Hidden Valley Homestead Bed & Breakfast, 3615 Willow Tree Rd, 2329 Merriwa, New South Wales, Australia

 Phone: +61 2 65488588, +1 800 880924
 Innkeeper: Michael and Penelope Hynes
 Website: http://www.hiddenvalleyhomestead.com.au
 Rates per room start from: 99 AUD

 Breakfast type: self-serviced continental or full cooked breakfast
 Breakfast time: 06:00
 Breakfast is served: in the dining room

Hidden Valley Homestead Bed & Breakfast/Farm stay offers very personalized service in a rural farm setting only 3.5 hours from Sydney CBD. Located between Willow Tree and Merriwa, NSW, this picturesque property offers perfect conditions for a memorable holiday for families with children and groups of friends. Hidden Valley Homestead B&B has two double and one family room, all en-suite, as well as a bunkhouse fully equipped for a self-catering holiday. Homestyle meals are offered to suit every preference. Hidden Valley Homestead B&B also has a lovely dining rooms, a cosy guests' lounge and library, an outdoor swimming pool, children playgrounds.

General amenities

 common dining room

 barbecue/BBQ

 fully equipped common kitchen

 summer garden

 summer terrace/patio

 PC and internet point

 outdoor swimming pool

 table tennis

 quiet/board games

 library

 guests' lounge

 pets are admitted

 farm animals on premises

 entirely non-smoking

 smoking is allowed only outside

 children are welcome

 baby cots

 baby chairs

 playground for children

 not suitable for physically challenged guests

 laundry/washing services

 ironing services

 off-street parking

 working farm

 quiet surroundings

Room amenities

 heating

 fan

 tea and coffee making facilities

 en-suite bathroom

 hairdryer

Nearby amenities/activities

 walking

 swimming

 trekking

 canoeing

 kayaking

 biking

 hiking

 photography

 mountains

 historic sites

 cultural events

 museums/galleries

 wine tasting

 fine dining

 shopping

Payment types

 Cash

 Wire Transfer

 PayPal

Location map

An interview with the innkeeper(s) of Hidden Valley Homestead Bed & Breakfast (26th of January 2010)

Penelope and Michael

We purchased the 7 acre property in May 2008. For the first 12 months we renovated & repaired extensively as the property had not been operating for many years. We officially welcomed our first guest in Easter 2009

Originally the property was 2000 acres in size. It was run as a Horse riding camp for children living in the cities and suburbs. The children would spend a week or so at Hidden Valley learning how to handle and ride horses. They were accommodated in the bunk house, which offered two dormitory style, bunk bed sleeping, one for girls the other for boys separated by two double bathrooms. The owners of the time built 2 motel/en-suite type rooms for the parents who wished to stay for a night when collecting the children. Later they built the extra 3 rooms to sleep extra parents who enjoyed the magic of Hidden Valley. The most recent owners of the property operated cattle farms on the land. In early 2007 the property was sub divided and the homestead and accommodation along with 7 acres were separated from the larger area. This is now owned by a large Sydney based Eco Trading company who has listed the land and trees as protected due to many endangered species of bird life and native tree species

Hidden Valley is unique in many ways. However, we mainly believe it is because of its remoteness: the environment and surroundings; the peace and quiet. Nestled at the base of the Liverpool ranges (a part of the Great Dividing Range) a haven for many native animals and birds as well as our guests. It is most certainly a haven and retreat from the hectic rush and bustle of normal life in the cities and suburbs. Our visiting children have the opportunity to really get the feel of rural life, helping with 'farm jobs', playing and feeding the hand reared farm animals while their Mum and Dad get the opportunity to relax and regroup as a 'couple'. Many very special and unique childhood memories are created at Hidden Valley.

According to the words written in our guest book from visiting families and couples, they enjoy the activities provided, the animals, but more so the friendly and hospitable service they receive. We always go the extra mile- offering 100% and more in all we do for our guests. We make them feel special and important.....because they are! Comments such as 'attention to detail' 'clean & comfy beds- just like home', 'presentation of meals was 5 star standards'. We also believe our flexibility with arrival and departure times, and the availability of 3 meals a day or the chances to self cater is important to those you visit with us.

