The Old Church B&B

A quaint and historic church is home to The Old Church B&B in South East Queensland's beautiful Scenic Rim.

As pretty as a picture, The Old Church is located in a quiet valley in Milford, just five minutes from the rural township of Boonah. Surrounded by rolling hills and stunning scenery, this B&B offers a tranquil and relaxing retreat, giving guests the opportunity to do as little or as much as they desire. 

Originally built in 1874 by locals, the Old Church has been restored and extended, providing three guest rooms, all with ensuites and scenic outlooks. Rooms are beautifully decorated and very comfortable with each having its own balcony, where late afternoon drinks or a morning cuppa can be enjoyed whilst soaking up the view. Bathrobes and aromatic toiletries add that extra touch of luxury to a stay at the Old Church B&B, where the stresses of everyday life quickly fade away.

The mezzanine of the actual church is divided into three areas and accommodates one queen bed and three singles. This area is vey cosy and romantic yet also appeals to the kids, being cubby-like with its sloping ceilings. Guests staying in the mezzanine have their own spacious bathroom below, complete with a rustic claw foot bath.

Once used as a paddock and parking lot for horse and carts, the grounds are now a wonderful mix of cottage gardens, Australian natives, fruit trees, herbs and a vegetable patch. There are many quiet spaces in the garden where reading a book and a little solitude can be enjoyed. Resident hens and rooster lead an idyllic life here and will guarantee you don't miss the dawning of the new day.  Local birdlife, wallabies and neighbouring cows add to that blissful feeling of being in the country. 

When it comes to relaxing, there are several spots where guests can chill out, including the garden, a long verandah with rural views, or a sunny deck overlooking the property and gardens. Another deck boasts a fire pit where stargazing of an evening can be enjoyed.

Included in the tariff here is a continental breakfast which includes a variety of cereals, yoghurt, seasonal fruit, juice, tea and coffee. A special treat at breakfast time is freshly baked sour dough - baked daily by host, Harry Wever. Hot breakfasts can be pre-arranged at extra cost.

Harry offers guests warm hospitality and is happy to provide information about the property and its interesting history. After eight years of hard work transforming the Old Church into the outstanding destination it is today, he's understandably proud of his B&B. With its vaulted ceilings, church pews, pulpit, fireplace and original timber floors, the Old Church transports guests back to another era.

Guests here can enjoy local walks, visits to wineries, scenic drives to lakes and dams and discovering the Scenic Rim and the rural township of Boonah with its cafes, restaurants and country pubs. Also worth a visit is the historic Dugandan Pub, just down the road and a great spot to enjoy lunch, dinner or a cold ale or two.

For those keen on cycling, this area is full of opportunities to get out and about on bikes.  Also a slice of paradise for shutterbugs, the photographic opportunities here are endless. The Boonah Visitor Information Centre will arm visitors to the area with a wide range of things to see and do during a stay here.

Nice to know - The Old Church B&B also offers boutique accommodation for bridal parties (great for wedding preparations, photography, wedding night accommodation and guest accommodation) and is a breathtaking venue for intimate weddings and/or receptions. It is also available for workshops, retreats and intimate functions - call and speak to Harry. 

In a nutshell - Whether it's a romantic weekend away, a family get-together, a fun weekend with friends or a special celebration, the Old Church B&B is a beautiful venue to be enjoyed, savoured and remembered long after your stay. It really is a little slice of heaven.

By Sandy Ludinski

The Old Church B&B is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com