July Holiday Availability
Closest Town: Dungog, NSW
Getting there: 2 hrs and 40 mins from Sydney
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 3
The Property:
Welcome to Wallaringa Farm, your luxurious rural retreat in the heart of the Hunter Valley NSW. Nestled among rolling hills and lush pastures, our farm stay offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.
The farmhouse comfortably accommodates up to 6 adults or 8 guests, including children. Our bathrooms are a haven of warmth and luxury, featuring waterfall showers, freestanding baths, and heated floors—a guest favorite! Inside, you'll find a spacious, open-plan living area bathed in natural light, offering breathtaking views of the undulating farmland. The large chef's kitchen is fully equipped for creating delicious meals. Cozy up on linen sofas for a game of chess by the architectural wood-burning fireplace, enjoy nostalgic tunes on the record player, or dive into a good book. We also provide board games and even an acoustic guitar for your entertainment. Outside, you'll discover various seating areas designed for relaxation and connection, whether with loved ones or with nature. The expansive green lawn is perfect for picnics or a game of soccer, and the fire pit invites you to share stories and meals cooked over an open flame.
About your local community:
The Hunter Valley community is a vibrant tapestry of local artisans, winemakers, and farmers. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the area by visiting local markets, sampling award-winning wines, and engaging with the friendly locals who call this beautiful region home.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
Can I only choose one? Wallaringa Farm truly offers a chance to slow down and savor life's simple pleasures, which I crave after the fast pace of city life. Everyday acts become moments of joy, from brewing a coffee with freshly roasted beans to listening to vinyl on the record player. There's nothing quite like sitting around the fire pit at sunset, soaking in nature's soundtrack of birdsong and the crackle of the fire as the sky shifts from cool blue to vibrant pink. For those looking to elevate their stay, we can arrange private in-house wine tastings featuring the best of the Hunter Valley, along with breakfast hampers, grazing boxes, and even chef-prepared farm-to-table dinners, all right here at the farm.
What is your favourite trip close by:
A trip to the quaint Australian town of Morpeth is always lovely. Stroll through its charming country boutiques, indulge in treats from the old-fashioned lolly shop, and stock up on delicious goodies from the local deli. I highly recommend visiting Boydell's Cellar Door too. If you can, make sure to enjoy a lunch or dinner at their restaurant—it's lovely.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Boots! Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure! Whether you’re visiting local wineries, or embarking on a bushwalk, you'll want to be prepared to make the most of your stay.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
Truth be told, we are actually accidental hosts! We opened our big barn door to guests in early 2023 and haven't looked back. We just love sharing the beauty and serenity of this land with others who have the same values as us; it's such a pleasure. Our goal is to leave the land in the best possible condition for future generations, and inviting guests to experience it firsthand is a wonderful part of that mission.
Come stay with us in the bush! This is where cherished memories are made, and we can't wait to share this special place with you.
Instagram:@wallaringa.farm
Facebook: Wallaringa Farm
Photography:@houseof_marz.interiors
Location: Cooma, NSW
Getting there: 4 1/2 hours from Sydney
Sleeps: Terrace One - Up to 6 adults, Terrace Two - Up to 6 adults
Bedrooms: Terrace One 3 bedrooms, Terrace Two 4 bedrooms
The Property:
Brought to you by Australian family-owned fashion retailer, birdsnest, Nest Stays offers boutique heritage accommodation with an extra touch of modern sophistication. Located in their home town of Cooma, NSW, the two lovingly restored terraces reside on picturesque and historic Lambie Street, just a short stroll to their store and the bustling heart of the town’s main centre. Founder Jane Cay and husband Oli have created a contemporary and stylish escape, it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, reconnect and treat yourself.
Both Terraces can accommodate up to six adults. Terrace One has 3 bedrooms and is perfect for couples, Terrace Two has 4 bedrooms with multiple configurations thanks to king beds that can split. Both terraces have two luxurious bathrooms including rain showers and an oversized stone bath in Terrace 2, fully equipped kitchen and cosy lounge. The dining space leads out to a private backyard patio including an outside kitchen with BBQ and bar fridge. Enjoy the latest smart appliances and the warm comfort of underfloor hydronic heating, plus luxe touches such as 100% linen bedding and Australian made and organic bath products by iKou.
