The Lodge
The Retreat is great for entertaining—with a large living area and expansive decks for BBQs and lounging about in the sun or shade, it is perfect for relaxing weekend getaways or holidays. Our regulars bring back other couples to share their break in the bush and buy gift certificates for staff, family and friends. Some book the same week or weekend each year.
The architect designed building has two sections joined by a breezway. The main building houses the living areas and the secret loft. The three-level tower has the garage with billiard room and main bedroom above.
Although originally designed as a romatic getaway house for honeymooners and other couples, The Retreat sleeps five in comfort (and, if necessary, we can squeeze in three extra children in the billiard room on folding beds which have innerspring mattresses).
Being in a bush resort means that while you have privacy, there are others not too far away if there is an emergency. And the resort's Treehops Restaurant is a 10 minute stroll or two minute drive away if you'd like a break from cooking, or are celebrating a birthday or anniversary.
Living Area
The Retreat's living area provides expansive views, with huge windows and floor-to-ceiling glass doors which provide a feeling of space and light.
- Plenty of lounging space to snuggle up in front of the fire
- Large flat screen HD TV, and video/DVD player
- Separate dining alcove with chairs to seat six, as well as an extra table (which can also be used as an outdoor setting)
- Stereo system with iPod docking system and a wide range of CDs.
Deck Area
The extensive deck area runs around three sides of the living room and the BBQ is undercover. There is an outdoor setting and a gas BBQ. It is perfect for dining and lounging in the sun or shade. Guests tell us that they do their breakfast bacon and eggs on the BBQ, as well as lunch and dinner. (Not in winter, of course.) And with kangaroos frequently popping by, a BBQ on the deck is the Aussie way to connect with nature.
Gourmet Kitchen
The Retreat’s spacious, modern kitchen would please even the most fastidious chef—it has all the equipment you need for preparing gourmet meals. You can also keep an eye on the family or chat to houseguests in the lounge area while creating a feast.
- Fully equipped with oven/cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, espresso machine and cooking utensils
- Basic consumables such as gladwrap, aluminium foil, cooking oils, salt and pepper, coffee and tea are provided.
Main Bedroom
The main bedroom has spectacular views, over treetops and valleys, with not a building in sight. Its features include:
- TV with DVD/VCR player
- Blockout curtains
- Ensuite with a spa bath
- Upstairs away from the rest of the house.
Billiard Room
The Billiard room has an antique three-quarter table for games of snooker and billiards. It also has an ensuite bathroom and a long-single bed cunningly disguised as a sofa.
Young children are best accommodated in the billiard room which is immediately below the main bedroom as parents can hear what is going on from above.
Secret Loft
For families with children, the secret loft may prove to be an attraction (although it is not suitable for very young children as it is a long way from the main bedroom). But if the children are self-sufficient you can enjoy the privacy and quiet of the main bedroom and maybe a sleep-in.
The secret loft has two long-single beds and a small TV. It is tucked away above the main living area, and guests can use the shower and toilet downstairs.
Features
- Three TVs, including one large flat screen HD TV.
- Two DVD and VCR players (one each in lounge and main bedroom)
- Large library of movies, books, magazines, CDs and board games
- Lock up garage - just push the table tennis table to one side
- Stereo system with iPod docking system and plenty of CDs
- Table tennis, push bikes, and tennis rackets for the resort tennis court
- A children's cubby house (or "fort" if you are from North America)
- All linen and towels provided (bring your own beach towel for the pool)
- Combustion fire with firewood provided
- Oil heaters in living area and bedrooms
- Fan heaters in most rooms
- Ceiling fans in living area and main bedroom
- Expansive deck with BBQ
- Three long single beds, one queen size and three extra folding beds
- Three showers and toilets (main bedroom ensuite has a spa bath)
- Hairdryers provided
- Washing machine and dryer in the laundry
- Dial up internet access (Newcastle)
- Wireless reception is good as we are on top of a mountain
- Telephone for local calls (e.g. to order your take-away pizza or reserve a table at Treehops Restaurant).
Book your Hunter Valley Accommodation with The Retreat Bushland Lodge