Peter & Delveen Wakefield
Avalon Homestead

ph 08 9574 5050 | mob 0409 574 505

381 Julimar Road, Toodyay WA 6566
PO Box 845, Toodyay WA 6566

email us

"On behalf of Northam's Avon Descent Organisation I would like to thank Avalon Homestead for providing services to help ensure the 2009 Avon Descent was another success. Your support and cooperation given to the Association in the lead up to and throughout the event is greatly appreciated. We look forward to our partnership in the future."

Kevin Harrison, Chairman | 2009 Avon Descent | Aug 09

"Friendly and accommodating staff, clean and modern facilities, great rural location, quality catering...and a cappuccino machine! The mix of professional conference facilities and relaxed rural surroundings at the Avalon Homestead was perfect for our 2 day regional Telecentre meeting."

Julie Symons, Regional Coordinator | Mid West, Gascoyne & Northern Wheatbelt | WA Telecentre Network | Apr 09

***** A fantastic Venue
"I highly recommend Avalon Homestead to anyone looking for somewhere to stay in the Avon Valley. We held a workshop here in early March 09 and everybody was very impressed. The homestead is ideally set up for groups of around 30 with its large meeting room and spacious dining, lounge and undercover outdoor areas. The hillside setting is lovely with its valley views and the rooms are clean and comfortable. But I have to say that Avalon's greatest assets are its owners Peter and Delveen! They are truly lovely people. Nothing is ever too much trouble (and boy did we test this!) and their service is second to none."

Patrick | CSIRO | Mar 09

"Thank you for the time we spent with you and the lovely service which we experienced during our time with you. We appreciate the trouble you went to, to ensure our stays were pleasurable."

Brett Jones | Cre8 - Life changing results, coaching and seminars| Nov 08

"Thanks so much Peter and Delveen. You made me feel really special. Thank you for all your hard work, in helping Fred organize the surprise party, which was a huge success."

Shirley | Sept 08

"Thank you very much for putting up with us last week and for accommodating our needs. We really enjoyed the venue, food and the entire experience. Will definitely keep you in mind for anything else we have in the future."

Sinvana Galluzzo | National Australia Bank | Jul 08

"Thank you Peter and Delveen for your hospitality.  Our stay was wonderful and your efforts in undertaking the task of Wendy & Chris's wedding was outstanding."

Sandra & Michael | June 08

"Our thanks for your wonderful care of us through this weekend."

The Healing Group | 2008

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend at your homestead. Thank you so very much for the warm and friendly atmosphere that you have created. I felt like I had been welcomed like a long lost part of your family. What you have done with the homestead is just wonderful. It was not just the surroundings that were lovely but also the kind and generous way in which you both attended to any little whim of ours. Be it large or small. Since being back home people have asked me how my weekend away was and I told them that it was wonderful.  Also I have recommended that if they need a weekend away they should come and see you in Toodyay. I am looking forward to next year already."

Julie Moore | Chook Scraps | July 09

"I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU from all the Chookscrap girls. We all had a fabulous weekend. You must be proud of your retreat as the rooms, food and service were all great. Everyone is talking about how wonderful it was. We definitely want to book again next year."

Tracy | Chookscraps | July 09

"Thank you for allowing us to have fun and laugh! Thank you for the beautiful food and comfy beds."

Shirley | Dowerin Scrappers | Mar 09

""I cannot believe a whole week has gone past since we left Avalon after our fabulous weekend. I apologise I have been so remiss in not sending you a note of thanks. The feedback from the w/e has been very positive and that is all thanks to yourselves. Each year I am so pleasantly surprised at the changes and the improvements you have made, you both work so hard!!! So once again thank you for all your efforts in giving us such a wonderful venue, food, and care and company. It is VERY much appreciated. I am already looking forward to next June. Cheers and best wishes for the rest of your busy season."

Gwen | Yarn Spinners | June 10

"Patchwork Pals. Eighteen ladies needing to find somewhere that would offer them everything they needed for their sewing addiction. We wanted beautiful surroundings, excellent accommodation, food and especially space for all our sewing machines, irons lights ect. It’s hard to find all these requirements in one place. One of our members suggested Avalon Homestead. So after a visit, and chatting to Delveen and Peter owners of  the Homestead we booked in. That was 2009. We have just had our 2010 retreat (absolutely brilliant)  and have booked ahead for our next stay in  2011. Putting into words how much we have enjoyed and look forward our weekend’s, does not do justice to the way Delveen and Peter go out of their way to be so accommodating. As I said before finding everything your group requires in one place is hard but Avalon Homstead had it all. A Big Thankyou From Patchwork Pals."

Therese | Patchwork Pals | May 10

"Thank you once again for a wonderful weekend. Great hospitality & food. Everyone enjoyed it immensely."

Barb | Rough Diamonds | Nov 09

"Ever since I started working at Handcrafters House I have been hearing about all these fantastic Raggedy Stitches retreats Michelle holds in Toodyay. Last weekend I was privileged enough to experience what really goes on at a quilting retreat, and I can tell you now, I am hooked and can’t wait to go again!!! Every time a retreat comes round Michelle's words ring in my ears “ You should come Nik, you'd love it!!” but with two small children, no family nearby and a husband who works away, my chances of escaping to the wilds of the country and sewing my bum off all weekend are slim!!

