The Tannery, Mudgee review: Captured by heritage charm

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 7 years ago

The Tannery, Mudgee review: Captured by heritage charm

Step back... the Tannery at Mudgee has heritage furniture and fittings, inside and out.

Step back... the Tannery at Mudgee has heritage furniture and fittings, inside and out.

A restored 1850s-built cottage in the heart of town is ideal for couples who like staying in, writes Jane Richards.

I TRIED once, twice, 20 or so times but the bathroom door handle was not budging. What to do?

It was the first morning of our stay in Mudgee and I had plans - like eating the breakfast I knew was waiting on the other side of this immovable door. It was also freezing. After some discreet yelling I managed to rouse my husband. Calls were made and I was told the cavalry, in the form of a locksmith, should arrive in 30 minutes.

It was not the best start to our weekend stay at the Tannery, an 1850s cottage in central Mudgee, but it could have been worse.

For a start, the bathroom was huge, so claustrophobia was not a problem. And while it was cold, the floor was covered with a warming nod to the cottage's heritage in the form of a large cow hide.

The stand-alone bath looked deep and inviting. I figured I could do worse than to jump in the tub, ask for a book to be slid under the door and sit tight until help arrived. What was I thinking? I quickly realised I did not want to be found in the bath by a local hero and so I waited 20 minutes or so with the help of some woollen socks, which also came under the door.

Twenty minutes later and I was out, drama over and toasting my toes in the sun on the back verandah with a generous breakfast - orange juice, fresh strawberries, berry yoghurt, jam and marmalade, bread and good coffee, all supplied at this beautiful cottage getaway.

The cottage used to house workers from the local tannery. The building looks simple from the outside but inside it is a revelation.

Beautiful but functional antiques are scattered through the house. Two fireplaces - a large central one behind a screen in the kitchen (which was lit just before we arrived) and another in the loungeroom, are kept beautifully and with plenty of wood provided.

Advertisement

The two bedrooms have heaters that warm rooms instantly. A stainless-steel kitchen is practical and complements the clean lines of the rest of the cottage.

But it's the little things that really set the Tannery apart - luxurious bed linen, hand cream, interesting magazines to read, fluffy towels and a bowl of fresh fruit in the fully equipped kitchen.

Having adjusted well to a bit of pampering, we ditch any thought of slaving over a stove and decide to eat out. We were planning to dine at Sajo's in the centre of Mudgee - lured after peeking in the window at its intriguing decor - but it was closed so we headed instead for a beautiful meal at the Cobb & Co Court Hotel.

The next day we were off to nearby Gulgong - the gold rush settlement depicted on the original $10 note.

Thankfully, although this time-capsule of a town seems to have barely changed since the gold rush, it has been spared the "dinkiness" of other historic towns, with no potpourri in sight.

The Pioneers Museum, featuring a restored Cobb & Co coach, spans a whole block and is worth a look, as are the Henry Lawson Centre and Gulgong's own Prince of Wales Opera House, where the great Dame Nellie Melba once sang.

Back in Mudgee, with deep reds, chardonnay and organic wines the area's specialties, wineries are well signposted, many off the same stretch of road just outside town.

Many offer lunch, while the Di Lusso Estate vineyard also grows and sells figs, olives, olive oil and saffron. After wolfing down a beef pie and a walnut and fetta salad at the Robert Oatley Vineyards, we marvel at the stunning views of vines from the Lowe Family Wine Co. cellar door.

For "dessert" we head to the High Valley Wine & Cheese company, where we enter cheese heaven.

Who knew fetta could taste so good with rosemary? With tomato? Chilli? Jars of the stuff joined the wine in the boot.

The writer was a guest of the Tannery and Tourism NSW.

Trip notes

Where The Tannery, 48 Lawson Street, Mudgee. 0413 383 359, thetannerymudgee.com.au.

Getting there Take the Great Western Highway for about 3½ hours until you hit Mudgee. Then stop.

How much Weekends: $300 a couple, a night (minimum two-night stay).

Style statement Think pioneers with a penchant for luxury.

Perfect for Two couples keen to explore the region, indulge in some MasterChef-style cooking or restaurant hopping, or one couple on a romantic weekend.

Don't forget A corkscrew. The wines we bought had corks and the corkscrew was one of the older style ones with no "arms".

Shame about Tricky locks. We had trouble closing the back door, too.

Kudos Bathroom toiletries and an overflowing bowl of lemons on the dining room table that came from an abundant, old tree in the backyard.

Take the kids? Why would you? The Tannery is a perfect romantic getaway. You want to be able to sit in front of the open fire without fearing that one of your lot will fall in it.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading