Cedar Grove, Jamberoo review: Space and time to spread out

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This was published 12 years ago

Cedar Grove, Jamberoo review: Space and time to spread out

Plush and lush ... Cedar Grove is surrounded by rolling hills.

Plush and lush ... Cedar Grove is surrounded by rolling hills.Credit: Mags King

Luscious pastimes meet Mosman-style statements in this sprawling home, writes Mags King.

ADELE is on the radio, hitting the high notes about setting fire to the rain; it's no competition to the rain that's drumming dents into the roof of our car. The thought of a dip in the infinity pool I saw online at the house we are heading for is a distant fantasy now as I wind the window down only to get a whiff of damp soil.

On a positive note, thanks to the wettest summer in memory, the south coast hinterland will be as green as the Emerald Isle, to be sure to be sure; plus, it's relaxing to hunker down on a wet weekend.

The decor is impressive without feeling overdone.

The decor is impressive without feeling overdone.Credit: Mags King

Jamberoo is a small village west of Kiama - the familiar sight of blonde-brick estates in this region seems to have nudged further into the lush hinterland. Thankfully, as the road ascends above Albion Park, the vista returns to the more scenic patchwork of dairy land in varying shades of green, speckled with black and brown cows. Vestiges of the once-subtropical forest are cabbage-tree palms dotted randomly on the hillsides and gullies.

Cedar Grove, our sprawling accommodation, is impressive; in fact, it would look more at home in Mosman than on a working 20-hectare dairy farm. With beautifully landscaped gardens, a generous driveway and a path leading to a double-fronted entry, we half expect a butler to appear.

A sparkly chandelier lights the foyer and a huge mirror reflects the look of amazement on our faces and a large hydrangea on an elegant console. It's a pleasant surprise that it's not made from silk.

The wee girls are off, hopping, running, enjoying the sheer space of the hallway. They quickly head downstairs discovering the huge sports room, where there is an apartment-size billiard table, a widescreen TV and a bar fridge.

Up in the family room, there's another huge television, complete with surround sound, a Blu-ray player, stacks of DVDs and remote controls to navigate a menu of multiple free-to-air and pay channels. The young girls still manage to work it out in no time and before I can ask how, I'm looking up Harry Potter's nostrils from the kitchen sink - which, in this house, is a fair distance.

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The proportions suggest grandeur but the house has been decorated as a home (albeit for the well heeled), not as a precious statement of wealth where you feel you have to tiptoe around. Having said that, it also has a butler's pantry. There are two fridges, one with an ice-maker, the other with a welcome plate of lemon cupcakes made by Allyson, who manages Cedar Grove from the west wing. Yes, it also has a west wing.

The kitchen is equipped to the hilt with enough accoutrements and toys to keep the pickiest of cooks happy; think of a spice and chances are, you will find it, along with bottles of olive oil and myriad condiments. The stone island bench runs long and wide like a runway between the family room and the formal side of the house.

The formal dining room and living area are furnished with fairly imposing furniture but it fails to clutter the gargantuan space. It's definitely a room for grown-ups, although even our group of thirty- and fortysomethings feel like juveniles sitting around the grand 10-seat dining table.

There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms - one en suite in the presidential-esque main bedroom and one main bathroom.

In the morning, the sun reveals a panoramic view that makes you gasp. The house, perched on Wallaby Hill, enjoys spectacular views across pasture land to the whitewashed coastline of the south coast. There is a 200-square-metre outdoor entertainment area that wraps around the back of the house. Allyson said to keep a look out for resident wombats, kangaroos and wallabies but, sadly, they are a no-show.

Around the pool, the cows are mooing as if to dare me to jump in. I accept the challenge and plunge into the ice-cold water with only critters swimming for dear life for company. I focus on the blue skies and the rolling hills and thank the handful of cows for making this surreal picture complete.

The writer was a guest of Destinations NSW.

Trip notes

Where Cedar Grove, 171 Wallaby Hill Road, Jamberoo. (02) 4234 2065, southcoastholidays.com.au.

Getting there Cedar Grove is 1.5 hours from Sydney. Take the Princess Highway-State Route 60, exit on Riverside Drive towards Jamberoo, then on to Jamberoo Road-State Route 80. Exit on Wyalla Road and continue on to Wallaby Hill Road.

How much From $1600 a weekend.

Style statement Mosmanite luxe meets countryside charm.

Perfect for Families and couples.

Don't forget To bring your wellies if you fancy a walk.

Shame about The lack of fly screens on some doors and windows — it would be lovely to feel the breeze sans flies.

Kudos For the lemon cupcakes and generous fruit bowl.

Take the kids Yes, they'll enjoy the space, the pool and the cows.

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