Yarrawa Hill - Art Lovers Retreat with Bush & Ocean Views

As featured in Home Beautiful magazine and Highlife magazine, Yarrawa Hill is the stunning home of British actress Miriam Margolyes, star of the Harry Potter movies and many others, including Romeo + Juliet, Ladies In Lavender and Babe, filmed in Robertson. It was whilst filming Babe that Miriam fell in love with the area and lead her to create this wonderful home. Only two hours from Sydney or Canberra, it is a true escape into a nature and art lover’s paradise.

IMPORTANT
• Two night minimum stay
• $500 per night for 2 guests
• Extra guests: $75 each per night (2 night minimum applies)
• 20 percent discount for stays of 7 nights or more

• Only one group per booking i.e. you will not be sharing the house with strangers, it will be rented for your exclusive use
• Not suitable for young children under 12 years old - the property is unfenced and includes steep escarpment nearby
• No pets
• Strictly no parties or events

ARCHITECT-DESIGNED WITH RAINFOREST AND OCEAN VIEWS
Yarrawa Hill is an architect-designed contemporary house, perched on the Illawarra escarpment just a few minutes outside Robertson, with spectacular views through native rainforest and bushland, out to the Pacific Ocean. Nestled in 156 acres of tall Eucalypt forest, rainforest and rolling paddocks, Yarrawa Hill is a private and peaceful retreat, with the wallabies, lyrebirds and rosellas your only neighbours.

With three large decks and a large patio with rainforest garden, and the central Great Room with floor to ceiling windows, it is a house that connects you to nature and its beautiful surrounds.

AN ART AND ANTIQUES PARADISE
The Great Room is at the heart of the home, with soaring ceiling and double height glass walls on three sides to maximise the sea and bush views. The huge open fireplace and large leather couches make this space ideal for relaxing in summer and winter.

The modern glass and steel design of the home is balanced by the blackbutt timber floor and a stunning collection of antique Indonesian furniture and artefacts, adding a deep sense of warmth and character:
• 19th century Indonesian teak doors throughout
• Dutch colonial four poster beds, one from the 18th century and two from the late 19th century
• Early 20th century colonial furnishings including tables and mirrors, crafted by Javanese and Chinese makers
• Antique round Indonesian dining table for lazy brunches and long dinners
• Javanese wooden figurines
• Large antique chests from Madura, an island off the coast of Java
• Earthenware jars and plates from Lombok
• Floor tiles from Surabaya
• Antique daybeds
• Original artworks, Mexican terracotta collection, theatre posters, music sheets, and other curios from global travels

BEDROOMS
The three bedrooms at Yarrawa Hill offer privacy and space. Bedrooms 1 and 2 are near to one another in what is called the East Wing. Bedroom 3 is on a lower floor.

Bedroom 1 is on the ground floor, near Bedroom 2:
• Double bed
• En-suite bathroom
• Adjoining study and conservatory sitting room, opening onto one of the decks with remarkable views over the bush and towards the ocean; hammock, teak lounger and outdoor table and chairs.
• The conservatory sitting room also has a bar, fridge and microwave, in addition to the kitchen facilities in The Great Room.

Bedroom 2 is on the ground floor, near Bedroom 1:
• Double bed
• En-suite bathroom with full bath (not spa bath)
• Adjoining study and sitting room

Bedroom 3 is on the lower floor:
• Very large double bed
• Open fire
• Lounge area
• En-suite bathroom
• Under-floor heating throughout
• Private deck

FACILITIES
• Open fireplace in the Great Room, firewood provided.
• Two woodburners
• Central heating, double-glazing throughout and excellent insulation mean comfortable temperatures in winter and summer
• Three large decks with remarkable bush and ocean views, hammock and outdoor furniture
• Open plan state-of-the-art kitchen with stainless-steel work surfaces, breakfast bar, gas hobs, electric oven, microwave, fridge-freezer and walk-in pantry
• All kitchen equipment and crockery provided
• Gas and wood-burning barbecue facilities
• Large rear paved patio with rainforest garden
• Large flatscreen TV and sound system
• Double carport
• Good 3G reception

ACCESSIBILITY
There is parking adjacent to the front door at ground level. The common areas and two of the bedrooms are wheelchair accessible and have walk-in showers.

