Entire home

Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden

Photo gallery for Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden

Front view with outdoor parking for 2 cars and a short stroll to Bright centre
Spacious back deck steps into Norala Garden and on to the Ovens at back gate
King Bedroom
Bathroom (with toilet to the left)
Queen Bedroom (with Ensuite)

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Bright, VIC
  • Bright City Clock Tower
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Bright Visitors Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Ovens River Rail Trail Bridge
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Falls Creek, VIC (FLC-Falls Creek Helipad)
    ‪102 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

King

1 King Bed

Queen

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Ensuite

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden

THE COTTAGE: This one of a kind private holiday cottage furnished with special things like our European antiques to enjoy a special ambiance. Open fireplace (slow combustion stove), books, CDs, TV/DVDs, complete cooking facilities incl. BBQ, spacious timber deck, a hot bath and ensuite; all these we trust will make your stay unforgettable!

HORTICULTURAL: Norala Garden is a BRIGHT OPEN GARDEN icon and was highly recommended on 3AW Big Backyard in 2014, featured on Gardening Australia and in The Garden Lovers Guide to Australia. Garden lovers will delight in the splendid renowned garden, established by Norma McGown and Alma Stanhope in the 1960s. Their landscaping story is local lore and the garden is a testament to their love of beautiful European landscaping with extensive English-style dry stone walling and terracing. Lovely Bakers' Gully runs through the property and normally provides great water feature to while away the time.

LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION: At 77 Gavan St, you have Bright's center at your doorstep, and can try award-winning restaurants without having to drive!

FLY FISHING: Personally crafted maps with up to date information about fishing hot spots and fly-patterns are provided. A sure-fire way, to catch a local, naturally spawned trout!

PEDALLING: A healthy and refreshing way to tour the region. This means you can sample the local wines and the region's best produce in style.

HOME GODDESS/KITCHEN KING: Hate having to buy the good oils and spices for dressing your meals on your weekend away? Our kitchen supply of olive oils will complete your gourmet meals, the oils you choose for cooking we leave up to you!

LUXURY COMFORTS: You can enjoy the creature comforts of an open fireplace with wood supplied. It will keep the cottage extra warm during those cool High Country nights.

The Cottage

Mrs. Simpson is a newly renovated cottage, and has been furnished with luxury linens from the USA, toiletries and a mixture of modern and antique European furniture.

Mrs. Simpson backs onto the Ovens River and is in the heart of Bright village.

The cottage is equipped with 2 bedrooms and sleeps a maximum of 4 guests:
- 1st Bedroom with queen bed and attached private ensuite and toilet
- 2nd Bedroom with king bed (can be made into 2 singles upon request for longer stays)
- Bathroom with bath, shower and separate toilet
- Spacious, modern living area with sofa, comfy chairs, TV/DVD, Bluetooth Sound System and CD player with CDs
- Real fireplace (wood provided)
- Open plan kitchen with all the modern trappings (oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer). Vinegars, fine oils and spices provided to dress up your salad.
- Laundry with washing machine, dryer and plenty of hooks to hang up your waders or raincoats
- Large verandahs and timber decking with comfortable chairs and tables for dining or afternoon drinks


The boring bits

PETS (neutered / spayed dogs) on arrangement.

PRICING and availability is always at the discretion of the owners. Upon booking we require a deposit. Complete payment and bond are due 2 weeks before arrival. Note that bookings through Stayz/Homeaway include fees that are payable to them that we do not control.

Cancellation - we fully refund a booking if cancellation is made 2 weeks prior to arrival. Between 2 weeks and arrival we will retain the deposit.

Due to heritage status of Norala Garden STRICTLY NO PARTIES

Mrs Simpson at Norala Garden is Non Smoking.

Unfortunately we cannot accept families with children under 8, and children have to be supervised by an adult along the creek at all times. This is because Norala Garden has direct and unfenced access to Baker's Gully, which is a seasonal creek that can flow strongly at times, and contains a few deeper pools.

Property manager

Mike van de Graaf and Mette Schepers
Premier Host

Languages

Dutch, English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Children under 8 not allowed due to creek access
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
If prior to your stay you have symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat please contact us to reschedule as we are flexible about cancellation.
Strictly no smoking property inside and out. That also applies to vaping.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bright

Located in Bright, this cottage is in the city centre and on a river. Bright Golf Club and Ringer Reef Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Centenary Park Streamside Reserve and Canyon Walk. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bright, VIC

What's nearby

  • Bright City Clock Tower - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Bright Visitors Centre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Centenary Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Bright Splash Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Ovens River Rail Trail Bridge - 3 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Albury, NSW (ABX) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bright Brewery - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Beechworth Bakery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Gum Tree Pies - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Sixpence Coffee - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Sir Loins Bar and Grill - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Garden located?

