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Southern Highland Wines

Shellharbour Airport

Hillview Heritage Estate

We stayed here for one night with my husband and our dog. This place is like out of a movie scene, absolutely amazing! We were met by friendly staff, explored, loved the sunset, dinner at the local bar, there was breakfast included and the peace and quiet was umatched.

This is definitely a TLDR so don't read, but in a nutshell, go to Hillview if you want the outside to be quieter than paradise but the inside not to be a 5 star Grand Hyatt / Four Seasons.

When I was figuring out where to stay for a few days to break the Mel/Syd drive, I looked at all the usual suspects and ... found one I'd never heard of before, Hillview.
So I looked at the reviews. Wow, are they ever polarised. Those that loved it really loved it, and those that didn't were so scathing and the language was so (negatively) powerful that I thought "I have to see this place".

So I booked for two nights. Ended up staying for four. You can now see where this review is going ... two nights wasn't enough.

I'll get down to it. Hillview is original. Remember that word if you decide to go there.
If you're expecting something quaint and Downton Abbey-ish *but* that has been completely gutted and 5-star made-over on the inside, with just the outside facade being the only thing left to look nice and charming, don't go there. 

Really ... don't go.

On the other hand, if you want to live for a day or four just like the upstairs family in Downton Abbey did (but without the hot and cold running servants), but with a few of the must-haves of modern living thrown in ... a microwave, outstanding but very simple heaters (it got down to minus 1 degree when I was there), beautifully comfortable beds with electric blankets, crisp linen all round, Netflix/Prime/Stan/whatever on a nice new widescreen Hisense, and .... you promise not to freak out at the sight of a shower curtain or an original claw foot bath that catches (most of) your shower water or the lack of a kitchen as you might have come to know kitchens, or a few things I'm probably forgetting to mention, then .... go there. 

Really .... go.

BTW when I said NF, Prime etc, I used all my own accounts and my own 'net access that travels with me (I don't even know if Hillview has WiFi, didn't ask). If you aren't totally comfortable doing a bit of techie workaround to get all your stuff running on their nice TV and you're clinically addicted to some streamed thing you can't go a few days without, I go back to ..... don't go there.

I’m attaching photos of my room and one or two from outside. That is exactly how it looks. That long narrow corridor-looking room? That’s the kitchen.  The kitchen sink is the basin in the bathroom. Maybe it’s just me, but I like that.

During your time there, you will change the way you do a lot of things. You’ll learn some stuff. You’ll get frustrated at times. Your heart rate will slow. Your cortisone levels will drop. You’ll achieve nirvana and become a better person.

But you will be in THE quietest (I know, it feels wrong to shout about quietest) most peaceful, most charming, best-situated place you’ve ever been. A gadzillion rabbits can’t be wrong. Really, it has at least that many ... they are the cutest things and kudos to them for choosing *the* safest place on the planet to bring up their families and spend their days reproducing and eating and dodging incoming visitors’ cars.

I’ve tried to give you the best and the worst here. 

One more time ... if you don’t think you can handle the worst, please don’t go there. It will save you from a disappointing time and will save the proprietor/custodian from an undeserved scathing. I’m not sure exactly who owns it now but if you want to complain, I’d start with Chris Minns.

In its current condition, Hillview is a 5+ star hotel of a hundred years ago.  That's what I loved about it.

We loved our night  in the Earl of Jersey. We've driven past the driveway to Hillview many times and often wondered where it led. And then earlier this year we spotted a magnificent mansion high on a hill as we traveled on the train from Canberra to Sydney... and the rest is history, we booked a stay! Our cottage looked out over the beautiful countryside of the Southern Highlands. The furnishings and amenities remain true to the period and this only adds to the charm of staying in such an historical property. The bay window was a perfect spot to sit and eat our continental breakfast in the morning; the sun was streaming in and the view was like looking out on an English park. And a great night's sleep, the bed was so warm and comfy. Thank you Damien for a memorable stay.

This is a very special location. The park is stunning with a vast array of modern sculptures, the view from some of the cottages is wonderful, the wildlife is abundant. My family occupied 3 cottages. They are charming - as is Damien who runs the property.

A group of about 20 of us recently stayed at Hillview Herritage for a wedding next door to the property. Damien was so accommodating and went out of his way to organise us all into cottages. The cottages are stunning and perfect for a cosy stay in the southern highlands, everyone absolutely loved the bath tubs! Would highly recommend if you get the chance, close to cafes and restaurants as well :)

We had a wonderful weekend at this place.We saw the rabbits and kangaroos on the field. The views is stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset time. The house is old style but cozy and warm with heating, and have enough hot water for taking a bath at cold night.

If you don't mind "rustic" then this is the place to stay in the Southern Highlands. This is not the Marriott, but it is so steeped in history, with amazing countryside views and serenity that it is hard not to feel relaxed here. Period furniture and furnishings add to the "old world" ambiance.

