Observatory View Cottage - a place of pure escape
- House
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Min Stay: 2 nights
2 bedroom, private cottage boasting uninterupped rural views
Bedrooms
Owner
Tanya
- Languages:
- english
About Tanya
We are a family of five, one child at High School in Tuncurry and two children at the local public school (Nabiac). My hubby grew up on a farm, I grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, needless to say, we had very different upbringings !! After living in residential areas of Sydney and moving around a little, we decided a property was a lovely option for our three children to grow up in and for my hubby to get back to his roots, his passion, the land !!
Why Tanya chose Firefly
We were looking for a rural property that was within a reasonable distance to beaches and the gorgeous bodies of water that spoil this region. So, like many, we looked and looked for the 'right' property and was a little disheartened when nothing really sat right with us. We saw properties that were move-in ready, some that needed a little touch here and there but just not 'us'. We completely disregarded this property to even inspect due to it's lack of photo's online. It caused us major apprehension when our local real estate agent said "I'm taking you up there" as, on paper, it had everything we were essentially looking for. The property, as suspected, was in total disrepair in every way. Buuuttt, there was 'something' about this property, something truly magical, it had SOUL, it had character and it was really unique. The old owner created an amazing home for their family but we could see when we met him though, he was ready to move on. We bought the property six years ago and have been working hard on it ever since (I don't think work ever stops on a property of any kind !!). Lets just say it has been a BIG project !! We have been able to create that same soulful feeling and give this property back is life which we are really proud of and even prouder to be in a position to share it with guests. When people come here, the common remark is 'It just feels good, has such a nice feel about it. There really is just something about this place'.
What makes this House unique
Well this property is just one-of-a-kind. It has a homemade Observatory (currently not in working order, hoping to restore one day!!). The old owner built the Observatory and all his telescopes he used in it, quite remarkable, don't you think ??!! So this property has THE ideal position for star gazing. On a clear night, the starry sky here is simply incredible, I still get amazed by it. When he moved, he left alot of his belongings, we found photo's of him building the structure with his kids helping (or maybe supervising, not sure lol ??!!). He was such an incredible man with many many interests ie astronomy (hence the observatory of course!!), mathematics, languages, music and photography (he built his own dark room too !!). His interests were evident in the books he left behind. These are displayed and available to you to have a look at in the cottage (please be careful with them if you do take a look). When I was 'restoring/renovating' the cottage, I tried to stay true to his interests and his passions. I reused/recycled alot of what was left on the property to make this property unique and with it's own style, not like any other.
Amenities
Featured
- Air Conditioning
- Fireplace
- TV
- Children Welcome
- Parking
- Heater
Bathrooms
- 1 Bathroom
House Rules
Cancellation Policy
Canceled bookings will not receive a refund
14 Reviews
You'll have to pinch yourself to know your not dreaming.
This is honestly my #1 favourite place I've visited so far that I will be endlessly suggesting to anyone that will be coming out this way or better yet just advise them to go out of their way to come here because it is well worth it. Tanya has thought of everything to make your stay here the best experience you could have with the subtle little quirks like personalized welcoming messages, easy reminders for where things are to make an outdoor fire in the fire pit and even complimentary homemade granola! It definitely feels like a home away from home with it's cozy interior, oversized bed in the main room and plenty of warm blankets. If you are able to will yourself back inside the house again after laying your eyes on the stunning view of the stars outside or hanging out with the cows right along the fence, there's endless entertainment indoors with a range of board games, interesting books where you can sit on the couches near the heater, a piano for the musical kind and if your staying more than a couple nights there's also a tv for movies. I couldn't recommend this place more!
Thank you so so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased you and Evette loved your stay.
You were both the most perfect guests and I truly hope you are able to make it back some day!!
Tanya xx
Best Detoxing Getaway!!
We were delighted by how quite, private, clean and perfect this cottage and it’s surround are. We feel completely relaxed and the kids loved it too.
Lovely host and we are already planning our next stay here.
Highly Recommended.
5 stars for this stunning place
This place exceeded our expectations. We've stayed in quite a few places through different hosting platforms, and Tanya was one of the best hosts we've had. The house has all amenities as listed and super clean, comfy, and beautiful. Definitely recommend to those looking for an observatory feel because you will definitely get it. We loved watching the Milky Way trail in the night sky. We'll be back for sure!
Wow, what a magic place
Thankyou so much Tanya & family for an amazing two night stay at Observatory View Cottage. My son and I loved the peacefulness versus hectic city life and the cottage is so light and bright & has absolutely everything you need. A welcome note to us on the door made for a really positive first impression and Tanya is friendly to any enquiries you have. Thankyou for the nice touches of fresh homemade provisions in the fridge & bread allowing for a hearty breakfast before trekking off for golf, time at the beach and in Nabiac. The coffee machine also received a workout and was really appreciated. Tanya had even thought of fruit iceblocks in the freezer for the warm days. The resident Jack Russell puppies bought much joy and company to us and were always around the cottage. Outside the cottage, the huge grassy area made for plenty of sport and generally wearing everyone out which then allowed for some chilling in the rocking chair out on the deck taking in the incredible view. When referring to views the stars at night are a real highlight - so visible and bright, you can see why the old Observatory is next to you. It's been a fantastic break & felt like much more than two nights but we didn't want to come home.
We recommend the cottage to everyone and look forward to returning
Regards
Cam & Jerry
Great Escape
From the drive in, the scenic route via the dirt road brings you to this quaint little cottage up on the hill with the most gorgeous, open landscape. The night sky is mesmerising. Winery down the road, Nabiac village has a lovely cafe and a great array of shops. This cottage is conveniently located, a country getaway and yet being only half an hour to the beach. Perfect spot!
Well worth the visit - highly recommended
Our stay at Observatory View Cottage was out of this world. The cottage is well equipped and beautifully situated. The Nabiac Hotel is a must for dinner, fantastic fare if you can drag yourself away from the ambience of the cottage. The Greenhouse Cafe is also worth a visit for breakfast. Our host, Tanya, was friendly and attentive with all booking details and instructions provided. A delightful stay for anyone looking for a romantic and peaceful getaway.
Map
Our 100 acre property is centrally located to Forster/Tuncurry, Taree and Gloucester, all approximately 30-40 minutes away so take your pick for a day out !!
* Pristine beaches of Forster/Tuncurry and Blackhead Beach, Hallidays Point. Forster was recently voted number 5 in the 2019 Wotif 'Aussie for Travel' award !! There are also beaches along our gorgeous coastline that are quite untouched, sometimes you are the only one there !!
Within all our amazing, for different reasons, surrounding towns, and within our local village of Nabiac, we boast :
- unique vintage shops
- cafe's/pubs/multi cultural restaurants
- Nabiac 25m community pool
- National Motorcycle Museum
- beaches
- golf courses
- wineries
- bushwalks and horse riding tours
- whale/dolphin watching cruises
- Wallamba River access for kayaking
AND SO MUCH MORE !!
Further afield, there is Ellenborough Falls, 'admire the natural beauty from the viewing platform at the top, or for the more adventurous, take the 641 timber steps to the bottom of the valley where you’ll get so close you’ll feel the spray and hear the roar of the falls. Allow 10 minutes or one hour!!' Barrington Tops (where it can snow in the winter), Blueberry picking farm (Hannam Vale and subject to availability), Strawberry picking farm (Ricardoes Tomatoes, Port Macquarie).
So whether your getaway to the cottage is to sit tight with a book and have some rest and relaxation or to explore the immediate and/or greater region, we happily and proudly take care of your accommodation !!