Located in the heart of Bright, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Centenary Park Streamside Reserve, Bright City Clock Tower and Bright Visitors Centre. Alpine Visitor Information Centre and Canyon Walk are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 77 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 77 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alessina B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from Home
Loved every minute of our mini holiday away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. The garden was calming and together with the CD player and classical music CDs, time drifted by. Great location, super comfy bed. Our kelpie, Stardust was very settled too. Thank you for sharing your property with us.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful paradise so close to the heart of Bright
This was our third or fourth stay at this property, fair to say we love it. Beautiful home, full of character and very well equiped. Amazing gardens and just a couple of minutes walk into town. The hosts are very responsive and accomodating.
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

joe m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise at bright
The best property we have stayed at beautiful gardens just a very relaxing stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great weekend love the place
Great weekend love the place Work well for us thanks regards Ian and Lyn
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mrs Simpson’s Cottage = love ❤️
We loved our stay at Mrs Simpson’s in Norala Gardens. The cottage is on spacious land with the most amazing garden which was all ours during our stay here. The garden was in bloom during our stay so the colour in the garden was stunning. The water that runs through the garden makes this place extra special and the bird life is an added treat. The cottage itself was very comfortable and relaxing and even though it is close to public spaces it is secluded and private. The fact that the cottage and garden are both dog friendly was a huge bonus. Our 2 senior dogs loved exploring the space and sun baking on the porch. The cottage is a very short walk to the Bright town centre which is filled with great food and shopping. We were very happy with our stay and will return.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

susi w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
The garden at Mrs Simpsons Cottage was amazing to walk around. The cottage itself is warm, cozy and comfortable. We would recommend staying there in a heartbeat.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
My family (2 adults, 2 teenagers) had a lovely stay in the cottage. The ground are incredible and the location is perfect for walkability to all the sights of Bright.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short Weekend Getaway
We stayed here for our short weekend getaway in Beautiful Bright. The location was perfect, a stones throw away from the centre of town. The home had everything one needs in a home with a wonderful warm and cozy feel. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mrs Simpson cottage bright
Beautiful cottage with awesome garden and everything you could possibly need for a perfectly peaceful weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent position and excellently presented
Mrs. Simpson is perfectly positioned between the Canyon walk and the central shopping area and with the most wonderful garden. We were quite taken by the thought with which the kitchen was equipped with every item one would wish for one’s own home. As much firewood as one would want was supplied for the fireplace and, if that were not to keep one warm enough, an air-conditioner, oil heaters and electric blankets certainly do so. Wifi is not provided, but that was not a problem because I brought my own Starlink satellite receiver. We tried to re-book for the folowing year but, alas, it is too popular.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karwyn P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Slice of heaven
This delightful cottage and gardens exceeded all expectations. Communication with the hosts was warm and thoughtful. Will definitely be back! Thankyou Mike and Mette
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage
Our stay at Mrs Simpson cottage in Norala Garden was absolutely supberb. The cottage is welcoming, beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean.The gardens are magnificent. We loved wandering around them. Definitely recommend this cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ricky G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
The home and the gardens were amazing the location was walking distance to center of the Bright Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to stay in Bright
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquility in the heart of Bright
Our second year of staying at this beautiful relaxing property, with a third year now booked. Beautiful and extensive gardens, perfectly placed near the heart of bright, and a particularly well equipped kitchen to allow you to indulge your culinary skills. The only missing ingredient to this property is Wi-Fi.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Kerrie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Beautiful garden excellent location easy walk to great restaurants and all Bright sites. Given it is high end accommodation disappointing no wifi.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best ever garden
Overall fantastic , in the middle of town , loved the garden, very relaxing thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

J G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect location !
Magical cottage on an incredible plot of land in the perfect location. Could not have asked for a better stay :) Would happily come again!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Catherine Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
Stunning garden with a bright airy cottage. Perfect location to enjoy Bright and the walking track at back of property.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rose Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Cottage and Super Convenient Location
Mrs Simpson Cottage was a delight! The gardens are absolutely stunning with a running creek and fairy-like winding paths throughout! We loved using the fireplace at night as it made the cottage warm and cozy. Our dogs also loved their time at Mrs Simpson. Thanks again for sharing such a wonderful place!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property
We had a great time all the family, specially the dog . Best back yard, the best location. Everything was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sally M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway
We loved the opportunity to relax and read in front of the fire in the evening, while enjoying the beautiful garden as we sat on the back veranda for breakfast. The cottage is perfectly positioned with a 2min walk in to town with a gate at the back of the property that meets the walking track along the river. A perfect getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Long weekend stay
We had such a wonderful time staying at Mrs Simpsons. The house was perfect for staying cosy and warm inside, and the gardens were amazing with the creek gushing through. You couldn't find a more convenient location. 5 stars all round and already looking forward to returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nick N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property
The most beautiful gardens set in the heart of Bright. Great location extremely close to the heart of town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enchanting
Mrs Simpson Cottage in Norala Gardens was truly an enchanting stay in a beautiful, autumnal Bright. The cottage is cozy, clean and has those small touches that feel as though you are in a home. The location so close to town and with back garden gates that lead onto the walk by the Ovens: everything is right on your doorstep - that’s if you want to leave the beautiful gardens. Communication with Mette and Mike was flawless and I thank them for having such an incredible property available. If you are looking for a storybook stay in Bright, then look no further. I never wanted to leave!
Stayed 9 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Cottage in a great location
We enjoyed our stay at Mrs Simpsons Cottage and Bright. Autumn is a lovely time to visit, with beautiful weather, trees and mountains. The hosts were very helpful, the cottage was welcoming and comfortable in a great location. Lovely property with large back yard...
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mike van de Graaf and Mette Schepers

Host profile image
We love Bright, the outdoors and the amazing Norala Garden that is ours to caretake for the next generation and yours to enjoy when you choose to stay at Mrs Simpson.

Why they chose this property

Garden; Ovens River at back gate; in town. Park the car and enjoy a real break.

Languages:

English, Dutch

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests