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Thornton Country Retreat Bed & Breakfast

Lockyer Valley Bed & Breakfast Accommodation. Take your foot off the pedal and breathe in magnificent scenery as you drive deep into this historic, rural valley

Thornton State School 1880 - 1965

The Lockyer Valley would have to be one of the most underated regions in South East Queensland (SEQ), and with so much to offer, it has to be one of the new discovery areas in tourism.  Steeped in history, you cannot help but be mesmerised by the character of the small hamlets dotted around the region.  Every one has something different to offer, and all are linked by short country drives that will fill your stay with realaxing and enjoyable adventures.                                                              

Thornton Country Retreat Bed & Breakfast is only 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast; 50 minutes from Toowoomba; 30 minutes from Gatton and the University of Queensland, Grandchester, Plainland, and 15 minutes from Forest Hill and Laidley.

Thornton Country Retreat Bed & Breakfast is situated deep in the heart of the valley bordered by the Great Dividing Range and the Little Liverpool Range and together with this magnificent scenery and luxury accommodation, you will have a visit to remember.

Avalon Cottage is part of the story of Thornton State School began when it was decided that the other smaller hamlets of Mulgowie and Townson were too far for some children to travel.  A very generous farming family by the name of McGrath, donated 14 acres of land to the School Authority in 1880 and the school doors finally opened in 1889.  Many children rode over the range for miles on horseback to attend and the track they rode can still be ridden to this day.  The school soon became a local meeting place for many social functions, including Saturday night dances. 

The old school house is now as it was then, with the exception of extensions at both ends which have been added to carefully reflect the original style and the 14 acre property on which it stands is still the original parcel of land.

Appreciate the original school rooms with their 16' VJ walls and marvel at the large amount of Silky Oak timberwork.  The interior has been decorated in an old world theme to compliment the school and the walls are adorned with many original paintings and sketches from local artists to preserve the original character of the property.

The headmaster's house is some 100 metres down the road.  A tennis court once stood behind the headmaster's house, but unfortunately, for reasons unknown, it has been removed.  The Headmasters' house was the first radio and parcel station in the area, and the daily weather forecast reports attracted a regular gathering of farmers.

We warmly invite you to spend one, two or more nights at Thornton Country Retreat Bed and Breakfast and you will leave feeling refreshed and revitalised.