Are you seeking a relaxing, intimate getaway without the crowds or common areas that can be found at hotels? Does the idea of retro board games fireside with a glass of red in hand appeal to you? Or how about unwinding in your own private hot spa, set on an impressive, private acreage with rolling hill views?
The Hunter is home to some of the top hotels in the state, however, we are also fortunate enough to claim a cluster of hidden gems, self-contained cottages, houses and hideaways scattered throughout the region. Take the intimate approach to the region next time you’re in Wine Country and discover your home away from home with us. Here is a list of some of the top cosy cottages, hideaways and houses we are loving this chilly season.
Mistress Block Vineyard
Mistress Block Vineyard, a heritage listed, iconic Hunter Valley Shiraz vineyard, offering three different boutique accommodation options on the property. With stunning views of the vineyards, mountains and the valley beyond, Mistress Block Vineyard is centrally located in Pokolbin with easy access to local wineries, restaurants, championship golf courses, bushwalks and many other local attractions. With sweeping views across the Lower Hunter region and across to the Watagan Mountain range in the east, Mistress Block Vineyard's accommodation comprises of three separate unique and private dwellings located on the property. The Studio, The Pavilion & The Homestead*.
On arrival The Homestead takes pride of place, cut into the side of the hill with commanding views of the vineyards below. The Homestead is spacious with an open plan living, kitchen and dining area. Warm yourself by the fireplace in winter and enjoy air conditioning, ceiling fans and access to the 10 metre pool in the summer.
The Pavilion is spacious with an outside patio overlooking the pool, with stunning views across to the Watagan Mountains. An ideal place to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility.
The Studio sits directly above the Shiraz vines of the Mistress Block Vineyard and its unique position offers unparallel views towards the east and on a clear day as far as the Stockton sand dunes on the coast, just north of Newcastle.
Cottages on Mount View
Nestled high up on the tranquil hill of Mount View, Cottages on Mount View offers a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life at their secluded 120-acre patch of bushland paradise. Book the deluxe spa cottage and stay in one of the newly refurbished, fully self-contained cottages featuring an impressive four person spa with views straight to the stars and woodburning fireplaces. Relax in the hammock and enjoy the peace and the wonderful sounds of nature. Close enough to many of the cellar doors but far enough away to experience the perfect getaway.
Cedar Creek Farm Cottages
Peacefully residing in the tiny, historical town of Wollombi roughly 20 minutes out of Pokolbin, Cedar Creek Farm Cottages await you for the perfect country side escape this Winter. Each of the seven self-contained residences reflect the history of the area, either built from convict brick, sand stone or timber slabs in the style of early settlers and furnished to make you feel right at home.
The Settler's cottages rest on the hillside overlooking the Wollombi Brook Vineyard, each named after three Napoleonic War Veterans who possessed the original land grants here; the Goldmith's, Howell's & Shadforth's. The Farm Cottages are set along the edge of the Cedar Creek Vineyard, each with a woodfire, full kitchen, bathtub and secluded private verandah, and the impressive sandstone two bedroom Grove Cottage sits above the cellar on the edge of the Poplar Tree Grove. Whilst all different, each cottage is fitted out with a full kitchen, wood fireplace, bath and aircon.
McCaffrey's Estate Accommodation & Cellar Door
McCaffrey’s Estate is home to two, two-bedroom cottages each set on a 25-acre family owned and operated vineyard. Both cottages have their own slow combustion fireplaces perfect for snuggling up by the fire on the cool winter nights. Start the day with a morning stroll through the vineyard and a wine tasting in the cellar door. Hear the tales of life amongst the vines, as you enjoy a tasting of the boutique wines. Spend the afternoon at one of the many local award-winning restaurants for a long leisurely lunch, and as the sunsets relax by your private outdoor firepit with a glass of wine and soak in the beauty of the Hunter Valley.
Misty Glen Cottage
Enjoy a taste of the Good Life at Misty Glen Cottage, unwind with a glass or two of Misty Glen Wine in the one-acre garden with your friends or family and perhaps take a stroll in the vineyard. If you are looking for genuinely pet friendly accommodation, then look no further! Misty Glen Cottage is the perfect place for dogs and their humans to relax and unwind for a few days. The Cottage is set on a secluded part of the vineyard with a one acre fully fenced garden, so plenty of space to run around and play in.
The Edge Villa
The Edge Villa is a truly luxurious tri-level, open plan nest located in Mount View, the heart of wine country, Hunter Valley. It has a modern, sophisticated design that takes luxury and romance seriously. Self-contained, the villa is perched on the edge of Cedar Creek and sits within six private acres in a pristine mountain valley. Purpose-built as a couple’s retreat, this unique space is well known for being one of the most sort after luxury accommodation options in the Hunter Valley. Glass stacker doors open to large verandah, which overlooks the creek bed and perfectly frames the expansive mountain views. This is the ultimate vantage point to view the abundant wildlife which frequent the property.
