With a stay at this apartment, you'll be centrally located in Melbourne, within a 15-minute drive of Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena. .This apartment is 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Melbourne Central and 7.8 mi (12.6 km) from Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
St Vincent's Private Hospital - 5 min drive - 1.9 km
Fairfield Boathouse - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
Getting around
Alphington Station - 4 min drive
Flinders Street Station - 19 min drive
Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Ora - 15 min walk
Skinny Dog Hotel - 6 min drive
Postmaster Hotel - 7 min drive
Willo Cafe - 15 min walk
About this property
Gorgeous 2 Bedroom apartment in Historic Willsmere - with pool and pet friendly
Built in 1872, Willsmere, the former Kew Asylum, with it’s Victorian Italianate architecture is an icon of Melbourne’s history and culture. Located just 6 km from the CBD, Willsmere is close to Melbourne’s sporting venues and arts precinct. Catch a tram to the Australian Open. Enjoy the walking trails and flying fox colonies along the River Yarra or play a few rounds of golf at Yarra Bend. Relax at the Willsmere pool (currently under refurbishment and available from December 2024), practice at the tennis courts or watch the sun go down over the city.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned apartment, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Fenced private pool
Heated pool
Outdoor pool
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1.5 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
On a river
Things to do
Gym
Heated pool
Tennis
Cycling nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 5
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Gorgeous 2 Bedroom apartment in Historic Willsmere - with pool and pet friendly Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 91 reviews
10 - Excellent
85
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 91 reviews
8 - Good
6
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 91 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
9.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
CHEREE D.
3 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
This was our second stay at Jo’s place and really enjoyed the apartment and beautiful gardens where we could safely walk our dogs. The area was secure and safe too. Only thing is that there is no WiFi which would have been handy to watch our own Netflix shows.
CHEREE D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Lilly W.
29 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Jo was very helpful when like a dope, I locked myself out of the estate.
Lilly W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Margaret N.
24 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Jo was super helpful. The apartment is well equipped and comfortable. Beautiful parkland environment.
Margaret N.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
bec c.
18 Jan 2026
bec c.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Peter H.
13 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Jo was a wonderful host, her directions and communication were clear, correct and inviting. Really enjoyed our stay thanks Jo,hope to stay again.
Peter H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
8/10 Good
Jenny P.
28 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely grounds. Apartment had most things we needed. Comfortable and relaxing.
Jenny P.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrew M.
1 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
What a lovely place. Conveniently located, yet peaceful. Really enjoyed the walk down to see the bat colony.
We did not know it was a former insane asylum so my daughter was spooked but I found it totally relaxing, restful and lovely.
Deb
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
John O.
22 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Property was well presented. Willsmere grounds are beautiful.
John O.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
8/10 Good
Constantine M.
4 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Good communications with host.
Constantine M.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michelle M.
31 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The host Jo was very easy to communicate with, I always received a prompt reply.The apartment was comfortable, clean and very cosy. The grounds of Willsmere are so beautiful and peaceful. A truly great place to stay.
Michelle M.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
gary d.
27 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
third time at Willsmere, a great historic place, the former asylum is a quite beautiful place where you can go for walks. spent halloween season here and had the best weekend. Jo is a great host and very responsive. as a history buff i enjoy this area and the nature surroundings. also close to get to city of melbourne for a night out. i can say i love Willsmere and enjoy time here when i do stay.
gary d.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
gary d.
18 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
a second time stay at Willsmere with my friend kelly and her mum. Jo's apartment is clean, comfy with all the essentials even heating. had the best time at the former asylum, a quite but beautiful estate. the ward museum and bluestone cells were open followed by historical presentation in the library. saw some beautiful cats and dogs that live on the estate. Jo is a great host and very helpful. i love historic willsmere. hoping to be back again someday. you can walk around the estate and discover the beauty and history. a great weekend away if you want to relax and soak in the peace at willsmere.
gary d.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cindy S.
11 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Such a unique property and history! Jo was fantastic and incredibly responsive. If you don't mind the bus, public transit is walking distance to get you anywhere you could want to go.
Cindy S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rodney M.
7 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Rodney M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jason I.
28 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very good accommodation
Enjoyed the stay
Jason I.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joanne N.
26 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
lovely place
it was a great place to stay, lovely area with plenty of walking spots for my dog. Close to city
Joanne N.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michelle B.
9 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great community feel
The property is surrounded by grassy play areas and lots of greenery. We took our dog and on leash walks within community grounds are almost endless. There is also access to walking paths for a bit extra. Access, most directly, is via group of steps. There are almost 50 in all. There is ramp access also which is reasonably easy to locate. We had everything we needed for our short stay. p.s. toilet is separate to shower which increases flexibility with one bathroom
Michelle B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
8/10 Good
Gillian R.
23 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy and charming
Welcoming ambience. Comfortable. Everything you need supplied down to milk, cooking oil, plus extras
Gillian R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Matthew W.
18 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Kew
Lovely property, accomodation had everything we needed. We loved it and will definitely stay again when next visiting Melbourne.
Matthew W.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
gary d.
2 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing weekend at Willsmere
Jo was a great host and left clear instructions. i enjoyed staying here, very peaceful and lots of historic buildings. lovely residents who chat and make you feel welcome. a beautiful deer hound named kite that we got to meet and beautiful labrador. had a swim in the pool on a sunny day. you can hear the birds chirping in the morning, and the atmosphere is quite but tranquil. also brang wi fi to watch movies. Jo's apartment is tidy and bed very comfy and sofa super comfy. i love the area of kew and in the future would come back. our stay at the former asylum was a great one i had the best time and sharing my historic knowledge with people. perfect for the last weekend of summer that then turned to autumn. also Yarra Bend park is amazing for a nature walk.
gary d.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
8/10 Good
Marcia D.
28 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Marcia
Beautiful surroundings, very comfortable and quiet stay with secure parking, and so much to do. Our grandchildren were kept busy all day with swimming, playing bocce, long walks, and barbecues. It is also in an excellent location to be close to the city. It is a wonderful place for all the family and our little dog.
Marcia D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Helen M.
6 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous unique apartment
My family (2 adults and 2 tweens) stayed at the apartment for our short stay over the New Year's Eve holiday break. It was the perfect place to base ourselves to explore Melbourne and surrounds. The apartment is cute, cozy, clean, and comfortable, and had everything we needed. The grounds are beautiful and provided a tranquil place to unwind in the warm summer evenings, including a relaxing dip in the pool. It is conveniently located close to amenities, and a short walk to stunning sunset views over the city and the NYE fireworks display. Jo is a friendly and responsive host. We would love to stay here again!
Helen M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Daniel K.
18 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Impeccable stay
What a find! Willsmere is a beautiful, tranquil experience. The grounds and buildings are so lovely. It really felt like an oasis from the city. We stayed with our old dog, who loved all the wonderful gardens. The apartment is well designed and perfectly appointed. We will definitely be back.
Daniel K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mizette M.
30 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Visiting Family
Beautiful peaceful stay. Calm and quiet with lots of fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Comfortable and beautiful bed.