Chateau Wyuna began as the dream home of artist Clarence Earle.  The original buildings were constructed inside a loop of the Olinda Creek, in bell bird country, in the early 1900s over a period of nine years.

The fireplaces and chimney came first with an excellent stonemason positioning the individually selected stones to Earle’s design.  From here the main building was built by Earle, helped by Pat and Jim Clancy (who worked on and off with him for six years).

Timber was felled, barked and carted three miles to the site by a six horse team, and allowed to season for five years before being used.  The largest logs are 60 feet in length.  Except where they were broad-axe dressed to sit squarely together, the logs were left untouched.

All square timbers such as interior doors were dressed with the adze giving a textured smooth finish.  Most of the furniture, made of stringybark, is built-in.

The only non-local part of the house is the marble bath which was fed with water from the creek through a copper faucet.  This modelled on Dame Nellie Melba’s, as she was a friend of Earle’s and a regular visitor.

With this fascinating background, the Log Cabin was opened to the public as a restaurant ‘Chateau Wyuna’ soon after the second world war.  Burt Lancaster was a notable visitor when in Melbourne.  Wyuna is aboriginal, meaning ‘on running waters’.

Since then the original buildings have been combined to make the interesting and unique character-filled reception centre it is today.  The log cabin is now used as a bridal retreat with ensuite and office.

In 1985 , a charming addition was the beautiful classic weatherboard church from Montrose.  Originally built in 1909, the old Church of Christ had outgrown its population and was transported to its present site.  Both the original log cabin and chapel are heritage listed.

The team at Chateau Wyuna is proud of its heritage and equally proud of the services it offers for weddings and functions.  Every detail is discussed with our clients to ensure your special occasion is exacttly the way you want it and one to be remembered by all who attend.