Drive up to the striking facade of Beechworth’s Linaker Art Deco Motel and you’ll feel like you’re taking a leap back in time. The building is situated in the heritage-listed May Day Hills gardens surrounded by plush lawns and leafy greenery, some of which dates back to donations from the Royal Botanical gardens in the 1860s. Though the motel has retained its mid-century roots, rooms have been renovated for maximum comfort and cosiness.
Those in the know about some of Beechworth’s more hair-raising history will recognise the location as that of the decommissioned Beechworth Asylum - the Linaker rooms being the former nurse’s quarters. Take a walk through history in a daytime tour of the grounds, or steel yourself for a chilling Asylum Ghost Tour at night.
If ghost stories aren’t your thing, fear not. The motel is a mere 12-minute walk from Beechworth town centre, or two minutes by car, where delights culinary and otherwise await. The region is renowned for its condiments (did someone say Beechworth honey?), wines, cheeses and more - so come with an empty stomach.