Things To Do - Heritage Accommodation

Tobruk Sheep Station Homestead

Address: 5050 Old Northern Road, Maroota
Phone: 02 4566 8223

The Station Homestead which sleeps 12 comfortably exudes a warm country charm and ambience you would expect from an authentic country residence. Set amidst the spacious Tobruk grounds, the homestead is modern and spacious with a wrap around balcony overlooking the dam and horse paddocks. We visited early one spring morning – the beauty and quiet were amazing. Tiny lambs, perhaps only weeks old, chased their mums seeking breakfast as the world around them began to stir.

Opportunities for fun seem limitless with bush walks, bike riding and feeding the animals high on our list. And as darkness overtook us, a campfire and toasting marshmallows seemed like an end to a perfect day.

Court House Guesthouse

Address: 19 Upper Macdonald Road
St Albans
Phone: 02 4568 2042
(self-contained accommodation)

Situated high above the river, The Court House overlooks beautiful rolling hills and the valley below.

The setting is magnificent, and this elegant guesthouse is a stunner.

Rooms are spacious with tall ceilings and timber floors. Outfitted tastefully with overstuffed leather furnishings, substantial beds and a large kitchen, the only reminder that its original life was a courthouse and jail (c.1890) is the bar-covered windows. The beautifully appointed bathrooms were originally jail cells. Today they have heated floors. The patio overlooking the valley was originally the exercise area for “guests” of the jail. Today’s guests enjoy a wood-burning fireplace, comfortable seating and a great place to socialise. 

The Courthouse sleeps eight and is a perfect place for a senior staff getaway – perhaps a strategic planning session. Imagine an intimate wedding party, or, a reunion of friends in this beautiful secluded valley.

Court House Hometead B&B

Address: 19 Upper Macdonald Road
St Albans
Phone: 02 4568 2042

The Homestead B&B is a discreet distance from the Guesthouse on the wooded hill and looks out to the same beautiful Macdonald Valley.  The concept of the B&B is similar to that of an 1800s homestead – a traveller makes his way to St Albans, driving the herd (cattle) to market and a local homestead is the only accommodation. The host welcomes him – perhaps a hot bath is included but the wise wayfarer knows to leave his boots at the door! Early next morning, a hearty breakfast is set out family-style. Fed, the grateful stranger thanks his hosts, pulls on his boots and goes on his way. 

Now, it’s the 21st century and you’ve made your way to quiet secluded St Albans for a day's outing. After a bottle of wine and a substantial dinner at a nearby local eatery, an overnight stay at the Courthouse B&B sounds perfect and wise. Rooms with ensuite and private entry are available and the following morning, breakfast is served on the verandah with a stunning view.  Don’t forget to leave your boots at the door! (The Courthouse B&B is only a short walk from the Settlers Inn pub.)

Price Morris Cottage

Address: 37 Upper Macdonald Road
St Albans
Phone: 02 4568 2121
(self-contained accommodation)

The Price Morris Cottage experience is truly “only one of its kind.”

Yes, it is a heritage-listed building, but beyond its loving restoration, the delightful welcome by a 19th century host (reenacted by Joyce Morris Stepto) is so personal that we immediately felt at home in this serene setting. (We won’t disclose the welcoming secret!)

The cottage is an 1837 slab farm cottage with low calico ceilings (to trap the fireplace warmth in the parlour), petite sleeping rooms for eight, and a large family kitchen separated by a breezeway from the sleeping rooms and parlour. (Each room in the main house has its story to tell.)

A separate building contains shower, vanity and toilet, and an additional adjoining building was converted to a ”modern convenience” and with good Australian humour is referred to as, “the loo with a view”. The recently restored cottage sits high above the river and the lengthy verandah offers endless views out across the valley, changing minute by minute as the sun moves across the sky.  You will come away restored and refreshed.

Tizzana Winery B&B

Address: 518 Tizzana Road, Ebenezer
Phone: 02 4579 1150

On the road to Tizzana, a soft November rain falls, covering vineyards, waterlily lagoons and surrounding farmlands with a delicate mist. Some 20 minutes from historic Windsor, the country road bends and weaves. Without warning, on the damp hillside above the road, an imposing sandstone structure comes into view; you have been inexplicably transported into the Tuscan region of Italy.

In 1887 the vineyards at Tizzana were planted with imported French and Italian vine cuttings by Italian immigrant Thomas Fiaschi. A physician, Fiaschi had a practice in Windsor. The Fiaschi family continued the wine business after Dr Fiaschi’s death in 1927, until 1949.
Some years later, the abandoned three-storey building was set on fire by vandals. All that remained was a stone shell. In 1969 restoration was begun by Peter and Carolyn Auld, and today, wine-tasting continues in this beautiful building. For group tastings, the Aulds have an historic lecture and tasting with cheeses for a very reasonable fee. On-site group luncheons or dinner functions can be arranged.

During a recent restoration the Aulds have added luxury five-star (AAA rated) bed and breakfast accommodation – perfect for a “touch of Tuscany” without the cost of airfare and the pain of travel!”

 
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