Glen Isla - A Little History
"Glen Isla" as
its been known to the locals for some 130 years or so (and
so named by the original founders), offers both genuine
heritage accommodations and modern purpose architected guest
accommodations in classic heritage architecture.
Glen Isla House is not associated with
another property that has adopted a similar name
nearby. Glen Isla is the historic and the original
Glen Isla on Phillip Island!
Glen Isla House offers special breakfast in the elegant
dining room (for hosted accommodations), extensive
heritage gardens dating back to c1870, genuine old world charm
and country-house elegance.
The original heritage house at Glen Isla was built circa
1870 by the Anderson family (Scottish immigrants to the
area). The house now has an official heritage listing.
It is considered one of the
oldest homes on Phillip Island. It has a heritage planning
overlay and a heritage file
with the National Trust of Australia (although it is not
actually classified). A two-storey timber home, it is
believed to have been brought by sailing ship from the east-coast of America in
kit-form and constructed in its present location.
Originally a large estate and working farm comprising many acres,
over
the years the area around the homestead was reduced with
local developments.
A small collection of historical photos is on display
in the main dining room, depicting Glen Isla around the turn
of the century, and in the early 1900's.
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Link
to Ian and Madeleine's grandchildren here
Present owners, Madeleine and Ian Baker purchased
the property some years ago, with the heritage house in need of quite significant
capital and restoration and
works. They have since with considerable work and
expense, restored the
heritage house to its former glory. It is now their private residence - preserved for future generations.
They also acquired adjoining properties over
the years to restore the original entrance driveway with
the beautiful Norfolk pine trees and the three 100-year
old English oak trees. There are 3 original wells in the gardens
- although not in use today. Now set in 2 acres of magnificently
landscaped formal gardens (by a leading Melbourne interior and
landscape designer), Glen Isla hosts the purpose-architected
Glen Isla House, unique Small Luxury Hotel style Country House
with accommodations for the most discerning guests.
Truly refined accommodations in a heritage setting with
a touch of fascinating history!
For guests seeking a stay in genuine 'Heritage
Accommodations' we offer the Anderson
Heritage Suite. Originally part of the main
heritage house and dating back to c1870, this suite is now a
separate cottage offering history, opulent furnishings and
total privacy for 2 adults.
Click
Here for a hi-res photo gallery of Glen Isla House and
Surrounds
These photos are copyrighted and cannot
be used without express permission. (Warning these photos are around 600kb each
and there are some 9 of them)
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Owners - Resident Hosts, Madeleine and
Ian resided overseas for many years and travelled extensively
in Asia, Europe and the USA, preferring to stay
in Small Luxury Hotels, Chateaux, very fine B&B Inns, guesthouses and country houses.
In fact they resided and worked overseas for more than 15 years. The concept
for Glen Isla House came from these travels and experiences,
with the aim to create the very finest accommodation with
absolute privacy, great food & wine and unobtrusive personalised service. Ian
is a qualified professional chef de cuisine, and all food at Glen Isla is
inspired by Ian and his experiences in some of the finest restaurants all over
the world...
Hundred's of comments in the guestbook from guests all over the world reflect on the warm hospitality and the very fine food offered
at Glen Isla House.
Guest privacy is paramount. Guest accommodations
and lounge areas are
quite separate from host accommodations but your hosts are around for local advice or a friendly
chat if needed!.
Our philospohy in a nutshell.
When we travel,
we are interested in the experience of meeting people, rather than counting mod-cons and room
facilities!
For us, the warmth of welcome and local knowledge
counts for more than gadgets in rooms.
Authentic atmosphere and charm
(without
glitz and clutter) is more important to us than spa's and swimming pools!
We prefer 'classic' and elegant decor, a touch of history and great hosts over
contemporary modern design.
If you're seeking a a contemporary 5-star business hotel experience
- then you're in the wrong place!
Glen Isla is a boutique
country-house - all about understated old world elegance and charm (quote
from Lonely Planet Guide on Glen Isla House)
At
Glen Isla, we offer elegantly furnished, well thought-out accommodations with
everything discerning travellers would expect, along with the personal touch
from experienced hosts. Our accommodations are designed to offer
privacy such that guests can come and go as they please or they can enjoy the
warm Australian hospitality in the guest common areas - as they choose..
All this with a
touch of history, wildlife and nature experiences nearby, the beach just out
the back gate, and of course the chef-inspired legendary cooked breakfasts served in the
dining room daily!
The subtle European influences at Glen Isla House
came from Ian & Madeleine's extensive travel experiences and working in
Europe and the USA over many
years...
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