Launched in August, 2022, the Nest Stays terraces have been proudly and thoughtfully restored, posing a beautiful new modern Scandinavian feel on the inside whilst keeping true to past charms. Built in the 1860's by a pioneer of Monaro architecture, James Mawson, the front facade and downstairs floorboards have been brought back to life, repurposed timber from the original ceiling trusses have been handcrafted into cabinetry for the kitchens and bathrooms, whilst the original granite stone walls now stand proud as design features in their own right.
Nest Stays not only specialises in luxury getaway accommodation, but also offers shopping and styling packages in birdsnest’s flagship Cooma store and newly launched nest lounge. Think bubbles, nibbles, a massive try on session and lots of laughs. Basically they are offering the ultimate excuse to escape to the country with your girlfriends. Partnering with locals to tie up their gorgeous town and experiences in a bow for you to effortlessly unwrap and delight in.
About your local community:
Known as the capital of the Snowy Mountains, Cooma is a lively multicultural community with all the allures of a charming country town as well as plenty of activities on offer. Discover the many galleries and museums, dine out on the delicious and diverse flavours of the area, indulge in some retail therapy or simply wander along historic trails and bush walks.
In terms of retail therapy, ‘Buying from the bush’ is made easy in Cooma with talented locals pouring love into beautifully curated collections at Alpine Abode, The Shearer’s wife, Charles Davies Gallery, Your House and many others you may discover. There is no chance you will go home empty handed.
Situated at the foothills of the iconic mountain ranges of Kosciuszko National Park, Cooma is surrounded by the rolling plains of the Monaro. Our region is an outdoor playground with endless opportunities to get out and be one with nature whether on foot, a mountain bike, horseback, or your choice of a single or double snow gliding plank contraption!
If you are not a skier, boarder or rider of any type - never fear - your feet can get you an up close glimpse of all the magical spots. If you visit, we will make sure you have a map to discover them all!
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
The property is so newly renovated that we have not had a chance to stay ourselves and have been experiencing it through hosting.
One of our first guest reviews described walking in the door like receiving a literal and figurative warm hug, while another likened it to visiting a spa retreat and our favourite was hearing it was like staying in a ‘five star hotel’. One husband said let’s cancel the dinner booking so we can soak it all in, while another guest expressed disappointment they didn’t plan more time just to hang in the terrace. So far all of them have said they would be happy to move in!
It seems that the terraces themselves have a reset button, helping those who enter instantly unwind and relax. So I think you can comfortably plan not much at all :)
What is your favourite trip close by:
Cooma is the perfect place to base yourself whilst exploring all that is on offer in Southern NSW. Within a 1.5 hour drive you can be on the ski fields, in the nation's capital Canberra or lying on the beaches of the South Coast.
While we love all these spots, we think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you can discover and enjoy on your front door in the town of Cooma and we are on hand to help you plan your perfect getaway!
Guests should not forget to pack their….
As wardrobe wingbirds we can't help but love a packing checklist, so this one is actually practical! It is super helpful when you are in a rush throwing that bag together
CLOTHING - underwear and pj's (so often forgotten!), activewear (maybe!), comfy casual (definitely!), out to dinner outfit (hopefully!) and matching accessories (possibly in our dreams)!
FOR OUTSIDE - OK so the monaro can have 4 seasons in one day - it is always handy to have a puffer jacket and beanie if you are heading out for walks
TOILETRIES - just your favourites (+ prescriptions!) as we have yummy body wash, shampoo, conditioner and hair dryers
TECH - phone, headphones, charger, out of office message :)
EXTRAS - sunglasses, water bottle, a good book and if you are like us way too many shoes!
Please give us a yell if you have forgotten anything when you arrive, I'm sure we can help, even with a good book!
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
We love Cooma - it is the hometown of our birdsnest store and HQ. Most people know Cooma from passing through on their way to explore the mountains or south coast, but we think it is an undiscovered travel destination that can stand on its own two feet with plenty to offer visitors! Our mission in restoring these beautiful homes was to create a luxurious nest for not only our customers from far and wide to come and enjoy, but to also give other visitors an excuse to stay awhile and soak up all that the region has on offer. Oli and I fell in love with the building and with only a week until the auction, we pulled out all the stops to make it ours. The restoration has been a labour of love (sweat and tears) over the last year and we are thrilled to finally be able to host guests.
