Secluded + Nature + Dogs.
Brand new March offers for 3+ night stays.
Pop on over to Hepburn's page to view.
Make the moments count (and the money).
In five years of running Spring Creek, the top feedback I get is that we exceed guest expectations. Many say it “feels like home.” Another key point is our “thoughtful, welcoming touches.” That’s what we need now. It’s not just about booking a "bnb" that allows pets but experiencing one that truly welcomes them. You’ll find the relaxation that comes with it. While many people simply pick a place to stay, our returning guests often choose to visit again and again because of the cottage. It's easy to list a home online, but there are far too many. By booking with us, you get personal attention from someone who values your support for their livelihood. You'll enjoy a special furry friend experience while also supporting the local economy. It’s a win-win!
Because our bond with our dogs is special.
Our pets hold a special place in our hearts! They are here for fun, not forever. My boys accompany me on the daily as often as possible. I wanted to create a space where you can enjoy beauty without leaving your best friends behind. Everything you need is close at hand, with no heavy packing required. Most importantly, doggo's favorite things are right outside your door—nature. By giving them this experience, you'll also find rejuvenation for yourself. What sets us apart is that being dog-friendly isn't just a checkbox for us; my heart and soul are dedicated to creating a true experience based on my own needs and knowledge. When you stay in our cottages, they are PURPOSE BUILT for dogs. They cater to anyone who wants to enjoy a beautiful, well-designed home that reflects the area's architecture whilst being meticulously thought-out for our furry friends. My biggest challenge when looking for dog-friendly places is that I don’t need or want luxury, but also want more than just a basic stay. While there may be a few features I wouldn’t change (I'd prefer to invest in agility courses over window upgrades for example), our charming original cottages come with vintage décor, Canningvale bedding, and countless thoughtful touches for both people and pets.
You CAN stay somewhere beautiful with your dogs.
I (Kim) and Mika (my now 5 year old Finnish Lapphund) came across a lot of places that were pet friendly for 'small dogs' under 15 kilos, 'non energetic dogs' or 'non shedding dogs' - all the things Mika just isn't. Sometimes there were ten pages of dog rules but no fences. Or dogs slept outside. Or in the hallway. Or you had to commit under oath that they were well behaved. Or there was a huge non refundable pet fee. Or you were regulated to staying in shacks with dirt floors which might be a lovely home concept but isn't your ideal for a paid holiday. Both Hepburn Springs and our Vaughan locations are not just thoughtfully appointed with pet friendly stays in mind. They're engineered and TESTED by my own cat, my 4 year old Lapphund and my pupper Maremma. And Hepburn has been given the four paws up by many hundreds of pooches, cats and birds. Engineered and tested 'with' mindful, hands-on owners in mind who know their pets. This is how it works. We attract people who like to holiday 'with' their dogs (dogsitter recommendation provided for Hepburn). And provide safe outdoor spaces with undercover access if you need to leave them leave to explore a spa rejuvenation, beautiful dinner or a show. We also trust guests fully with their dogs onsite and even inside. We leave all accountability with you as the owner for damages and there's a Pet Checklist easily displayed. If you're fully confident of a no damage outcome, they can be left inside for short periods. Or crated! With a cordless Dyson onsite and impeccable cleaning, you'll enjoy (finally!) feeling fully welcome with Fido. Scroll down for the last piece - 'Who does it suit?'
“Kim’s cottage is an amazing getaway in a perfect location.
Close enough to town to walk for a scrumptious brekkie but also adjoining the Hepburn regional park with walking trails at your doorstep (turn right for a great walk into the Hepburn springs reserve!). Best of both worlds if you’re looking for a forest getaway not too far from town.
Kim and Mika have obviously designed their getaway together and it’s a very thoughtful collaboration! So good to find pet friendly accommodation where the pups are unashamedly a priority.
We’ll definitely be returning in the winter months to take advantage of the fire pit. Being outside and staring at the stars is the best!
Thanks Kim for sharing your amazing cottage.”
Ollie (pictured) and pawrent chaperone, May 2021, Spring Creek – Hepburn. Just one of many, many reviews.
Who does it suit?
Logistically, the cottages cater to 4 (Hepburn Springs) and up to 3 people at Vaughan. Non bed occupying infants/cot bubs are very welcome, providing self catered. Note Vaughan has reduced from capacity of 4 to a capacity of 3 and is most suitable for an individual, couple or parent/s with child (or two friends). For group stays please see Spring Creek - Hepburn Springs. Holistically, made for down to earth nature loving couples, singles, a small family or friend groups - with or without furry friends. People who are looking for historic yet well maintained, magical cottages. Pet wise we cater for two with any provisions (dog beds, bowls and fleecy blankets - cats are BYO provisions as they prefer their own). If you are looking to bring three or even four dogs, you will just need to be a real dog person and know your dogs. The cottages are reallly quiet with Hepburn bordering a forest on both sides and Vaughan nestled in your own private gully with endless views. With this sort of nature, the trees may rustle, it gets dark, kangaroos are all around, there's the occasional rattle to anchor in weather and yes a possum or two. An odd creak or dip in the old yet decently stumped floors. To be truly dog friendly, homes really cannot offer big sumptious dry-clean only blankets and expensive rugs. So I make sure those headaches aren't around - as much as I'd love the occasional designer throw, it's not sensible. Hepburn is just a ten minute walk to the main road and five minute walk to the famous Mineral Springs (can even reach through the forest). Vaughan is a rural village - again walking distance to its own Springs, 8 minute drive to Chewton and right between Daylesford and Castlemaine.
Self Contained
The cottages are 100% self contained accommodation which is majority BYO. See the FAQs for more information. The value of our provisions is in the dogs. The preparation, the beds and bowls, handmade liver treats, the maintenance and the mitigation. Coffee, tea, milk, kindling, firestarters and firewood are starter provisions for your stay with plenty of options to replenish and add to them around town plus extra storage of firewood bags onsite at Hepburn for convenience and purchase. You can safely expect all your cooking basics (oils and salts).
An inside look on Instagram
About Us
Kim (and Mika + now Mana) hands on maintain the properties, one of us more than the others. We are locals. We're hands on and heart centred with the setup and have been known to leave scavenger hunts for your dog. My committment to guests is to create a magical stay, interpret your needs and ensure they are places my big (and big natured) dogs would feel fully comfortable in. I took this picture the night before Mika lost his you-know-whats. His smile shows he really had no idea what was coming. Love you, Mika.