River Drive Motel
This warm, old-school motel has been sympathetically redesigned by a Melbourne-based wife-and-husband duo.
Overview
Revitalised motels are having a moment in Australia. Here to join the party is River Drive Motel, an idyllic countryside escape that pays homage to the natural landscape.
Designed by wife-and-husband duo Kate Hannaford and Dic Coates, the boutique, five-room motel is nestled along the Tarwin River in South Gippsland and conveniently located close to Venus Bay and Wilsons Promontory.
The self-contained rooms have been sympathetically designed with modern sensibilities by the couple's Melbourne-based design and event agency, Moth Design. A relaxed palette of eucalyptus greens, earthy tones, and vintage pink highlights feature throughout the rooms.
"We wanted to reinvent the concept of what holiday accommodation can be, by providing a home away from home that is both modern and nostalgic. We love the idea of being able to simply drive up, unpack and enjoy your own adventure," Hannaford says.
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Artwork comes in the form of a curated collection of upcoming Australian and First Nations works, which is set to rotate regularly. A locally-stocked mini bar highlighting Gippsland producers is a beautiful touch, and includes WaWa Chocolate, Love Tea, A.R.C Wines, Loch Distillery & Brewery G&T and Gurneys Cider.
For something a bit more substantial, the motel offers all-day, seasonal grazing boxes from locally-based caterer Acacia Edibles. Boxes can be pre-ordered and delivered to your door.
A large communal garden area complete with BBQs, picnic tables and a nostalgic old shed filled with family-friendly games completes the warm property.
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Images: Albert Comper.