28 Rocky Waterhole road.
Lynne Whiley finds one of Mudgee's newest self-contained cottage stays well-suited to families and couples alike.
THE SETTING
Views over paddocks of lucerne in one direction,vineyards and more grazing land in the other,28 Rocky Waterhole Road is a five-minute drive from Mudgee city centre. The energetic can cycle to town;the nearest winery is about 600 metres away,as the crow flies.
THE SPACE
A corrugated iron cottage with gable roof,big north-facing verandah,chic open-plan living area and two queen bedrooms,28 Rocky Waterhole Road shares a driveway with the property's main farmhouse but is sufficiently far away to maximise privacy. Only the property's dog,a friendly labrador called Nelson,keeps an eye on visitors. The cottage has been built with new and recycled materials;the steel-trowelled concrete floor of the living area is super smooth and on trend.
Instant gas heating,ceiling fans and cross-ventilation means year-round comfort here. When we arrive the heating is on,the cottage is warm and no draught can be felt,despite the brisk winter wind outside.
The cottage's living area has picture windows,white walls on which modern art hangs,a central kitchen island-bench and separate dining table. The lounge area has comfortable leather lounges and chairs.
MOD CONS
All-new stainless steel appliances,plenty of crockery,cutlery and kitchenware,wine glasses (of course),sound system,a TV with excellent reception,and DVD player with a small selection of movies,including a few titles for young children. We're a party of two adults and two eight-year-olds,and their key mod cons are outdoors:a swing set,tennis court (racquets and balls are provided),and the labrador,who retrieves sticks thrown into a dam on cue.