Birch Creek

Two self-contained farm cottages on 40 acres between Red Hill and Dromana: The Mavis sleeps two, The June sleeps four. Both have open fireplaces and an outdoor tub. The property has friendly goats, which sounds like a detail until you have arrived on a cold afternoon and found that it is, in fact, exactly the right detail.

Dog-friendly on 40 acres, the most space per dog in the Peninsula cottage category. Less than five minutes from Red Hill or Dromana, which means the market-and-cellar-door loop is easy without sacrificing the rural feel. Listed on Riparide and Airbnb; the fireplace-and-farm proposition comes in well below winery-estate villa prices. The June cottage suits a small group or family; The Mavis is the couples option.

Best in the cooler months when the fireplace earns its keep. Book the June for four; book the Mavis for two; bring the dog either way.