A historic garden estate in Melbourne’s south-east has reopened to the public, after being closed for nearly ten years. Drift over to the charming Clover Cottage Estate, and feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Established around 1890, this three-hectare venue is a rare remnant of Berwick’s early settlement period. Since 1979, it was also a beloved local restaurant. Now, the estate has been reborn, with a restaurant and brasserie that you can visit, and plans to open the homestead for accommodation next year. Clover Cottage opened to the public last month, and bookings are available now.
Clover Cottage Estate
The estate has been carefully restored, with original features mingling with more contemporary touches. The venue was once home to tea baron and conservationist Frederick Tuckfield (of Ty-nee Tips Tea), who oversaw the expansion of the gardens, and had a particular interest in breeding new kinds of camellias. As you amble through the established gardens, you’ll find traces of his legacy growing in the garden beds. You’ll also see enhancements, like the bubbling fountains, put in place by Clover Cottage’s former owners, Trevor Burr, John Chipperfield and Engelina Chipperfield.
Today, the venue is under the steady hands of Mark Protheroe, co-owner of Paradise Valley Hotel and The Recreation, and wife Katrina Bruckner. Step inside, and choose between a classical dining experience in The Restaurant, or a more casual affair in The Brasserie.
Food and drink
For an unhurried, fine dining experience, treat yourself to a meal in The Restaurant. Surrounded by marble fireplaces, glowing chandeliers and oil paintings, you can indulge in a two or three course meal, along with carefully curated wine. Graze on European-leaning dishes, such as beef tartare, osso bucco and margret de canard. For dessert, try a classic Bombe Alaskan mess, a tasty almond and tigernut frangipane tart, or check out their dreamy cheese trolley. The Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Meanwhile, The Brasserie offers a more casual choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu available for the kids. Start your day right with breakfast favourites like omelettes, French toast and croque monsieur, or enjoy a heavier main like steak frites, gnocchi or market fish. You can also graze on charcuterie, or end things on a sweet note with crème brûlée or bread and butter pudding. Dine inside, or enjoy terrace seating while overlooking the garden.
The original homestead, which gave Clover Cottage its name, is currently being restored. Guests will eventually be able to hire a one, two or three-bedroom space. They aim to open up the accommodation in 2027.
This establishment is open daily. For bookings and more information, click here.
📍54 Manuka Road, Berwick VIC 3806
