Accommodation Inner City, Village Atmosphere, Minutes 2 Everywhere
- Minimum stay:3-6 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Just 15 km or 20 mins by taxi from Airport. This Balmain property can accommodate 6 adults, plus 2 adults in the detached studio/separate rental: (VRBO ref: 360717) From June 2013 additional space to accommodate 6 adults will be available, enquiries welcome. Three areas described above can accommodate total 14 adults, perfect for a large group, with plenty of privacy!
Buses run every 15 mins. Ferries run every 20 mins to Darling Harbour & City (Circular Quay/Opera House, & North Sydney. Water taxi service also available. Close attractions include: Historic homes directly opposite, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, The Rocks, Star Casino, Aquarium, Chinatown, Fish Markets, Barangaroo, Cruise Terminal. Conveniently situated just minutes to Darling Street's vibrant cosmopolitan cafe/restaurant strip of the Balmain friendly village, transport is a breeze just 2 mins to bus, 7-10 mins to ferry, taxi, or bike ride, light rail to City. Transport is virtually at your doorstep. A brisk walk to the Ferry Wharf would take you just 7 minutes, and there are plenty of cafes along the way for brunch. A walk to the nearest bus stop on Darling Street, would take 2 minutes. A 12 minute ferry ride from Balmain to the City takes you past two of Australia’s most recognized icons. Under the spectacular Sydney Harbor Bridge and right past The Opera House to alight at Circular Quay. From the Opera House you can take a scenic walk along Sydney Harbour foreshore or through The Royal Botanic Gardens.
Parking is easy at this property, but in the heart of Balmain it is usually full and parking meters are installed..its a charming walk to Balmain shops. We are located on a corner with the house facing directly East, there are no other houses to the south, just the magnificent Anzac Bridge, Harbour & city views & the Cruise Passenger Terminal. There is a community organic vegetable patch on the verge, and anyone can pick what they need. Orange Grove Organic Farmers Market operates on Balmain Road every Saturday (7am-2pm) definitely worth a visit (catch bus # 445 & alight just before Orange Grove School)
In order to take full advantage of the location and views, the balconies have 11 extendable or adjustable awnings installed to the front, the side and back of the house.
Though located so close to the city it is blissfully quiet whether you are inside, on the roof top terrace or in the garden, everyday can seem like Sunday.
Restaurants, cafes, providores and bars, elegant architecture, boutique fashion, 3 separate markets every weekend and home wares abound.
Set in one of the world’s most beautiful cities we are located so close to the The Sydney Opera House, The Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, Anzac Bridge, Darling Harbour, and Casino, Aquarium, Chinatown & Sydney’s CBD. Balmain today is one of Sydney’s’ most sought after Inner City Habourside locations with an enviable, friendly family village lifestyle.
Formally a waterfront working man’s suburb, Balmain now has a gentrified village atmosphere with highly sought after real estate due to its traditional Victorian Terrace houses, cottages and proximity to the City. It also boasts some of Sydney’s finest views. By Australian standards, Balmain is steeped in history as it is one of Sydney’s and Australia’s first settlement suburbs.
Our property is architecturally redesigned, a decorated Victorian house positioned between Hampton Villa and Ewenton House, two of Balmain’s finest historic mansions. It has it’s own unique Italian inspirations with its Ochre Tuscan lime washed garden walls mounted by young espaliered fruit trees and the unique Positano inspired rooftop terrace and pergola topped by Bouganvillea, to offer both flowers and shade during your daytime summer alfresco dining or while lazing in the hammock. Lights at night make it just as enjoyable without the need to seek relief in the shade but to delight in the joy of the City night lights or Sydney’s world famous Summer fireworks. A wood fired Pizza oven is located in the garden. Inside there‘s a sophisticated colour palette, traditional style furnishings, polished Kauri and Baltic Pine floorboards throughout, high 12’ ceilings, and tasteful design features. The buffed and polished terracotta tiled kitchen floor is complemented by a large family kitchen which has generous white Carrara Marble bench tops and is well equipped with electric appliances, dishwasher, full upright refrigerator/ freezer, cast iron gas stove and oven with rustic tables and a massive Dresser at its heart. Bifold doors open to one of four external entertaining area and Garden. All bases are covered here because this is the heart of, not just one, but two passionate cook’s. Many fresh organic herbs and vegetables are always ready and available from the garden which of course is on an automatic watering system. You are welcome to use any of the food and spices we leave in the pantry at no extra charge. All of the staples will be there, bonus when you first arrive.