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
“The reaction of visitors, including us, upon entering the main room is WOW! It is elegantly and eclectically furnished with beautiful Indonesian furniture, and film and music memorabilia. It is a wonderful mix of large space and private areas.

“Light filled, with spectacular views from the many windows and balconies of all the main rooms including the bedrooms, the house feels part of its natural environment. It does not seem to matter what the weather is like. We have been there during hot summers, cold weather, storms and racing fogs, the house allows you to observe in wonder but still be comfortable and protected.

“Part of the joy is the flora and fauna. In season, the bush is full of flowers. There are lots of rosellas, lorikeets, cockatoos and the occasional eagle off the escarpment as well as resident lyre birds. Wallabies are regular visitors and wombats are around most nights (best seen around dawn or after dusk).“
– Des and Anne-Marie, May 2018

“A big wow! Loved the house, location and views. The magical Harry Potter mist that rolled in added to the romance of this beautiful house.”
- Kevin & Margaret, Sydney, October 2017

“An amazing and unique retreat.”
- Lorraine & Dan, Yowie Bay, October 2016

EXPLORING THE AREA & THINGS TO DO
With rolling green hills, majestic rural and mountain views Robertson is ideal for a peaceful 1-2 week holiday base for exploring the Southern Highlands, Illawarra and South Coast, or for a stress-free weekend escape. There is plenty to do around Yarrawa Hill.

Robertson village (3 mins drive) has all the essential services you will need including grocery and specialist food stores, a doctors surgery and pharmacy, restaurants, boutique shopping and more.

The area is well known for outstanding cheeses, and a visit to the Robertson Cheese Factory, established in 1936 is a must see for foodies. The famous Robertson Pie Shop is close by, near the top of Macquarie Pass, and offers the best savoury and sweet pies around. For history buffs, the Robertson Heritage Railway Station, a National Trust-listed attraction is close by. Nature lovers will love exploring the rainforest walk in the Robertson Nature Reserve, close to the village. There's also local market on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

Burrawang village (10 mins drive) is a beautiful Southern Highlands. Well known for its fantastic pub with a huge grassed outdoor beer garden, perfect for leisurely lunches. The 19th century General Store is now a stunning cafe and is a must-visit for a meal or afternoon tea. There is also a wonderful butcher in the main street.

Bowral (20 mins drive) is the centre of chic in the Southern Highlands, with great shopping and wonderful restaurants. Sporting fans will definitely want to plan a trip to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame.

Kiama (20 mins drive) with beautiful beaches, excellent swimming and a delightful seaside atmosphere. Visit the Wednesday Farmers Market, enjoy fish and chips on the wharf, hire a boat, visit the famous Blowhole and Lighthouse or one of the many cafes.

Berrima (30 mins drive) is a beautifully preserved historic village to visit with a lovely country pub for lunch.

Kangaroo Valley (30 minutes drive) is a historic village close to Robertson and is popular for kayaking, canoeing, golf and wine tasting. The Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Village Museum is a great way to discover the colonial history of the area and is situated close to the historic Hampden Bridge Australia’s last surviving wooden suspension bridge with four large sandstone turrets.

Berry (1 hour drive) is a little further afield but great for a day trip. Berry is widely known for it's fantastic boutique shopping, great cafes and restaurants, and wineries. A visit to The Treat Factory, packed with handmade chocolates, sweets, preserves and much more is a must for foodies.

National Parks: There are numerous conservation areas close by including Morton National Park, Budderoo National Park and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve offering outstanding walking, photographic opportunities, waterfall viewing, mountain biking and more. If you are lucky (and quiet you might even see a lyrebird or two). Fitzroy Falls, Carrington Falls and Minnamurra Rainforest are must see experiences. For the adventurous, the nearby Illawarra Fly Tree Adventures offers a treetops walk above the rainforest canopy, zipline tours, self guided bushwalks and guided tours - there's even an after dark zipline tour for thrill seekers.

Numerous activities from riding to golf are also locally available.