The Self Contained Guest Accommodation at
"Thoreau's - Talbot"
features;

~An eco friendly and creative environment

~A large open space with room to move, peace and quiet to think.

~A double bed and a bunk bed, linen provided
(on request, an extra double bed, camping matts and sleeping bags are available for larger groups)

~A Kitchenette, Bathroom and Toilet

A comfortable double bed, relaxing chair and a warm sounding acoustic guitar for the experienced musician or budding amateur.
The Kitchenette includes all the equipment you need to prepare and eat a meal. In Summer, Spring and Autumn (sunshine permitting) all cooking takes place in the Solar Cooker circle. On those days of pesky cloud cover, an undercover BBQ area is always on standby!
The Solar Cooker in Action, no moving parts, apart from the Sun, and we've heard a rumour that it'll be a long time before it wears out!

Once you're here, there's a myriad of things to occupy your time, taking it easy being just one of them. For more information about local attractions and things to do, visit Thoreau's 'Wanderings' page.

During your stay with us, you are welcome to join us at anytime to share in our daily Experiences. Whether it's harvesting freshly grown organic veggies for an evening meal, from the 200 sq/m veggie patch, collecting eggs from the chook house, opening up the beehives for a look, learning the ins and outs of solar cooking, playing music / having a jam with Kris, or using the workshop and bike tools to service your treadly, whilst tapping into Andy's know-how; you'll be made most welcome.

What You Won't Find at Thoreau's Talbot

There are no TV's

As you'd expect, there's no Air-Conditioning, although there is a pedastool fan for the occasional hot night. The buildings are all passively cooled in summer with minimal wood burning in winter for heating and cooking, along with Solar Heated Wall Furnaces.

There are no electric or gas hot water services, our water is Solar Heated.

There is no mains water, everything we get comes from the sky!

There are no game boys, playstations or 'X' Boxes, but there is Satellite Internet.

There are no cars (apart from the old Kombi, used as accommodation for guests looking for something just that little bit different!)

There is no mains power, it's all Solar Energy

There are no hair dryers, clothes driers or spa bath's! (We do however have clothes washing facilities, for small loads)

There are no Nightclubs, Movie Theatres, Take-Away's, Restaurants, Milk Bars, Pubs or DVD hire places 'just around the corner'!

But then again, on a clear night, you'll get to see some of the greatest entertainment ever to grace Human Eyes, the beautiful Stars of the Southern Hemisphere Skies!

For more information, bookings, or a chat, you can give us a call us on

+61-3-5463-2304

or,

simply e-mail Kris & Andy at either:

info@theunconventionalcellist.com

andy@mechanarchy.com.au

The fifth wheel! The Yuba Mundo 'Truck' with Mountain Bike in Tow.
Our TV Set
"Thoreau's - Talbot" is located 15km north of Clunes and 7km East of Talbot, Victoria, Australia.

For one person staying overnight we ask for a AUS$35.00 contribution and for two people, a AUS$50.00 contribution to go towards maintaining the property. An extra AUS$15.00 per night is requested for each additional guest. Contributions for longer stays (up to three months) are open to negotiation.

Encouraging guests to travel here by bicycle is our aim. We're probably one of the very first Bicycle BnB's (that's 'bike n bed') around! You can travel by train from Melbourne to Ballarat with your bike/s and we'll happily meet you at the Ballarat Railway Station (on our bikes), with plenty of homemade bread and dip, wholesome nourishment for the 50k ride back to your accommodation, where you can put your feet up and relax!

The ride meanders around some scenic back roads and past a few vineyards, where local wine tastings can be organised.

For those who prefer a little less than a 50k bike ride, there's good news not far away. The Ballarat - Maryborough Train Line is re-opening to passenger travel in June / July this year (2010), so when you hop off the train at the simply stunning Maryborough Railway Station and Antique Emporium, and have had a good look around, you'll have just a short and relaxed 20 K ride to Thoreau's.

If you'd like us to meet you in Maryborough for the ride, just let us know!

If you don't have a bike and want to come, but would rather leave the car at home and help the environment, then we have a number of great options for you.

Bikes are available for hire in Ballarat at the 'Welcome Nugget', right next door to the Ballarat Railway Station. You can book your bike by phoning 0423 268 618.

For guests arriving in Maryborough, we have 2 specially equiped Yuba Mundo Cargo bikes, that enable us to tow a bike each. We'll bring your bike/s to the Maryborough Railway Station, along with helmets and water (BYO drink bottle) for the ride , so getting to Thoreau's couldn't be easier!