Weekend Away: Mudgee review

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This was published 10 years ago

Weekend Away: Mudgee review

28 Rocky Waterhole road.

28 Rocky Waterhole road.

Lynne Whiley finds one of Mudgee's newest self-contained cottage stays well-suited to families and couples alike.

THE SETTING

Views over paddocks of lucerne in one direction, vineyards and more grazing land in the other, 28 Rocky Waterhole Road is a five-minute drive from Mudgee city centre. The energetic can cycle to town; the nearest winery is about 600 metres away, as the crow flies.

THE SPACE

A corrugated iron cottage with gable roof, big north-facing verandah, chic open-plan living area and two queen bedrooms, 28 Rocky Waterhole Road shares a driveway with the property's main farmhouse but is sufficiently far away to maximise privacy. Only the property's dog, a friendly labrador called Nelson, keeps an eye on visitors. The cottage has been built with new and recycled materials; the steel-trowelled concrete floor of the living area is super smooth and on trend.

Instant gas heating, ceiling fans and cross-ventilation means year-round comfort here. When we arrive the heating is on, the cottage is warm and no draught can be felt, despite the brisk winter wind outside.

The cottage's living area has picture windows, white walls on which modern art hangs, a central kitchen island-bench and separate dining table. The lounge area has comfortable leather lounges and chairs.

MOD CONS

All-new stainless steel appliances, plenty of crockery, cutlery and kitchenware, wine glasses (of course), sound system, a TV with excellent reception, and DVD player with a small selection of movies, including a few titles for young children. We're a party of two adults and two eight-year-olds, and their key mod cons are outdoors: a swing set, tennis court (racquets and balls are provided), and the labrador, who retrieves sticks thrown into a dam on cue.

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COMFORT FACTOR

Each bedroom at 28 Rocky Waterhole Road has a queen-size bed dressed with quality linen, with extra blankets at hand, and plenty of hanging space and drawers. A camp bed can also be placed in each room, for children. In the bathroom are plenty of towels, new soaps and body wash products. The verandah is set up with comfort in mind, too: barbecue, preparation table and chairs at one end, with another set of chairs and table at the other end.

FOOD

Despite being a self-contained stay, the continental breakfast included in the tariff is generous: a big bowl of fresh eggs, a litre of milk and another of orange juice, a selection of jams and marmalade, several types of sliced bread for toasting and a choice of cereals.

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

Moothi Estate is at 85 Rocky Waterhole Road; that is, across the road and up the hill. The cellar door has a large tasting area with seating overlooking the vines (moothiestate.com.au). Mudgee has more than 50 cellar doors and a wealth of restaurants and cafes, as well as the farmers' market (see mudgeefinefoods.com.au), so visitors are spoilt for choice.

THE VERDICT

A well-appointed and affordable cottage stay and a great base from which to explore the region.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Sydney, take the Great Western Highway or Bells Line of Road, then the Castlereagh Highway. Turn right onto Rocky Waterhole Road just before the Mudgee town limit.

ESSENTIALS

28 Rocky Waterhole Road, $180 a couple a night (maximum two couples). Children under 12, $25 a child a night. See 28rockywaterholeroad.weebly.com; visitmudgeeregion.com.au.

The writer stayed courtesy of 28 Rocky Waterhole Road and Mudgee Region Tourism.

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