There is nothing quite like Aura Luxury Retreat, the result of a grand flight of the imagination. Part 1910 railway carriage, part timber cottage, Aura is an impressive synthesis of history and contemporary interior style. Leather lounges, funky lamps, great art and soaring windows that look out over a Balinese water feature make an idyllic setting.

The three bedrooms are spacious, cosy resting places in the railway carriage, which has been ingeniously incorporated into the retreat. Steps lead up to an attic lounge and the main lounge (centred on a roaring fire), which looks out over a manicured lawn towards towering gums. The hosts have lived in the region for 20 years and pride themselves on exquisite touches such as handmade soaps, a bottle of Rosily wine, homemade jams and seasonal fruits and vegetables from their abundant orchards and garden.

If you love surfing, this is a sophisticated hideaway for boardies (five minutes to Redgate Beach) and honeymooners will delight in Aura's romance and style. Kangaroos bound past and you can enjoy bushwalks on the property and the adjoining national park.

Location: 286km or 41/4 hours south of Perth. RA 80 E1. CR UBD 1 A6.
Facilities: One house: three bedrooms (two queen and one twin single), lounge (log fire, satellite TV, DVD, CD), dining, full kitchen, bathroom (spa bath), loft lounge. BBQ. Selfcatering. Visit this property's website