Ford House Retreat

We loved the honeymoon suite,it's situated on the bank (well not quite on the bank) of the Blackwood River an gave such a peaceful an relaxing view and atmoshpere,which is exactly what we needed after attending a loved ones funeral. The gardens ,the staff, the service ,the room and a hot breakfast were all top notch an couldn't of asked for better place to stay. Management here could of been asking top dollar for our time here,the fact it didn't burn a hole in the hip pocket,was a God send at this particular time an we're ever so grateful. We'll definitely stay again an we would definitely recommend to family an friends. Thank you to all the staff for a beautiful stay at such a hard time. It will be long remembered an much appreciated.

There wasn't a thing we didn't like all though a later checkout would of been good but hey, who's complaining?

What a gorgeous place! It’s several buildings on the large property surrounded by beautiful gardens. And the shops! I have never in all my travels seen anything like it. There are several spaces absolutely filled to the brim with gifts to purchase. From Christmas and Easter decorations to soaps, garden items, linen, toys, crockery etc etc. Breakfast is in one of the “shops” where there is a massive table made up with gorgeous linen and so many little ornaments, we felt like we were in a movie set. Breakfast itself was also gorgeous with freshly baked bread, bacon, eggs, compotes, yoghurt, coffee, tea etc. The room we stayed in was the JT room and we also had use of the “living room” which was completely self contained and looked out over gardens and the river. We enjoyed strolling around the gardens and admiring all the details. In the morning we admired all the birds and different ducks and ducklings. The photos I’ve added to the review show the breakfast room.

I would have given this lovely place a 10 if the beds would have been a bit better. Whenever my husband moved the bed shook me awake and it moved on the wheels. That wouldn’t stop me on returning cause the rest of the place totally makes up for this.

Very clean rooms and kitchen etc; huge bed was very comfortable (we were in the ballroom suite). The grounds and gardens are beautiful and obviously well cared for. A bonus is the ability to stroll down to the river through the garden, where there is a number of seating options to take in the tranquility and the sunsets! The breakfasts are amazing - plunger coffee, home made bread and yoghurt, bottled fruits, bacon and eggs - all set at a long table within (and amongst) the gift store - very quirky but this is the point of difference and sets it apart. I would definitely recommend.

Not a lot to dislike. Perhaps brighter bedside lamps to enable reading for those who might like to?

we liked the country feel to the place. the staff were very welcoming and friendly, the breakfast was fantastic with bacon and eggs being popular. the room we were in was the delaportes suite, it was lovely and cosy. the gardens are beautifully kept. we loved the christmas themed room where we sat and ate breakfast, yes theres a lot of things to look at in there but we loved it. the ducks are friendly and roam the gardens too. the gingerbread house is very cute, we just loved everything about ford house, we will definately stay here again.

the only gripe we have is the shower. we found it very small and tight. this could have been made a little bigger and the glass shelf in it maybe should be raised up to near the shower rose to give more room to move.

The staff were very lovely. The house is very historical, and some beautiful pieces are on display. Rooms were very tidy and clean. Well decorated with a lot of historical things The breakfast and service were beautiful. The room was so pretty, with all the Christmas decorations about. where we had breakfast. You felt you in Santas workshop. You need a good few hours to wander through all the beautiful things on display and for sale. The breakfast staff did an amazing job serving and cooking the bacon and eggs, tea and coffee. Its a real treasure trove with so many things to look at .Worth a visit to wander through all the buildings .

My room was right next to the bathroom and the toilet was in line with my head. So, every time someone went to the toilet you would hear them tinkle away. One toilet and bathroom is not enough for a full house. The shower was dribbly and not enough pressure. Other than that, I enjoyed my stay, and the staff were amazing.

Location was amazing. The most beautiful gardens right on the river. Old house with lots of ambiance and history. The 'girls' were fantastic. So helpful no matter how busy they were and always with a smile. The breakfast was the old fashioned type - huge doorstopper slices of homemade bread, homemade jams, marmalades etc. The eggs were cooked to perfection and the yolks bright yellow. My room was smallish but had double door opening to the deck overlooking the garden. Room heater was helpful as was the electric blanket !

The only downside for me was I had a room that had a shared bathroom. Whilst there were few others in the shared house it was fine but as more came it became a bit of a juggling act. No biggy, just so used to ensuites! Heritage homes dont come with all the modern extras.

Nice location on the edge of town with all facilities within easy walking distance. We had a room in the delightful "plantation style" bungalow (there are several buildings) which was large &, well-equipped. Comfortable sitting room, kitchen area and outside seating area shared with one other room. Good breakfast served in quirky setting of part of the retail premises. All was set in large accessible riverside grounds. Would recommend.

Bathroom had large spa bath & separate shower cubicle but toilet was rather close to the door.

The location is excellent, short 10 min walk into town. The Homestead and grounds are full of history and character and immaculately kept. We stayed in a separate building, had a large air-conditioned room with spa bathroom. Everything was very clean with lots of attention to detail.

Considering we stayed in The Honeymoon Suite the bed was very uncomfortable. A bouncy ensemble on wheels that moved with every movement. Breakfast was adequate with bacon and eggs,muesli, jam, yoghurt, only white bread though.

The room was just gorgeous with an old worldly vintage charm, welcoming with cushions, lots of good books and sumptuous armchairs, the huge spa bath was perfect! The breakfast was fab with a lovely selection including home made bread and home made jam, fruit and yoghurt and cereals, with fresh pots of tea or coffee offered by the hospitable staff. Beautiful settings and garden to have a walk in, great location 2 min drive to town and river side. Lovely friendly ducks/ geese waddling about... staff were friendly. Breakfast table in Gorgeous setting, lends itself to friendly discourse with others guests. Further, all the beautiful things on display are available to just enjoy their beauty or purchase to take a snippet of the memories home.. All of it just added to the ambience of the Breakfast Dining Hall. All in all, it was a lovely place to Celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary and we would definitely like to do it all again sometime in the future.

Everything was lovely. I think the only thing we found that could be improved is that maybe the cooked breakfasts could be a little more generous with the bacon, and for a rounded minimum cooked breakfast, could have included a third ingredient on plate, maybe half a grilled tomato.. Other than that it was lovely having fresh baked bread Every day, with real butter!

It was an interesting historic house and furnished accordingly. It was like living in someone's home. I didn't mind the small single room with lovely furnishings, pictures etc tho my bathroom was next door. I would have liked to have stayed longer to explore the library and the beautiful garden. It was so peaceful and l saw a blue fairy wren in the garden. It was nice to walk down to the river. It would have been interesting to learn more about the history of the house.