The house is fully furnished including hotel quality white linen and towels, china, glassware, flatware and cookware. Set on two levels, three, if you count the rooftop terrace. On the ground level is the kitchen, a combined pantry and laundry with WC, then the formal dining room and elegant living/lounge room with French doors leading on to a front patio with unobstructed City and Habour views. Both rooms have white Carrara marble surround fire places fueled by Natural Gas. Upstairs are the 3 bedrooms each furnished traditionally and complemented with original brass bed. There is an ensuite bathroom off the rear bedroom. Both front and rear bedrooms have sizable wrap around balconies offering extensive views to The Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Anzac Bridge, Darling Harbour and the Sydney City skyline itself with cruise liners berthing directly opposite the house. In summer you can expect some relief from the heat at about 11 am each day as the cross breezes arrive off Sydney Harbour.
In the event that you love the sound of this house but need another bedroom for the Nanny, teenager, parent or grandparent who prefer their own space but you need them safe and close at hand, we can help here too as the house does have a stunning self-contained unit (separate rental : VRBO ref 360717) that can be combined with the house rental or as a stand-alone option. If this sounds like it fits your requirements you would need to bring it to our attention so we could negotiate its inclusion during your stay.
PLEASE NOTE. If you wish to have the house to yourself and for us NOT to rent the studio to a third party you must inform us prior to confirming your booking. There is a common garden and entry. Your rate would be adjusted by negotiation.
Keywords: Inner Sydney Harbour, Rooftop, Vegetable Garden, Ferry, Bus, Bike, Light rail, Inner West, Views, Heritage, City Living, Village Atmosphere, Cafes, Bars, Shopping, Historic, Walks, Tourist, Fish Markets, Casino, Aquarium, Zoo, Manly, Bondi, Barangaroo, Cruise Terminal, Parklands, Foreshore, Cockatoo Island, Glebe, Rozelle, Lilyfield, Orange Grove Organic markets, Balmain.
Property Type
- 2 story
- House
- 100 m²
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Housekeeper Optional
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
- Long-Term Renters Welcome
Bedrooms
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
- Detached Unit
- Bedroom 1
- 1 queen
- 4 Poster Brass bed with direct view to the City skyline.
- Bedroom 2
- 1 queen, 1 murphy bed
- The middle room. Direct view 2 Anzac Brdge & Cruise Terminal
- Bedroom 3
- 1 queen
- French sleigh bed, arched windows, balconies & harbour view
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Dishes & Utensils
- Pantry Items
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
Amenities
- Towels Provided
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Parking Off Street
- Gas Fireplace
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Video Library
- Television
- DVD Player
Communications
Outdoor Features
- Deck / Patio
- Balcony
Theme
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Luxury
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
Location & View
- Car Not Necessary
- Ocean View
Activities
- Churches
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Tennis
- Wind-Surfing
- Cycling
- Surfing
- Hospital
- Medical Services
- Massage Therapist
- Laundromat
- Groceries
- ATM/Bank
- Fitness Center
- Sight Seeing
- Shopping
- Boating
- Whale Watching
- Marina
- Playground
- Recreation Center
- Zoo
- Museums
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Swimming
- Theme Parks
- Live Theater
- Restaurants
- Antiquing
- Gambling Casinos
- Outlet Shopping
- Walking
- Cinemas
- Golf
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Charming studio 5 stars!
Guest comment entered by ownerCharming studio 5 stars!
- Guest Mark & Elizabeth
- Date of stay 03/28/13
- Review Submitted 04/06/13
We had a wonderful stay and enjoyed the apartment.Thanks again for your hospitality. We hope to come back with our children and rent the big house someday!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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A Perfect Place to See Sydney
A Perfect Place to See Sydney
- Guest kathyd
- Date of stay 02/18/13
- Review Submitted 02/24/13
We are a group of four friends who stayed at Villa Bar Plus for a week in February, 2013. The house itself was wonderful, a comfortable home-like atmosphere, decorated with lovely antiques. A super kitchen equipped with everything. Several outdoor spaces with great views, beautiful landscaping and a great herb garden. We were lucky that Giacomo and Lynn were next door during our visit because they were perfect hosts No question or request was too much and they were wonderfully warm and friendly. We all left hoping we’d see them again soon. We also felt the location of the house was perfect. You could see Sydney Harbor and the bridge from the balconies. The ferry landing was only a short walk and ferries ran every 15 minutes into Circular Quay and other downtown Sydney stops. Other reviewers have mentioned the steep hill on the walk from the ferry to the house, an important issue for two of our group, but we avoided any problem by using the frequent buses between the ferry landing and the bus stop 3 blocks from the house. The bus also made it easier to visit all the shops, cafes,restaurants and pubs close to the house. All in all, we had a great stay in Sydney, in large part because of this wonderful accommodation. I would definitely stay there again.Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
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Great house, great views,great stay-best venue for family and friends
Great house, great views,great stay-best venue for family and friends
- Guest Family and Friends
- Date of stay 12/28/12
- Review Submitted 02/06/13
