Belltrees
Gundy Road, Scone
New South Wales
Space, space and more space – welcome to the country.
Belltrees has been owned by the White family for 7 generations and is still run as a working farm. It is one of Australia’s most famous rural properties and has a number of self-contained cottages that were originally used by farm workers and managers.
The reviewer was married on the property in 2001 and also enjoyed her honeymoon there, so returning for a family break with friends was a nostalgic trip.
Overall rating? Great
What makes Belltrees different?
Being a working farm means that this is much more than just a place to stay – it is an experience that allows kids to run around, swim in the river and see why farmers are still the backbone of this great country. There is plenty of space to explore, enjoy and be part of.
Accommodation overview
Munro Cottage has 2 queen rooms and 2 other rooms with two singles. There are a number of self-contained cottages within easy walk of one another, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms. There is also accommodation in Belltrees Country House, which includes dinner, bed and breakfast, or there is the Mountain Retreat – which includes all meals … you are driven there by 4WD and left to your own devices, perfect for a honeymoon! The cottages are workers cottages, so they are fairly basic, but are clean and tidy, comfortable and all linen and towels are provided.
Facilities overview
Munro Cottage also has a TV room, kitchen/dining room, bathroom with bath, laundry and outdoor undercover deck. All the cottages have different configurations, so check the TakeABreak listing on Belltrees for details.
Location
Take the New England Highway to Scone and then Gundy Road to Belltrees. The property is four hours drive from Sydney and about 30 minutes (36km) east of Scone. The more adventurous can head across the Barrington Tops from Gloucester and enjoy fabulous views. Be warned, the road is gravel most of the way if you choose this option.
Suitable for children? Yes, there is lots of room to explore and play. There are tours of the property by arrangement, otherwise the chapel, shearers’ quarters and shearing shed can be enjoyed – under adult supervision.
Suitable for pets? No, this is a working farm.
Wheelchair access? No
Perfect for
The property is so spacious and with such a range of accommodation options that it would be ideal for families, groups (we stayed with a group of 6 adults and 6 children) and reunions.
Why stay longer?
Being in the bush, chilling out with friends, having a yarn with the owners – all these made Belltrees the perfect country escape. The kids loved swimming/paddling in the river and the adults found a shady tree out of the punishing heat to relax and watch the kids. Head to the Hunter Valley for some wine tasting or over to Lake Glenbawn where you can waterski or take jet boat rides. You have the choice of so many activities nearby; golf, stud tours, polo tournaments (depending on when you stay) and of course, the glorious Barrington Tops National Park.
Why you wouldn’t stay longer?
The only downside when we stayed was the flies, so pack your insect repellant and your sunscreen.
Prices
$264-436 per 2 people per night
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
Belltrees
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
