Willow’s Retreat is a secluded paradise, on over 50 acres of pristine bush and pasture, at the Southern tip of the Wollombi Valley, NSW. An hour’s drive from Hornsby, and only 45 minutes from the Central Coast, it’s quick and easy to get to, yet feels like another world.
Everyone’s welcome at Willow’s Retreat - whatever your background and wherever you’re from, it’s the perfect place to be yourself.
Surrounded by that nature, you'll never want to leave...
“Willow’s Retreat” is a beautiful house made of rammed earth. As such, it is extremely well insulated and maintains a great temperature year round. For extra comfort, there are ceiling fans for summer, and a wood fire and electric blankets for winter. Every living area is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for your safety, with extinguishers and first aid kit for emergencies. Solar powered, and harvesting rainwater, it’s completely off grid. There’s also no mobile signal; however, we do have high speed satellite internet for those that don’t want a complete technology detox!
There’s a fully equipped kitchen, with gas oven/cooktop, microwave, kettle, toaster and large fridge and freezer (great for longer stays - shops aren’t close!). All utensils, crockery and cutlery are provided. Outside, there’s a brand new 4 burner barbecue with side gas ring, as well as a super-comfy hammock to laze in.
The living area is spacious, with comfortable sofas, flat screen TV and DVD library. Or go old school, with board games, jigsaws and boule to keep you entertained! To explore the night sky, we've provided a telescope, too!There’s also a separate dining room, with a Japanese-inspired 6 seater table.
Across the breezeway from the living room (which keeps the house beautifully cool in Summer), are the bedrooms. They have amazingly comfy beds (one queen and two doubles), with all linen and towels provided. With no traffic noise to disturb you, you’ll have the best night’s sleep and wake to the sounds of the birds outside your window.
The rambling cottage garden is full of edible surprises! From fruit trees, to luscious herbs, to random turnips, you never know what you might find! There is an outdoor table and chairs, as well as fire pit for those cooler nights.
The house and gardens are exclusively yours during your stay - but you are also welcome to wander through the 50 acres of pristine natural beauty of the property. From pasture in the valley floor, to huge rocks, cliffs, and virgin bushland, there’s an enormous variety of ares to explore and wonder at our flora and fauna. A bird spotter’s dream, we’ve recorded over 80 distinct species of birds (and photographed most of them!). From wedge-tailed eagles and glossy black cockatoos soaring overhead, to fairy wrens and whip birds darting through the undergrowth, everywhere you turn there’s something to see! The paddocks and hills are home to both eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies, not to mention numerous wombats. Look to the trees at night, and you’ll find gliders, possums, and, for those of you fortunate enough to spot them, koalas! Make sure you let us know what you find - we also work in conjunction with local wildlife carers to monitor and treat our native friends if needed.
It is a working farm, so feel free to say hi if you see us out in the paddocks.
We're usually available at the neighbouring property, Willow's Leap Equestrian - just ask if there's anything you need. There's wifi in the house and garden, so you don't even need to leave the Retreat to ask us a question.
When visiting the Hunter Valley take the Scenic Route!
Originally linking Sydney to the fertile soils of the Hunter Valley, the Great North Road was convict built in the 1800’s, traversing stunning sandstone gorges, razorback ridges and towering passes all featured along Tourist Drive 33. Already a popular route for motorbike riders and day trippers, Tourist Drive 33 showcases some of the most stunning countryside in NSW and steps back in time as you meander through the convict stone walls, bridges and culverts still in use today.
Stop in one of the many vibrant townships of Peats Ridge, Kulnura, Laguna, historic Wollombi and the wine regions of Broke Fordwich, Lovedale and Branxton that have loads on offer! Everything from horseriding, farmgate sales of seasonal fruits and vegetables, quirky retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, country pubs, art galleries, boutique cellar doors, walking and cycling to a myriad of festivals and events on throughout the year.
Whilst a car is essential for getting around the area, there are some great walking and cycle tracks; bring the bikes too!
There's no problem with parking at the property, and, except for market days and special occasions, the same is true for nearby historic Wollombi.
We like to leave you in peace during your stay, and send a detailed guide round on booking to help with that. Make sure you ask us any questions you have - plus, it makes us more comfortable knowing you've seen it!
To protect our wildlife and stock, pets are sadly not allowed. However, there is the potential to bring your horse to ride at Willow's Leap Equestrian nearby!
Whilst we're not set up specifically for children, contact us if you want to discuss bringing the whole family. We're chipping away at making it safe for your little ones (we now have a fireguard, for example!), but this is still a working farm.