We stayed at Balmain for new years with 3 generations as part of a bucket list trip to see in the new years on Sydney Harbour.The house was exactly as it was described and had every comfort, all the appliances you would need and basic supplies on hand so it felt more like housesitting at a very good friends than a vacation rental. The grandparents enjoyed relaxing , the parents could shop for supplies -go to markets and the children had lots of walks and plenty to do.The rooftop garden was a bonus feature for views and was a great adventure for the 13 year old son.A 15 minute walk to the ferry or 5 to the bus stop meant we could go anywhere in Sydney. We ate and slept in perfect comfort and Lyn and Giacomo were great hosts and we recommend this venue and their property without hesitation. LOVED IT!!!! wish we could stay every summer. as we left and travelled over the anzac bridge it was like leaving home.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
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Balmain Beauty
Balmain Beauty
- Guest Guy
- Date of stay 10/07/12
- Review Submitted 10/16/12
I first stayed here in 2012 for 6 months. It was great then and even better now, so much so that I am now a ‘regular’ staying here 5 or 6 times throughout the year.it is perfect for both family and my work commitments .The location is ideal, the view, which is the thing about Sydney, is fantastic, and the owners are very helpful and excellent to deal with.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thanks Guy. always a pleasure to have you stay.
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Thank you! 5 stars
Guest comment entered by ownerThank you! 5 stars
- Guest Hank, USA
- Date of stay 08/23/12
- Review Submitted 10/16/12
We loved the house. Thank you.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Family with adult children
Family with adult children
- Guest Tammy
- Date of stay 08/11/12
- Review Submitted 08/25/12
We recently stayed in Sydney while traveling with our 3 adult children and found this place to be absolutely wonderful! The owners were incredibly nice and attentive and they have truly made a historic house into a very beautiful home that is quite spacious, lovingly decorated, and very comfortable! Our visit was during the winter months so unfortunately the outside courtyards and patios were too chilly to enjoy completely, but these areas would be a real treat for the senses if your stay were during warmer months when the many plants are in full bloom. There are very nice views from almost any window of the house and any outside area. At night it is truly amazing! We used the ferry to get to and from the Sydney main attractions (Opera House, Harbour Bridge, shopping and the maritme museums & ships). The ferry station for Balmain East is not too far and we found it to be a nice walk from the house but does include a couple of places with slightly steep inclines. I would suggest to allow extra time for the walk when catching the ferry so the walk can be done at a leisurely pace. The ferries run on time and very frequently so we did not encounter problems. The only other transportation we used was a taxi to & from the airport. All-in-all, the owners made our stay in Sydney most comfortable and we have fond memories of our stay thanks to them. We will definitely look forward to staying with them again our next time there.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Thanks so much for your kind words. It was our pleasure to welcome you all and a wonderful experience for us too. Normally we are travelling ourselves so it is nice to know first hand just how comfortable and impressed our clients are. best regards
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Beautiful Belmain
Beautiful Belmain
- Guest Sumac
- Date of stay 07/18/12
- Review Submitted 07/26/12
We loved the property. It is so welcoming and exquisitely renovated. And the views of the harbour are spectacular. All the major areas of Sydney were accessible (by ferry), but it still felt like a retreat. Our hosts were easy to correspond with and very accomdating. We had a fabulous time!Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
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Sydney Spectacular
Sydney Spectacular
- Guest Doc
- Date of stay 07/09/12
- Review Submitted 07/24/12
This is a wonderful find! The hosts were gracious. The price was unbeatable for 7 of us staying in Sydney. The walk to the ferry was very enjoyable everyday and was great exercise. I would only hesitate about this location if I were overweight or had bad joints/back problems because of the walk to the ferry. BTW Taxi ride from airport to home in a Maxi-Cab (for 6 people they ad a 50% surcharge for a Maxi-Cab) was $90AUD. FYI Sydney is very, very expensive and this was a bargain!!!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.
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Absolutely Wonderful! What a Treasure we found in Balmain, Australia.
Absolutely Wonderful! What a Treasure we found in Balmain, Australia.
- Guest Ann, John and Jack
- Date of stay 06/24/12
- Review Submitted 07/22/12
We have stayed in dozens of VRBO properties in Europe and the US. This is theeee nicest property we have every stayed in. Starting with the proprietors - whom we now call our friend. This house was magnificent. We where there for a week and loved the charm of Balmain East, the ferry system, the people and most important this home and property. From the beautiful rooftop deck, stunning views and wonderful landscape this home was truly a home away from home. It is beautifully decorated with great attention to detail. We even spent an evening as guests of our proprietors when they made us homemade pizza (from the brick pizza oven) with ingredients from the garden. It not only was delicious but a great way to meet new friends. We left singing praises and singing "Me Casa es Su Casa."Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Thanks so much for your kind words! It was one of the rare occasions we were in Sydney so it was a real pleasure for us to meet you also. So glad you enjoyed your stay so much.
