Sailors Whisk

A short stroll from Flinders Village and Westernport Bay, Sailors Whisk is boutique accommodation for a couple, or two. The coastal-blue cottage is nestled amongst native landscaped gardens behind a charming post and rail fence. Thoughtfully restored to reflect its surroundings, the two-bedroom retreat is the ideal base to explore the Mornington Peninsula or hide away with a glass of local wine and a wood-fired pizza on the deck.

The cottage features two spacious bedrooms and accommodates up to four guests with all the creature comforts. Both bedrooms are fitted with queen-sized beds dressed in luxurious linen, plush pillows and vintage furnishings. A central bathroom is stocked with Ayurvedic skincare and fluffy bathrobes, and a Cheminees Philippe wood fireplace keeps the space cosy year-round. You can curl up in one of the antique French club chairs in the living room or perch at the kitchen table for a cuppa and a game of checkers.

The seaside retreat has been a passion project for interior designer Laura MacLean and her carpenter husband, Dan. The old worker's cottage was built in Essendon in 1910 and destined for demolition before the couple rescued it and had it relocated to their family’s bush block in Flinders.

The pair share a sustainable approach to design and chose to preserve many of the original features. They used reclaimed timber and recycled materials throughout the renovation, keeping the external architraves and restoring the decorative plasterwork in the bedrooms. What they couldn’t save, they’ve repurposed, with the old windows up-cycled into picture frames to showcase local artworks. The space has been mindfully styled to make you feel at home, filled with beautiful textiles and antique pieces that Laura has collected on her travels.

As for the name? It’s an ode to the history of Flinders, which was once a small fishing village. A sailor’s whisk is a brush made from knotted rope that is used to sweep the decks and galleys of a ship. You’ll find one hanging on the wall in the dining room, alongside a pair of oil paintings depicting two weathered fishermen from Sorrento. It was nearly named Salty Ann – a cheeky reference to the relationship between explorer Mathew Flinders and his wife – but Sailors Whisk felt more fitting considering the culinary focus of the home.

A navy blue Esse cooker stands sentinel in the kitchen, ready to transform local produce from  nearby farm gates. “Youhave to wait for the oven to heat up. It invites you to slow down, to take your time. To spend an afternoon cooking a big pot of soup on the stove”, says Laura. You’ll find the pantry stocked with all the basics including locally grown and milled flour from Tuerong Farm, olive oil from Main Ridge Olive Co, and compostable coffee pods from Urban Brew.

Step outside, and you’ll find an expansive deck overlooking a fire pit and traditional pizza oven. With a backdrop of natural rock work, local sheaoak and towering gum, it's a peaceful setting for a grazing platter or wood-fired pizza, with the resident rosellas providing a natural soundtrack.

If you’d prefer to outsource your meals during your stay, the cottage is but a short stroll from town. You can grab supplies from Flinders General Store, stop in for a wine and a cheeseboard at Plonk and Stink, or head to the pub to share a meal with the locals.

For those looking to explore the area, a pair of stand-up paddle boards and vintage-style bikes are provided for guest use. If you’re after local tips, Laura recommends a scenic walk through the golf course and along the clifftops, a visit to the nearby dog beach – signposted by a set of squid jigs on the fence – or a trip down to the pier to stock up on freshly-caught mussels.

Sailors Whisk is available for bookings year-round, with a two-night minimum stay. Prices start at $550 per night.