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Cosy Heritage Retreat - Pet Friendly Rated as "Exceptional" by previous Guests.

Cottage perfectly located for exploring Central Geraldton

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Exterior detail
Property grounds
Interior
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
Geraldton, WA
  • Place, Oakabella Homestead
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Cathedral of St Francis Xavier Church
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Geraldton Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Geraldton, WA (GET)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Geraldton

Central Geraldton stay.Within a 15-minute walk of this Central Geraldton cottage, you'll find Oakabella Homestead and Queens Park Theatre. Cathedral of St Francis Xavier Church and Lattitude Gallery are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Oakabella Homestead - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Cathedral of St Francis Xavier Church - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Geraldton Visitor Centre - 1 min drive - 1.5 km
  • HMAS Sydney II Memorial - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Geraldton Beach - 2 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

  • Walkaway Station - 21 min drive
  • Geraldton, WA (GET) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Quiet Life Specialty Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Smokin grill and Burgery - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Cosy Heritage Retreat - Pet Friendly Rated as "Exceptional" by previous Guests.

Just the most romantic cottage experience ever!!!

Escape the modern world and stay in the most romantic and unique cottage in the whole of Australia - Monsignor John Cyril Hawes' "THE HERMITAGE"!

Learn more about Monsignor Hawes here: www.monsignorhawes.com

"The Hermitage" was designed by world renowned architect Monsignor John Cyril Hawes. While in Geraldton and the Midwest take time to tour his remarkable buildings including St Francis Xavier Cathedral only 2 minutes away.

This romantic Arts and Crafts cottage is a heritage listed building and deliberately restored to retain its original character and intent as a place of peaceful retreat. If it is escape from the modern world you are seeking, this is the place for you! No TV, no internet, just cosy nooks to read a book and drift away!

As "The Hermitage" is a State listed heritage property, every effort has been made to retain the original character of the building, even down to its original bathroom, toilet and limited kitchen facilities.

The kitchen is not able to cater for full on cooking but there is the basic kettle, toaster, air-fryer, microwave and refrigerator. This all adds to the charm of the place. But who needs a kitchen when literally 100 meters across the road is Best & Western's Hospitality Inn, that provides continental and cooked breakfasts as well as one of Geraldton's best restaurants for an evening meal!

There is a portable water cooler & pedestal fans to keep you cool in the summer and oil heaters to keep you warm in winter.

The hosts live nearby and are available for any queries or assistance anytime.

Although situated close to the CBD "The Hermitage" sits alone on a large piece of fenced land. Monsignor Hawes was a dog breeder and had built into "The Hermitage" a specially designed door to let in his beloved canine companion, Dominie. There was once a carving of his dog on the newel post of the mezzanine stairs, but regretfully, this was stolen many years ago. We hope to replace it one day if we can find a sculptor! So well behaved pets are welcome.

The only neighbours are the very quiet tenants of an adjacent retirement home.

"The Hermitage" provides a perfect place to retreat from the modern world as well as giving easy access to all that Geraldton offers, shops, cafes, laundromats and Geraldton's amazing beaches and of course the heritage of Monsignor Hawes throughout the Midwest and the famous Sydney Memorial.

NOTE WELL: Before booking "The Hermitage", please understand this is a very special heritage listed property of great heritage significance for Australia and internationally. It has been made available for people with a passion for heritage who will take care and treat it with every respect. It is essentially a piece of art, that will give you an authentic immersive experience into the heritage and very person of Monsignor Hawes. If this is what you seek, then please be our guest! If this is not you, then we respectfully request you rent another Stayz property in Geraldton. This way we will all be happy.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number STRA6530XWEIG20X

Reviews

Cosy Heritage Retreat - Pet Friendly Rated as "Exceptional" by previous Guests. Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gayle S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host Debra was very welcoming and helpful. The building itself was quaint and novel however, once inside, the 'pioneer' in me took over. Certainly, right up my abbey, sorry alley. From the floors to the upstairs nook and not to mention the chapel quilt cover set and the quilted cover. Basic yet enough, all essentials provided and the morning stained glass reflections just further beautified this found gem, amongst the ordinary. Certainly my choice of stay in the future. Loved it and thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Chantelle S.

The screens on the windows could do with a dust (as could most of the place). When you return to the property and the wind is howling outside it would be great to watch a movie, however you cannot as there is no TV, or even a radio?….I’m not in a monastery now Toto. The dogs loved the yard and its central to the beaches and shops, so great location. A smart would a must add, especially at the price!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great experience to stay in :)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Dianne H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint historical property. Not walking distance to town. Good if you are looking for a unique stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

Liked: Cleanliness
There is nothing quite like staying at the Hermitage! Easy check in, beautiful home, wonderful to walk down to the Cathedral and follow Hawes’ work. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julieanne H.

Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed our stay here. Was clean and comfortable. Also was nice to learn a bit about the place from the books. Our dogs really enjoyed exploring the yard and overall it was a really relaxing stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Annette D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Debra was helpful and we were well looked after.Unfortunately l did not realise how disabled mypartner has become and would not recommend it for any elderly people.It was a delight to be there and learn so much about Hawes.Need to be fit to negotiate the building..Thanks again to Debra who was so helpful to myself.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Special heritage experience, pet friendly and excellent location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Janette S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful building well maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Yes, we didn't take our dogs because we weren't sure of the fencing situation, but now we can see it is very secure.We enjoyed our stay very much. The locks on the gates could do with some CRC as they were hard to turn, the gates need some attention too, the small gate hard to lock from the inside. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Karen G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very cosy historical cottage in a good location. A secure yard for our doggie to wander around. Great restaurant within walking distance (The Emerald Room). We had a few cold blustery days during our stay and the two oil heaters kept us nice and warm.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nigel P.

Liked: Cleanliness
This historical property is beautifully maintained and is very peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

lorraine s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic heritage stay. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Siobhan O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Delightful Cottage

The Hermitage was the perfect stop-over for this group en route further north. We needed a comfortable place to rest after a long day of driving with an infant and 2 dachshunds. The cottage itself was very comfortable and perfectly catered for our needs. We felt safe, warm and the space and privacy, as well as proximity from the coffee strip, felt like luxury, particularly for the 4-legged friends. Highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lars S.

Amazing to stay in such a well maintained, historical, and cozy place.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Karen G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely historic cottage in a great location. Fabulous restaurant within walking distance. Pet friendly, our little doggie loved the secure yard. Comfy bed and the oil heaters kept us very cosy during the cold nights.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the simplicity of staying in this beautiful historic home. Great yard for the dog.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Janine

Travelled with partner
We admire Monsignor Hawes churches & history so it was very nice to experience our stay in one of the his buildings.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely delightful! This has to be one of the best places I've stayed, a true hidden gem. Everywhere you turn is a picture perfect angle of beauty! Highly recommend staying in this charming property.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A beautiful cosy place to rest and relax.We loved the sitting area where you could relax by the window and comforable chairs. The beds were also super comfortable.We felt at completely at home .
Front which is inviting and completely private and secure.
Bedroom which is cosy and super comfortable bed.
Beautiful stained glass windows bringing in light and colour.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Peter F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly what was advertised very good
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Callum S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stunning

The history and the architecture is stunning. The idea of something so elegant tucked away into central Geraldton is something everything has to experience. My fiancée and I are definitely going to be staying here again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Rachel W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute

Great for the dogs to run aroundBd was really comfy
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaye T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful cottage

We loved our stay in the quaint cottage. The history, the architecture, we loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025