The amazing holiday homes of the Blue Mountains, including secret tree houses and tee pees

SECRET tree houses, tee pees and romantic log cabins are just some of the incredible and unique places you can spend a winter weekend- and all this less than 100km from the city.

WHEN youÂ’re jostling for position on a city train platform, sitting in traffic or staring at seemingly endless stretches of grey concrete, it can be easy to forget the stunning, rugged natural scenery that lies about 100km from Sydney.

Bounded by the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers, the area gets its name from the famous blue haze that sets in when the sunlight mixes with drops of oil released by the eucalypts that cover the region.

The recent rise in rented holiday accommodation has seen a host of amazing properties become available for those looking to escape the city for a weekend or longer.

The area has long been a popular destination for Sydneysiders and many of its holiday homes really come in to their own in winter - so we’ve picked out a few of the best.

THE DREAM CABIN

The views are the major selling point for The Dream Cabin a secluded, romantic sandstone and timber property contained within 600 acres of wilderness.

The beautifully built, rustic site is scenic from almost any room, with a luxury bath house arguably the pick of the bunch.

Close to Bilpin in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park the open plan property can accommodate four people.

First two images supplied by: Australian Landscape and Travel Photography

News_Image_File: A perfect spot for reclining and taking in the scenery.News_Image_File: The cabin is primarily crafted from sandstone and timber.News_Image_File: The fire makes it an ideal destination in winter.

THE SECRET TREEHOUSE

When you hear the word treehouse you may think of a few planks of wood poorly nailed a couple of metres up in the garden, but this is a whole different ball game.

Perched high in the tree tops, and not for those with a fear of heights, this beautifully constructed shrine to wood offers a stunning open-plan lounge, with the tree growing through the floorboards, and an open fire.

The fenced balcony offers incredible views and, despite the signs warning grown ups to stay away, is an incredible experience.

All images supplied by: Australian Landscape and Travel Photography

News_Image_File: The tree house offers the opportunity to live in the tree tops.News_Image_File: The tree itself is incorporated in to the internal design.News_Image_File: The signs every tree house needs.

SEASONS OF MIST

Sitting high in the mountains, Seasons of Mist is situated just 15 minutes from Blackheath train station, a two-hour drive or train journey from the city.

The roaring fire and comfortable lounge room makes for cosy winter nights but it’s outside that the place really comes in to its own.

The spacious deck offers incredible panoramic views of the mountains, making guests feel part of the landscape.

News_Image_File: The perfect breakfast view.News_Image_File: The outside is spacious.News_Image_File: The lounge room, complete with open fire.

LOVE TEE PEE AND STUDIO

If you’re looking for a romantic break with a difference, the Love Tee Pee will certainly fit the bill.

Tucked in among the trees, the Native-American-style structure comfortably accommodates a couple and provides a great view of Bowen’s Creek gorge.

It even comes with use of a luxury spa bath and a pair of feather head-dresses to help set the mood.

All images supplied by: Australian Landscape and Travel Photography

News_Image_File: The Love tee pee is an unusual experience.News_Image_File: Head-dresses supplied.

For those who like their break a little more....indoor, the adjacent Love Studio offers a cosy alternative.

Complete with a wood stove, spa bath and self-contained kitchen, the location makes it easy to hide away from the world for a while.News_Image_File: The Love Studio: A perfect place to get away from the world.

THE WOLLEMI CABIN

The deck is king in this nostalgic and environmentally-sound dwelling.

Built in the style of the first white settlers to the region - the Australian timber slab cottage - the cabin is a real blast from the past but also offers the comforts of modernity.

But it’s when you step outside that it really comes in to it’s own with the timber deck sitting above a beautiful lush landscape uninterrupted as far as the eye can see.

News_Image_File: The deck is an ideal place to take in your surroundings.News_Image_File: The cabin is built in a traditional Australian style.News_Image_File: It is also environmentally sound.