Top stays in Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands
Whether it’s a special occasion, or just a reason to escape the daily grind, we’ve put together some top-tier accommodations in the Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands.
The Bowral News
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For many, the harsh and uninterrupted presence of Covid has meant cancelled international and domestic travel plans and more than two years of staying in the same place.
Though getting a proper rest remains to be as important as ever, especially during times of collective stress, and one can simply look to their backyard for a much needed, uncrowded getaway.
We’ve compiled the best of the best of the Southern Tablelands and Highlands, as suggested by Stayz travel expert Simone Scoppa, for you to have a relaxing time at a home away from home.
Whether it’s at a heritage church, farm, tiny house or more, you’ve got a lot of unique options for you to choose from.
Southern Tablelands
The Shed, Chatsbury
Sleeps six
Perfect for an extravagant farm stay
Owner’s Liam and Lotte call their accommodation an “all rounder,” suited to young families, couples and groups of friends.
“Being just 2.5 hours from Sydney, and 1.5 from Canberra it’s the perfect country weekend escape from the city.”
“It’s secluded with minimal reception, so it’s a spot to spend time connecting with people around the firepit, cooking pizzas in the pizza oven or playing cards outside on the deck (with an audience of Angus cattle in the paddock beyond!).”
Freshly converted from a shearing shed, hence its name, it’s complete with an outdoor kitchen including a built-in BBQ and pizza oven, overlooking green undulating paddocks and maintained pastures.
The accommodation offers an a fire pit area on the outdoor deck, as well as two open fireplaces for the colder nights, and airconditioning for the hot ones.
The home has three bedrooms, one modern bathroom and an expansive open plan living and dining area.
One reviewer said “(It was) away from everything, traffic, noise, people.
Another said “We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend to anyone wanting to take a break from their busy lives.”
The Church, Laggan
Sleeps eight
Perfect for one or two couples or a small family
Ever wanted to tick a novelty stay off your list? Well this luxury accommodation converted from a church should do the trick.
Located just 8km outside of Crookwell, this heritage stone church is in a quiet, elevated location overlooking the historic village of Laggan.
The church was built in 1876 by the Presbyterian congregation surrounding Laggan and used until 1943, before being bought by a local farmer and used as a shearing shed until the early 200’s. Then in 2009, the current owners bought and converted it.
Owner Mike Sandberg boasts how the accommodation is a mixture of old school charm, with original features like timber floors still being retained, and contemporary interiors.
The accommodation has two bedrooms with queen sized beds.
The large dining and kitchen area has a fireplace, where you can relax with a book on the couch or tub chairs, and in the separate lounge area, there is a TV.
There is also a fireplace in the bathroom “to provide a little luxury to with the large freestanding bath.”
For activities outside the home, Mr Sandberg recommends the local restaurant Laggan Pantry and Brewery, and nearby winery Willowvale Mill.
The Cottage, La Estancia Myruna
Sleeps eight
Perfect for outdoor activities, families
Located in the quaint town of Marulan, owner Emilia described The Cottage as a “great getaway.”
“I don’t think many people would get the chance to stay in a place so remote & peaceful yet so close to all that the Southern Tablelands/Highlands has to offer,” Emilia said.
It is situated within 30 minutes of Bowral, Berrima and Mossvale.
The home was abandoned 70 years ago, to then be brought back to life and most recently renovated 12 months ago.
It offers three bedrooms in a stand alone house on 1500 acres of working land.
“The Cottage is suited to everyone, whether it be for a couple to enjoy a quiet romantic getaway, a family or two or a group of friends!” Emilia said.
The owner also offers tours and sheep sheering around the property, where you will find black angus cows, Merino sheep, Alpacas, and horses – a great activity for children.
You might also see Kangaroos, the occasional wombat, lorikeets and grass parrots, who pay regular visits to the area.
“You can enjoy walking around the property, nature, the farm animals a BBQ on the deck or roasting marshmallows around the fire pit,” Emilia said.
“I also provide farm fresh eggs on arrival and a jar of honey from our bees & milk to get you started.”
In case there weren’t enough activities, there are also board games, cards and a TV that you can entertain yourself with inside.
Coolabah Farmhouse, Bungonia
Sleeps six
Perfect for young families and country living
Not far from Goulburn, Coolabah Farm House is nestled on 100 acres of scenic land in Marulan.
The gorgeous open plan spaces and three bedrooms are fitting for families or a group of friends, and the unique rustic interior design screams high-end farm living.
One reviewer said “This property has some of the most quirky pieces I’ve ever seen used to decorate a house. Whoever was involved in putting this place together, congrats on exceeding all expectations of a farm house.”
Owner Antoinette Nigro describes the accommodation as “the perfect family holiday destination.”
“Perfect for young families who want to escape the city and enjoy all that country life has to offer,” Ms Nigro said.