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Fond Thoughts of Our Wonderful Friends Down-under.
Guest comment entered by ownerFond Thoughts of Our Wonderful Friends Down-under.
- Guest Brad
- Date of stay 03/20/12
- Review Submitted 07/12/12
We expected nice but this property was so much more. Balmain is a charming and picturesque district, isolated from the busy downtown Quay. Shopping and delightful small restaurants are nearby. It is a short walk or bus ride to the ferry stop from which downtown Sydney is 15 minutes away. The ferry ride with the views of the Opera House and Bridge is a joy every time! The house is wonderful! The interior decor is delightful, the landscaping gorgeous. It is hard to tear yourself away from the amazing kitchen with its backyard view! It’s as though they are really one. The views from the rooftop and main level terraces have forever changed the image of Sydney I see upon thinking of her. On three different nights we saw fireworks above the city skyline. The owners are a pleasure to do business with, straightforward and unquestionably reliable. We look forward to returning one day. We loved Sydney and the exciting discovery of Balmain!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 3 night min stay |
AU$450 | |||||
| High Dec 18 - Jan 29 6 night min stay |
AU$750 | |||||
Additional information about rental rates
Children 12 and over welcome.
Please avoid CARELESS or WILLFUL DAMAGES. Read the information sheets we send you and in those located within the premises.
Your booking is not assured at the time of your inquiry. We receive inquires constantly. 25% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
Additional Fees and Taxes:
Transaction charges. Client pays any or all Fees incl Bank, fees with deposit and later any balance/s due.
Pay by CC (+2%)Direct Deposit, PayPaL(+3.5%).
All stays incur an additional Exit (Dry) & Cleaning Fee $350 + Linen Fee $250.
ANY / ALL TAXES ARE INCLUDED..NO OTHER FEES
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
- Nearest Airport: Mascot (SKS) International and Domestic at 15 Kilometres
- Nearest Ferry: Balmain East at 1 Kilometres
- Nearest Train: Lilyfield light rail, Town Hall station City at 4 Kilometres
- Nearest Motorway: Western Distributor at 2 Kilometres
- Nearest Beach: Bondi at 20 Kilometres
- Nearest Barpub: The London at 500 Metres
- Nearest Ski: Cooma Thredbo & Perisher Valley at 500 Kilometres
- Nearest Restaurant: Ciao Thyme, Viva at 500 Metres
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1983
About the owner: I have worked in the airline industry for the past 31 years travelling overseas every 7-10 days. I retired in April 2012. My expectations for accommodation and the price you pay for it are well measured by the countries I have travelled to. You will not be disappointed with the facilities on hand. Technically I live in Sydney Australia but travel constantly. I think it is fair to say I have an idea of services and appointments required for the regular traveller without having to pay through the nose for it. I hate that. If you do too then give it a go and register your interest and someone will get back to you. Concerned about renting online? I am too so check the testimonials...it always helps with reassurance and gives an insight to expectations met.. I am contactable by cell phone, however you must ask if you want my number as I change sim cards to suit the country I am visiting....or I can skype you or you can skype me.
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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View to the rear of the house from the backyard. Full Moon and City background.
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View on leaving the Pantry and WC and accessing the garden & entertaining area
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3rd Bedroom at the back of the house.
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Bathroom marble tiles, claw bathtub and basin
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View from front of the house but looking more to the North and the SH Bridge.
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2nd Bedroom . Queen size Murphy bed.
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Dining room with door leaking to the Kitchen.
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Dining Room Table and Marble surround natural gas fireplace.
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Looking from the dining room to the lounge room and front patio
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View from the front patio
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View from the frooftop garden
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The kitchen view from the Garden entrance.
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Kitchen looking out to the garden..
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3rd bedroom again looking out
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Front bedroom balcony upstairs looking at City and Sydney H Bridge to the left.
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Bedroom looking East across the Inner Harbour to Barangaroo & the City
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2nd bedroom & inner harbour view out the window & looking at the Anzac Bridge
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Dining room again with wall mounted mirror reflecting different angle
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Lounge room with polished timber floor leading to front patio
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Spring 2011 Clivea and pencil pines and veg patch on right.
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View from 3rd bedroom side balcony.
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View directly from the front of house.
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Pizza Oven set up to entertain.
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Date last modified - Friday, May 24, 2013
