The Country House at Brunkerville
Gills Road, Brunkerville, Hunter Valley
New South Wales
A country retreat with style.
The Country House has a special feel about it… as you drive up to the property you have a sense of being welcomed to this spacious home set in classic Australian country at the southern end of the Cessnock Shire. The house is 30 minutes to the vineyards, which is close enough to visit, but far enough to feel that you can enjoy the country ambience without the grapes!
Overall rating? Outstanding
What makes the Country House different?
I was travelling with 4 four friends and the house was ideal for that, but would equally suit the family as an ideal break away from the everyday. The property is in a lovely private location and has a wonderful rural and mountain views.
Accommodation overview
The house has 5 bedrooms: three with queen beds, one with a double, another with three singles and a junior size trundle. There are two bathrooms, (one with a bath) and two separate toilets. The beds are really comfortable and have lots of pillows to laze about on. Quality linen and towels are also provided.
Facilities overview
The Country House has a fully-fenced backyard and a swimming pool, covered wraparound verandahs just made for snoozing on and a BBQ with a spare gas bottle. There are two log fireplaces, as well as reverse cycle air-conditioning – so you will be comfortable in any weather. There is loads of pre-chopped wood and plenty of internal doors so you can close off different areas of the house to maintain warmth.
The kitchen is well-equipped, with a dishwasher and a separate fridge and freezer, which would be perfect if you are planning a longer stay. Chefs will appreciate the herb garden, while those who enjoy lazing around with a glass of red will be happy with the comfortable lounges and the stereo or TV/VCR/DVD.
Location
Take the F3 from Wahroonga and turn off at the Freeman’s Waterhole interchange at the Kurri Kurri/Cessnock exit. Continue through the roundabout at Freeman’s Waterhole and up and over the hill to Brunkerville, then left into Gills Lane (less than 10 minutes from the freeway).
Suitable for children? Yes, there are some plastic plates and knives and forks, a bath, firescreens, a second TV area and second kitchenette area. The yard is fully-fenced and away from roads.
Suitable for pets? No
Wheelchair access? No
Perfect for
The property is so spacious and has such flexible accommodation options that it would be ideal for two families or a group getaway. There are plenty of sitting areas, so those who need solitude can find it. In fact this property is such a wonderful place for groups that it won the national award for Group Accommodation in the TakeABreak "Best Places to Stay" Awards.
Why stay longer?
Sitting in the window seat with a cup of tea and the fire blazing, looking out over the fields is the ideal way to unwind and chill out. There are plenty of wineries and restaurants nearby, so you have the option of doing a lot – or nothing at all. It would be great to visit in the summer when the family could make full use of the lovely pool.
Why you wouldn’t stay longer?
There is very limited supermarket shopping nearby, so you may run out of supplies if you haven’t come well-prepared.
Prices
$900 for a 2 night weekend, $1000 for a 3 night weekend. Prices vary in the holiday, so check the The Country House listing on TakeABreak for details.
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
The Country House, at Brunkerville
through TakeABreak and the property operator will get back to you directly to confirm
pricing and availability. Visit their listing for more pictures, further information
on rates, the availability calendar and guest reviews.
Penny Parsons wrote this article