— with so much to do and see like feed the ponies, collect chicken eggs, try yabby netting, sing songs by the campfire, take a scenic bush walk, cook a pizza in the woodfire oven or just relax on the swinging outdoor daybed and take in the all the beauty around you.”
One guest said “Having breakfast on the patio overlooking the fields felt like Italy with the roses in bloom it was a breathtaking view.”
Coolabah Farm House is only 10km from Bungonia National Park and a local winery. The house is also pet friendly.
Edgar Winery House, Lake George
Sleeps three
Perfect for romance and minimalist living
Tiny houses have been all the hype lately and this one is a treat – situated on a winery, overlooking the mystic Lake George.
Guests can bask in the stillness of nature, whether it’s by watching the sun set and rise over green plains and the lake, stargazing, lighting a camp fire, or doing a hiking trail that heads up the mountain ridge.
Co-founder of Tiny Away, Jeff Yeo, spoke of why this experience is worth having.
“Tiny Away was created for guests to truly disconnect, recharge, and enjoy a minimalist lifestyle with loved ones,” Mr Yeo said.
“It’s all about leaving the worries of the daily grind behind and really connecting with the natural surrounds – and explore more of the region.”
The tiny house offers a well-equipped kitchenette, aircondition and heating, as well as a queen bed upstairs and a sofa bed, which can be converted into a single bed.
The bathroom facilities follow ecologically sustainable principles, including a waterless eco-friendly compost toilet, hand basin and shower.
Edgar Lake George Winery House is located ten km away from Collector and just down the road from cafe Olive Grove.
Southern Highlands
The River Cottage, Joadja
Sleeps eight
Perfect for weekend with the girls, family or couple getaway
If you’re looking for a breath or fresh air, River Cottage offers a modern and comfortable country escape in the heart of Greenstead Valley in Joadja.
Located just twenty metres from the banks of the Wingecarribee River, guests can fall asleep to its soothing sounds and admire it from the two bedrooms or porch.
One reviewer said: “This is a beautiful, well appointed and comfortable property in a very special location. To hear the river running the whole time as well as waking up to the stunning views really made for a very special weekend away.”
After a day of adventuring, guests can light up to the fire pit in colder months, as well as snuggle up on the leather lounge in front of the fire place inside.
“Two hours south of Sydney CBD, River Cottage is the perfect amount of country-luxury to escape to,” Owner Fiona Green said.
The Lodge Farmstay, Fitzroy Falls
Sleeps 4
Perfect for active families, animal lovers
Located on a working farm in Fitzroy Falls, The Lodge is a welcoming farmstay for families.
Owner Ciara Grace said families love to stay to be “a farmer for a morning”.
The farm has all the animals you’d expect, like sheep and cattle, plus a few more, like miniature pigs and peacocks.
Visitors are taken on a morning tour of the farm where they where they feed the animals and walk the horses. Ms Grace believes it’s this personal touch that makes The Lodge so popular.
“The interaction with the animals and the tour in the morning makes The Lodge a bit different,” she said.
Ms Grace said she and her partner are delighted with the happy guests and the positive reviews and they’ve received in the five years they’ve been running.
“They get the pretty gardens, they have the place to themselves, and they get a farm,” she said.
Sherwood Park, East Bowral
Sleeps 13
Perfect for large groups, family reunions
The motto of the owners at the spacious Sherwood Park is “best value in town without compromise” and guests certainly agree the property is top tier.
Sherwood Park is situated on two acres and backs onto a nature reserve, so guests can enjoy a secluded rural stay with the centre of Bowral a short drive away.
It’s the ideal home for large gatherings or reunions, as there’s plenty of room for everyone and lots to do.
Walnut Cottage, Burrawang
Sleeps 4
Perfect for romance, relaxation
Walnut Cottage is the rustic heritage cottage of many travellers’ dreams.
The cottage was built in 1861, which is perfect for guests wanting the full historical Burrawang experience.
It doesn’t hurt that the cottage is close to local favourite The Burrawang Hotel pub.
Guests are not short of praise for the home, with one guest calling the cottage a “hidden treasure” and another crowning it “perfect holiday accommodation.”
Jellore Cottage, Berrima
Sleeps 4
Perfect for travelling with pets, longer stays
Jellore Cottage is a heritage home with all old world charisma and modern luxuries.
Owners Paul and Lorraine Hinchey emphasise the personal touch as hosts, doing everything from gardening to cleaning themselves.
“It’s sort of like grandma’s house in the country that you used to visit as a kid,” they said.
“We’re most renowned for our wide breakfast range and our well-stocked fridge.”
Guests also love that Jellore is pet-friendly and fenced, so both pets and people can enjoy the large backyard.
The Hincheys were delighted that Jellore Cottage is one of the most popular accommodations in the Highlands.
“It makes it worthwhile when there are positive reviews,” they said.
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