If you love the country then Roomba’s @ Mt Aitken is for you! Vicki and Simone have taken great care to create a beautiful rustic atmosphere at Roomba’s showcasing the best of country living and flair. Their new ceremony room is cosy with the ambiance only carefully chosen vintage decor can impart. With beautiful views, great food and accommodation on site and nearby, what more could you ask for? Here, Vicki tells us all about Roomba’s @ Mt Aitken.
Where is Roomba’s situated and how far from Melbourne city is it?
Only 35 minutes from the CBD located in Melbourne’s Macedon Ranges.
Image by Dreamlife Photography
Please describe your buildings/venue and gardens – do they have any historical significance?
The building was constructed in 1974 from blue stone originally used in the streets of Port Melbourne. Roomba’s renovated & refurbished the venue in February 2012, creating the perfect setting for a modern/country style function. With our sleek black bars in our classic foyer area, and a touch of French provincial fittings surrounding our warm & cosy fireplace, makes it the perfect back drop for your special occasion.
The high roof made up of ceiling beams were collected from the Dalgety Wool store established in 1884, giving the venue a spacious feel.
Our magnificent staircase that once held pride of place in the Masonic Lodge in South Melbourne, Victoria, leads you up from the foyer to our Bridal room furnished with that country French provincial touch.
Image by Lizzy C Photography
What options do you offer for wedding ceremonies?
When booking your wedding reception at Roomba’s, you may also wish to consider having your ceremony with us. You can choose to hold your wedding ceremony inside or outside – who cares if it is raining as you have both options on the day.
You can choose to hold your ceremony under our wrought iron gazebo in our gardens, under our trees or simply inside. Your indoor ceremony has the unique experience of walking through the old cellar to reach our ceremony room called the ‘Oak Room’.
We have are also opening our new Ceremony Room in the Barn Shed which will hold up to 100 comfortably.
Please describe favourite outdoor and indoor locations for the ceremony?
We are very excited for the new Ceremony Room to open and we are having fun creating the look we want from what our customers have requested. My favorite spot is the balcony area in our current ceremony room in the Oak Area.
New ceremony room – image by Roomba’s @ Mt Aitken
How would you describe the ambience of the reception room?
With the new copper fairy lights across the beams and the new iron style lighting in the main room, I would say it creates a very rustic and romantic mood. It creates a perfect back drop for pictures. Along with a beautiful backdrop that we have also created for behind your bridal table, adorned with lovely fairy lights.
Is this room big enough for a dance floor to be alongside the tables?
Our dance floor is at the front of the room and provides ample space for all of the guests to get up and dance freely.
You have an in-house chef. What is his favorite dish on the menu at present?
James’ current favorite dish is his Burnt Sage butter Agnolotti. A dish I have personally tasted a number of times.
Image by Roomba’s @ Mt Aitken
Do you plan the menu on a seasonal basis, using regional produce?
Yes we do for our accompaniments alongside the main dish.
What regional produce do you particularly love to use?
Our local husband/wife business that are local and deliver high quality (produce). Along with the herb garden we have created on the property for our selection.
Are you able to assist with food and wine/drink matching?
Yes I have been in the liquor industry for many years and do enjoy a wine myself. Therefore I am definitely able to help the couples with their choices.
Are the bridal party and their guests able to meet at Roomba’s for a next day breakfast after the wedding?
No. Unfortunately I am sleeping in or possibly re setting for another wedding J
Image by Ashley K Weddings
Are bridal couples able to bring their own vendors – for example, cake, flowers, wedding planner/stylist, or do you have preferred suppliers?
We are happy to recommend suppliers but yes of course we meet and liaise with their suppliers of choice.
What do you love about helping bridal couples to organize their weddings at Roomba’s?
We feel the joy and excitement with their ideas and especially when I am able to add the extra touch with our own decorations and help make suggestions to help them with their vision.
Is there accommodation for wedding guests nearby?
We have a Guest House on the property to sleep 8, with 3 bathrooms, dining room to seat 12, kitchen to seat 8. Every room has a split system, including the bedrooms. The Bridal room has a king size bed, retreat & ensuite. Room 2 has two super king singles. Rooms 2 &3 have queen size beds. Washing machine/ dish washer /fully equipped kitchen. Outside BBQ, situated on one and half acres.
Image by Oastler Images
What activities are there in the area for guests to do if they wanted to make a weekend of it?
Plenty of wineries in the area and olive groves, also strawberry picking when in season. A 10 minute drive to the country town of Gisborne and not far from Woodend & Kyneton, where they all have their Sunday markets.
What do you most enjoy about living and working in the area?
I love working in the area, as it is regional and you just seem to relax the moment you arrive.
Image by Lizzy C Photography
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
I love looking after my grandchildren and apart from that, arts & crafts and collecting anything old that can be used at the venue. I also love my wines, as we also are owners of a liquor store; we are privileged to taste a variety, which then enhances our function center.
Thank you Vicki for sharing your story. A beautiful venue with rustic touches aligns perfectly with the country vistas of the Macedon Ranges area. To find out more about Roomba’s @ Mt Aitken visit the website.
Headshot by Roomba’s @ Mt Aitken.
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