Book via birdsnest
Instagram: @neststays.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/neststaysbybirdsnest
Instagram: @eldorado_cottage
Website: https://www.elisecroker.com.au/eldorado
Email: hello@elisecroker.com.au
Closest Town: Golspie, NSW
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
Overview:
An off-grid Scandinavian inspired farmhouse that rests high on a hilltop in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Purpose-built north facing to capture warmth & energy from the sun. Eldorado boasts 360-degree views from a highly elevated position, 900m above sea level. The design is based on green principles, ultra insulation properties & is entirely powered by a 4 KW solar system. The black exterior provides a stark contrast with the surrounding bushland. Large glass windows & doors take advantage of the uninterrupted views.
About the Community:
There are no people, traffic or noise except for native birds & the occasional bleeding from a lamb calling to its mother. Located 25 mins from Taralga & Crookwell. Approx 3 hrs from Sydney and 2 hrs from Canberra.
The owner’s favourite thing to do at the property:
A very long sleep in followed by sitting around the campfire with friends drinking wine & eating cheese!
The owner’s favourite day trip nearby:
A long lunch at The Argyle in Taralga but soaking in pure isolation is the preferred choice.
Guests should not forget to pack their:
The person they want to stay in bed with all day… or winter woollies and boots for exploring… of course, wine and cheese...
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
It was 2018, the drought was still in full swing, I was nursing a couple of days a week & had 4 kids under 9 - I was keen for a creative outlet! We had a dilapidated house on our farm, that if it wasn’t maintained, it would very soon have been ready to bulldoze. My husband Craig was very obliging & open to my idea of “fixing it up”! We worked on the cottage every weekend for about 6 months. It needed quite a bit of work, new plumbing, electrical wiring & a solar system installed. I was inspired by the way Scandinavians lived in their remote farmhouses, cocooned & yet sheltered from the extreme winters. Eldorado Cottage has 360-degree views from a highly elevated position at 900m above sea level. We can often have snow falls in winter which is quite majestic - the remoteness is palpable. Overlooking vast farmland can make us feel & respond to the environment in different ways, usually filling us with a sense of calm.
How does a last-minute getaway sound? These properties have partial or full availability for the winter school holidays!*
*Availability as at 6th July, 2023. Check direct with property for current availability
Location: Warren, NSW
Getting there: 6.5 hours from Sydney
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
The Property:
Our Cottage is a motel-style room with 1 Queen and 2 single beds, microwave, small fridge, toaster, kettle and reverse cycle air-conditioning. Bathroom and separate toilet at one end. BBQ on verandah. The cottage has an open verandah on three sides.
The Cottage is set in our garden, but is quite private for customers, with an entrance away from Homestead entrance. It is also a safe spot for their vehicles.
The Macquarie river is about 50 metres from the Cottage and we are 4 kms from Warren township. We have a walking path from our Front gate which goes to The Weir or into town.
Our property is ideal for Bird Watchers.
About your local community:
Warren is a small country town in the Central West of NSW. Warren has a Bakery, Returned Services Club with restaurant, Golf Club also with restaurant, a number of gift shops and coffee shops.
The Macquarie Marshes are a lovely day trip and Nevertire is 20 kms away with a lovely Pub and another Gift / Coffee shop.
Warren also has a very new Museum / Art Gallery and the Windows on the Wetlands is an interesting spot for Bird watchers and art exhibitions and coffee and walks. Dubbo Zoo is a day trip.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
Gardening, cooking, walks and day trips.
What is your favourite trip close by:
Dubbo Zoo, Macquarie Marshes, Nevertire or Collie Pub for lunch and the Cotton Farms and Cotton Gin between Warren and Nevertire. Warren also has a lovely Race Course often known as "the Randwick of the West".
Guests should not forget to pack their…
Warm clothes for winter months as it does get cold, especially at night. In the summer months: Hat, Sunscreen, Mosquito Cream and a fly veil when walking.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
We have had this small cottage in our garden since we moved here 27 years ago and have used it for extra family members if needed. In the last 18 months, we have decided to make more use of the Cottage, our children all live away from Warren so the cottage is not used apart from some school holidays.
Book by contacting Ree via:
Email: annemareeazar@gmail.com
or Phone: 0457 803 323