However, last weekend after nearly 3 months away, my dear husband returned and I jumped at the chance of going for just the one night, there was even a space for me to join in, the timing was perfect, I packed up my machine and headed off to Toodyay on a glorious sunny afternoon. Although I don't live in the suburbs or city I can see how people start to relax as they drive up the winding road further into the hills towards Toodyay. At this time of year everything is green and growing and it is easy to mellow and forget the stress and strains of the week past as you meander up the hill towards Avalon Homestead.

To go on a retreat like this you need not have years of sewing experience or be a hardened quilter, a basic knowledge of sewing, a machine and a project to achieve are all you need for this weekend treat. Michelle really knows her stuff when it comes to organising these weekends, she has been coming to Avalon for years now and has it all down pat very nicely. She organises all the accommodation (single or twin), projects to do, food, games (yes Friday night games are a highlight of the weekend) and various other little things that make the whole weekend run as smoothly as possible.

Avalon itself is a fantastic place to stay, its all 4 star and Peter and Delveen are exceptional hosts, rooms are light and airy and have air con and heating and most have stunning views across the valley, the food is delicious and special diets are catered for too, the only thing you have to take is some beverages.

A wonderful sewing room is set up ready for our use, once you set your machine up it is there for the weekend and you can pretty much come and go as you please, some will sew into the wee small hours while others sit and chat and others will be up at the crack of dawn, heads down and needles flying!!! All in all it is a great place to go where you can do as little or as much sewing as you like, most will complete a project over the weekend while others are content to finish old projects started before the retreat and some like me use it to catch up on class projects for the next month!!! Its a great way to make new friends and catch up with old ones and one thing you will go away with is more inspiration and a fuller address book!! Raggedy Stitches retreats are run around 4 times a year and book up very quickly, so whether your on your own or with a friend come away and spend a relaxing weekend sewing in Toodyay, you won't be disappointed. See you there."

Nikki | Raggedy Stitches | Sept 09 | www.raggedystitches.com

I have been taking groups of people on quilting retreats to Avalon for the last 4 years, and with each stay Avalon only gets better. It truly is a home away from home and is the epitome of relaxation, tranquillity and peace. The upgrades at Avalon only improve our stay even more, and it's the little things like cappuccino machines, TV's in every room, quality furniture and linen that count. Delveen and Peter really know how to look after their guests, and Peter's cooking is fresh and filling, without going over the top. Service is impeccable and nothing ever seems to be too much trouble. Our retreats are far more productive since the refurbishment of the conference room, no longer do we struggle to see at night, as the new improved lighting allows us to sew well into the night without any eye strain at all! Cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter with the new reverse cycle aircontioning in each room and the conference room, Avalon is not longer a seasonal visit, we can go all year round! It is little wonder why my quilting retreats fill up so quickly, I used to do one a year, and now I am booking four for 2009! I always leave Avalon with a great desire to get back there as fast I can for the next retreat!"

Michelle Pearson | Raggedy Stitches | Nov 08 | www.raggedystitches.com

"I want to thank you for a very enjoyable stay at Avalon and especially for your care over my diet."

Thia | Blackboy Hills Quilters| March 08

"Your very kind gesture in donating a voucher to be Raffled at our Bentley Seniors' Club 15th Anniversary, staying at your delightful sounding Guest House, has been greatly appreciated. From the lovely pictures we have seen and the description heard, many of us are hoping we can visit your little corner of the World ourselves one day! We wish you both many years of Joy and Success at Avalon Homestead Guesthouse."

Bentley Seniors' Club| February 2009

"A BIG THANK YOU on behalf of myself, Sue Robyn and all the ladies from HILLS COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP, LEISURE FOCUS CRAFT GROUP we want to say thank you so very much for our wonderful stay at Avalon.  Your Hospitality, Friendliness and Kindness is truly appreciated."

Michelle | Hills Community Support Group | Sept 09

"We all had a great time there and those of us who had stayed there a few years ago, agreed that AVALON HAS IMPROVED 100% in all ways. My Gideon Camp members were trilled to hear that you had Gideon Bibles in every room and that I had presented the testament to you.  God bless you and your young lad. Hope to visit again some time .   All the best for your future."

Clem | Church of Christ Maylands Seniors | May 09

"I just thought I would send you guys a note to say thank you for our stay at Avalon Homestead.  The feedback from all carers and staff who attended the retreat was that a brilliant time was had by all.  A common theme from everybody was the personal touch from both of you and that nothing seemed too much trouble.  The rooms were comfortable and appropriate to all needs. The food provided by you was great and plentiful, too. For my part, I thought the dining and lounge areas were exactly what we needed for our nightly activities and to have use of the barbecue and fridge made our own catering a breeze to complete.  The tariff and catering charges were reasonable which was important, given that funding provided to hold these retreats is not significant. I intend to pass my positive experience onto other carer groups as the opportunity arises."

Rob Gronow | Multicultural Respite Services, City of Canning | Mar 09

"We cannot thank you enough for your wonderful hospitality and help you gave us on our holiday.  The lovely accommodation just topped the cake. We hope to return in the near future, and wish you well over the coming months. Hamish also sends his thanks (Hamish - the guide dog)"

Liz, Staff & Volunteers | The Association for the Blind | Sept 08