorne, Anglesea, Aries Inlet and Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road – one of Victoria’s major international tourist attraction.

Your fee includes full use of the premises including accommodation for 3 nights.