TakeABreak Best Places to Stay Awards 2009
National Winner Pet-friendly Accommodation: Pobblebonk B&B
The first thing you think of when you hear the name ‘Pobblebonk’ is probably frogs, not dogs – and the property is named after the
Eastern Banjo Frog and the distinctive ‘bonking’ call it makes. However, it is four legged creatures of the furry persuasion who are the real winners at Pobblebonk – oh, and their owners, of course! This delightful B&B is the winner of the Pet-friendly category in the
2009 TakeABreak Best Places to Stay Awards for its outstanding dedication to ‘fur children’.
Pobblebonk B&B is a truly
pet-friendly property… one that doesn’t just allow dogs, but welcomes them and caters to their needs in a very special way – but more on that a bit later.
The property is a lovingly restored two-bedroom
cottage in the
Adelaide Hills. It is fully
self-contained, with two queen-size beds and a single fold out bed can be used in the lounge room for an extra person. The ‘Lilypad’ studio is separate to the cottage and can also sleep 3-4 people, so Pobblebonk is perfect for families, couples and friends travelling together.
There is a fully equipped kitchen and a generous supply of provisions so that guests can cook themselves a ‘country-style’ breakfast at their leisure. The bathroom is luxurious and has all the extras; right down to heated flooring to keep your toes warm on chilly mornings. Why not treat yourself and indulge in a massage (the masseur comes to you!) and then hop into the spa bath, which is the perfect place to unwind … and the fluffy robes provided are perfect for lounging around after a relaxing soak. Pobblebonk is full of delightful touches, such as the quality of the linen and fine bath products, which show how much care and consideration the operators have put into this lovely property.
While Pobblebonk is a charming and well-appointed
Bed & Breakfast, it is the attention to detail for pets as well as people that make it a standout in the pet-friendly market. They welcome well-behaved, house-trained small to medium sized dogs and the dogs (up to two for any booking) are welcome to sleep inside in the sunroom. It isn’t always easy taking your pet’s bedding with you on holidays, so Pobblebonk supply bedding (including a heated bed), a dog kennel, throw rugs to cover the furniture, towels to clean dogs after a ramble through the countryside, food, toys, food and water bowls and a treat bag as well.
The property is fenced, although it is the responsibility of the owners to keep an eye on their pet and ensure they behave well and don’t disturb the neighbours. There are plenty of dog-friendly activities in the surrounding area, including dog-friendly cafes in nearby
Mt Barker and
Strathalbyn and wonderful walks through the paddocks and surrounding streets, as well as discounted shopping at nearby pet stores (10% discount for Pobblebonk guests). You can even have your pooch groomed nearby.
Of course, you may want to stay in and relax at Pobblebonk and the 12 acre property gives you privacy and plenty of room to exercise your pooch – yet it is only 45 minutes from Adelaide in
Macclesfield in the delightful Adelaide Hills. Mt Barker, the historic village of
Hahndorf and the
McLaren Vale are all a short drive away, giving you the choice of markets, historic pubs, wineries, antiques shops and much more… meaning that Pobblebonk B&B and surrounds have many things to interest you, whether you have two legs or four!
If you are looking for the perfect place to relax with your furry ‘best friend’, then
Pobblebonk B&B is the place for you – and a worthy winner of the Pet-friendly category in the 2009 TakeABreak Awards.
About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis. Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.
Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications. She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons.
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
Pobblebonk B&B
through TakeABreak and the property operator will get back to you directly to confirm
pricing and availability. Visit their listing for more pictures, further information
on rates, the availability calendar and guest reviews.
Lisa is a professional editor for Holiday Inspirations.