The lessee, Damien, is so friendly, accommodating and full of informationabout this estate that was the Governor's residence. It is clean and tidy. Linen and crockery / cutlery are provided, along with tea towels and washing up detergent.

Plenty of cereals, fresh milk, nudie orange juice, english muffins and condiments were supplied for breakfast.  The rooms have a larger sized bar fridge, kettle and toaster. Washing up is in a small tub with water from the kettle.

You will most likely need to bring simple lunches/ dinners (eg. slow cooker, thermomix) or try some of the amazing restaurants and wineries the Southern Highlands has to offer. 

The grounds have interesting sculptures throughout but we were more taken by the gardens and the breathtaking views across the valley to the hills on the eastern side of the property. 

While we were there some visitors arrived to say that they had heard about the home and Damien was more than happy for them to wander the property and view the sculptures and gardens.

We will definitely be returning to this beautiful old home in the very near future.

Loved our stay. Hospitality fantastic. Rough around the edges but that's what made it great. If you're looking for something rustic in the Southern Highlands - this is a fantastic choice.

This is our second visit to Hillview and this time we brought our 2 German Shepherds. You are literally stepping back in time and the gardens and sculptures are wonderful. We were also shown the new Art Gallery recently created in the main house. The first time we visited this had all the original furniture and I was told that not many people used or saw it so the main building has been re-invented as an Art Gallery.
The continental breakfast gave us plenty to eat with muffins, cereals, fresh fruit, full bottles of orange juice and a whole litre of milk. The coffee was proper bags not instant. 
There are 8 lodges or rooms and my wife and I will go back again to try another room.
Relax, unwind, enjoy how life used to be...

A beautiful rustic old farm house. Excellently appointed in a lovely location with its own sculpture park,

Sutton Forest

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Possibly not like what you were expecting.

History and charm, a memorable stay

We stayed here for the old school experience and were not disappointed. Yes the internet was very patchy but as the add says stay here and unplug for awhile and enjoy the moment. We had a 2 bedroom cottage and although it was basic it had everything you needed. By basic I mean it was like stepping back in time which is why you stay here, you have the modern things like tv  the bed in the main room was modern so was the lounge suite. The bathroom has a great shower which is hard to find these days. Now the basic side is the building is as it was built with all it's charm even some of the furniture and fittings are original. The grounds are large and a great place to wonder.    

Great place for a quiet stay

Wonderful stay at Hillview Herritage Estate

We stayed overnight and loved the history and ambiance. Yes it is rustic, but the huge rooms were so much better than a one room shoebox in a motel. We had a lounge room, dining/kitchenette, huge bedroom and bathroom with the biggest bathtub, plus separate excellent rainwater shower.  Very comfortable and warm bed. Beautiful views, and although our stay was wet and windy I kept looking out the many windows to see the view. It was intriguing to know that former Governor's of NSW used this as their country residence, so it is steeped in  history. Damien was terrific with communication prior to our visit, and helpful during it, as well as his knowledge of its history.

Relaxing and picturesque

Great stay with fabulous views!

Wow what can I say except that if you are looking for a different experience to your usual sterile hotel/motel room then try Hillview Estate. The rooms are huge and the beds are so comfortable. However it is an older hotel and there are some who may prefer modern facilities....not us though as we appreciated the history and features of the property. Where can you stay where ex governors have stayed.. The setting is superb with absolutely glorious views and a sculpture park and gallery which is a delight.Again you are in the country and there are the occasional millipedes etc. we were lucky enough to have a group stay of 11 and Damien the owner allowed us to have a formal dinner in the main house catered beautifully by Labarynth catering. It was a beautiful night in a lovely setting. Damien is a very relaxed and supportive host.

Appreciate it for what it is

Step back in time...

This is my second stay here, I really like the property and cottages. The views are just gorgeous, some fun sculptures around the place too. Damien is a friendly host. The high ceilings, furnishings etc are all great. I’d stay here again for sure.

Things to note:
- The cottage we stayed in (2 bed, Sir Admiral) has an odd layout but doable for a weekend away (eg walking through both bedrooms to get to bathroom, ie neither bedroom has much privacy which isn’t always needed).
- Washing up is slightly tricky with only bathroom sink, but manageable for teas, coffees, light breakfast.

Great property, views, charming old buildings

Hillview is an outstanding property, so quiet and peaceful with plenty of space to explore and take in the magnificent views. Dotted throughout the property are many fabulous contemporary sculptures. We stayed in cottage 6 which had all the charm of the 1850s with modern conveniences. The bed was very comfortable and the rooms are spacious. We look forward to returning and enjoying the hospitality again soon.

Hillview Heritage Estate

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