Notes from the host
Soldiers Cottage Picturebook Vineyard Home
Nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges and Yengo National Park and surrounded by some of the Hunter's most notable wineries and restaurants, "Soldiers Cottage" is the ideal country residence or weekend retreat. It was formerly known as Kalagari.
Set on 37 acres, the original 1900's soldiers' settlement cottage has been thoughtfully extended to ensure the historic features of the property have been retained, including many of the original floorboards, brick fireplace and original Stove. A homely and extremely comfortable cottage, the main homestead now boasts four bedrooms, including a separate, large master bedroom with ensuite and balcony on the upstairs level. The three additional bedrooms are located on the ground floor and separated from the living areas. There is also a separate 1br Studio close by (only available for groups of 12 or more) and free Wi-Fi. The property features a beautiful private pool, perfect for a refreshing swim or relaxing by the water in complete privacy. Surrounded by lush greenery, it's the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
This highlights the appeal of the pool and emphasises the relaxing, private atmosphere.
With beautiful views of the vines and surrounding mountain range, the large 9.8m x 5.2m lounge room features raked ceilings and a split system air conditioner. Winter nights will be spent snuggled on the lounge next to the stunning Masport wood burner and family meals will be shared all year round in the 7.2m x 4.8m enclosed indoor/outdoor entertaining area.
In addition to its award-winning vines which consist of a highly regarded Chambourcin and Shiraz, the property capitalises on its close location to many wineries and wedding venues. Its nearby paddocks are home to a few retired racehorses who love carrots and apples, certainly a great experience for the kids.
A storybook home in a beautiful location makes "Soldiers Cottage" the ideal property to start your next chapter.
THE Important Stuff -
House - Sleeps 12 Guests
Bedroom 1 - Queen
Bedroom 2 - Queen
Bedroom 3- Double
Bedroom 4 - Queen + 2 Single
Sunroom - 2 singles
Studio - for groups of 13 or more only
Queen
* Please note parking is permitted in allocated parking area only - please do not park your vehicle on the grassed area surrounding the property.
How We Price: The booking price is based on a minimum number of guests. Any guests above this number are chargeable on a per person/per night rate. The system will automatically calculate the correct rate when you enter the required number of guests. Reductions in guest numbers are non-refundable.
Arrival Details: Access to the property is made simple. You’ll receive an access code via SMS just before 3pm on your arrival day, which you’ll use for the duration of your stay. Standard check-in is at 3pm. While an earlier arrival may be possible, it cannot be confirmed until the afternoon prior to your arrival. If an earlier check-in is available, we will send you an SMS by 4pm the day before to confirm.
Linen: 1 set of full bed linens and 1 bath towel per person are supplied. Guests may wish to bring extra towels depending on the length of their stay. Pool/Lake/Beach towels are BYO
Guest Amenities: We are Eco-Friendly - to help reduce wastage, we supply a single bottle of 3in1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash in all showers. In addition, guests are advised to bring their own personal preferred bathroom products/amenities.
Wifi is provided complimentary on behalf of the owner. It is intended to be used in an appropriate manner by all guests. As the service is provided by an external 3rd party, Weekenda cannot and do not guarantee the speed or efficacy of this property's wifi connection nor do we pay any compensation for interruption of service for any reason.
Pets: Pets are welcome at this property on completion of the below standard pet regulations in writing finalised prior to arrival:
Guests supply pet bedding, food bowls & disposable waste bags.
Pets are strictly prohibited from being on any furniture, rugs, carpeted areas, beds & bedding/linen inside & outside the property.
At no time are pets to be left alone, locked inside a property. Your pet must remain in your possession at all times.
Guests bring pets at their own risk understanding we can commit to the validity of fencing, access to natural waterways, rural properties pest control with chemicals and surrounding neighbours pets or livestock.
A Bond will be charged for any damage caused by pets and any non-adherence of the pet regulations.
Fires and Firewood: Internal wood fireplaces and outdoor fire pits only operate after the NSW Easter School Holidays up to before the NSW September School Holidays in line with NSW state fire restrictions. Please note: we will normally supply enough firewood, kindling & fire-starters for between 1-2 nights of your stay. For guests wishing to have additional fires, we suggest BYO Firewood, Kindling, and Starters which can be easily purchased from the local service stations.
No Party Policy: All reservations operate under a Strict No-Party & Non-Excessive Noise Policy as prescribed in the NSW Short-Term Letting Legislation and Local Council Laws. This property is in a Residential Area. Failure to comply can put the security bond into jeopardy and may lead to police-assisted eviction and/or extra charges being levied. We hate to have to note this, but the reality is that so far this year we have had to evict 3 groups for overstacking/bad/anti-social behavior.
Extra Guests / Visitors: The number of people nominated on your booking is the maximum number of people that are allowed to be on the property at any one time, including visitors. Visitors may be requested and if approved must be approved in writing with Weekenda staff. Simply put, if Mum and Dad want to come over for a BBQ then we are likely to approve. If 10 extra people want to stop by we are unlikely to approve, which could put your booking at risk. We will always try to be reasonable with reasonable people within property constraints and House Rules.
Cameras and Noise Monitoring: There is 1 external security camera installed at this location presently but the owner reserves the right at any time to install additional external cameras at their discretion. Camera is positioned at front door to view the entry way areas for external security monitoring only. All cameras are installed in line with local regulations. A noise monitoring device is installed - fines apply to guests found to have disconnected, removed or damaged the noise device. These devices are used to monitor and maintain ours and guests responsibilities under the NSW STR Code of Conduct.
Guest Registration / ID Check : Weekenda requires every guest to complete and sign an electronic guest registration prior to arrival which will ask for photo ID i.e. a copy of your Drivers Licence or Passport. The primary booker will also be required to complete a list with the guests names and actual mobile numbers. In the event we are unable to reach the primary booker, it is very important we can get a hold of other guests. These documents will be deleted after your departure. Access Codes are only released to Registered and Verified Guests.
Critical Update: Due to an unprecedented influx of fraudulent bookings, we are forced to impose a policy that protects our clients, industry and community against those attempting to commit fraud and theft. Any booking made within 5 days of arrival is required to provide a photo of a valid credit card in the same full name of the primary guest to match the supplied identification document. Failure of these documents matching will result in the booking being cancelled and all funds processed returned to the original card assumed as stolen and thus a fraudulent transaction. We trust we have our honest and genuine customers understanding this policy is in place to protect all parties.
Insurance: As always, but ever so more due to recent times, we strongly encourage any holidaymakers to obtain a very inexpensive 3rd Party Domestic Travel Insurance Policy to cover you for all manners of matters which may restrict travel. This is particularly helpful for things like Hunter Valley Concert cancellations, Covid or Medical and Other Emergencies for which we don't provide refunds, and anything which falls under our standard Terms & Conditions irrespective of the reason. We suggest reviewing policies with 'Cover-More' or 'Travel Insurance Direct' or 'Insureandgo'
This property is managed by Weekenda, a licensed real estate. Weekenda staff are available 7 days a week to assist from your initial enquiry through to your departure and everything in between.
We look forward to having you stay with us.