We offer in the main homestead a cosy and comfortable lounge area, complete with open fire place in the cooler months, air conditioner in summer, leather reclining chairs and lounges to relax in. A piano and sheet music for sing along, an extensive library of books for both young and old, board and cards games, Video player and CD player with a selection of music. An ideal place to relax after a fun filled day on the farm. Adjacent to the lounge area is the Dining room where all meals are served. Here we also offer a small kitchenette where our Motel/en-suite guest may prepare basic meals. A toaster, kettle, sandwich toaster & microwave are available along with a small fridge and double sink for their convenience. This area is for the sole use of our guests and not shared private area. Additionally we offer a large salt water pool (with pool toys), ball games, cricket sets, etc. a games room with table tennis, toys and arts centre where the creative child can create for hours on end. A kiddies sand pit, a large exciting Tree house for the older child. Loads of exciting places to explore. Friendly tame farm animal family who love adults and children and are very happy to spend quality time with them. Many of our guests have commented on how clean, happy and peaceful our animals are. Additionally our self catering bunk house includes all of the outside activities however it has its own open plan living area. This includes a TV (with Pay TV & DVD player) Book and Game Library. All Motel/en-suite rooms have heaters for the cooler months and fans for the warmer months. Each bedroom comes with quality linen, soft feather down doonas and pretty covers, and extra blankets are available for the cooler months. 4 pillows to a double/queen bed, 2 to each single bed. Bed throws and clean fluffy bath towels ( 2 to each person) face washer, hand towel and bath mats. Bed side lamps for reading, luggage rack, bedside cupboards and adequate hanging space for clothing. Our guest comfort is paramount to us at Hidden Valley. Our Bunk house is fully fitted with linen, doonas & blankets and sufficient bathroom toweling, face washers, hand towels and bath mats for 12 people. However a 25% discount is offered for those who wish to bring their own. The Bunk house kitchen is fully fitted out with a modern laminex kitchen cupboards, 4 x electric hots plates, full size oven and grill. Microwave, toaster, kettle, full size fridge/freezer and enough crockery cutlery, etc. for 14 people. We also offer a dining setting, 3 lounges in the living area 2 convert to double sleeping if required) A baby cot, baby bed (child up to 5) and high chair are available. A gas BBQ, outdoor table & seating set in lovely garden area is available to all our guests.

We offer Motel style/Ensuite Rooms: 3 in total including family room that consists of two rooms plus the self contained bunk house that offers 3 separate bedrooms plus extra sleeping in open plan living. For those who really want to 'rough it' we offer a

We offer: 4 Motel/En-suite rooms comprising of: Room No 1 The Blue Room: 1 x double bed + 1 x singe white wrought iron bed (sleeps 3); Room No 2: Couples only retreat: 1 x Queen Wrought iron bed (sleeps 2); Rooms No 3 & 4: Family room. 2 rooms adjoined internally. 1 x Queen bed, 1 x double bunk 1 x singe bed (sleeps 5-7) Plus a Self Contained Bunk House with 3 separate bedrooms: 1 x Queen, 1 x Double, 1 x 2 x double bunks (sleeps 4) Cot and Baby beds available for 3 extra sleeping plus 2 x Sofa beds in living area (sleeps 2-4).

Rm No 1: The Blue Room: 1 x double bed + 1 x single white wrought iron bed Fan, Heater, and Ensuite with shower; hand basin & toilet separate from bedroom. Bed side tables, reading lamps, luggage rack, adequate clothing hanging space- decorated in soft blue & white ( sleeps 3). Rm No 2: 1 x Queen size wrought iron bed with patchwork doona cover, frilly pillow shams, fan or heather, reading lamp & bedside table, bar fridge, luggage rack, adequate hanging space for clothing plus hairdryer: decorated in pastel pink & blue, (sleeps 2) Rm 3 &4: Family Rooms: Parent room offers a queen bed, private ensuite, fan or heater bar, fridge and Bed side tables, reading lamps, luggage rack, adequate clothing hanging space- decorated in autumn tones. Walk through to the Children area, offering ensuite, single bunk beds timber single bed, decorated in autumn tones. A extra Baby bed (child up to 5) and or folder cot available for extra sleeping. All decorated in autumn tones. (Sleeps 5-7) Self Contained Bunk House: Three separate bedrooms all offering either Queen, Double and Bunk Beds. Large open plan living area with full size kitchen fully equipped for 15 people. Electric hotplates and oven, microwave, kettle, toaster, electric frypan, full size fridge. Extra sleeping available in the living area where 2 of the 3 lounges open up as sleeping. TV with Austar ( cable TV) and DVD player, book and board game library, Laundry area with automatic washing machine and fire box ( with timber for burning) available in the winter months. All bedrooms come with quality linen, feather down filled doonas ( extra blankets) 4 pillows to each be, large fluffy towels, face washers and hand towels & all bathrooms bath mats. Discounts available for BYO linen & Towels. Motel Rooms and Bunk house have tea & making facilities or you may enjoy these in our Guest Lounge area.

I have two favourites, both for different reasons. If I was travelling to Hidden Valley as a part of a couple I would love Room No 2 as the fitting and decorations are very romantic. The bed has two layers of soft underlays and very comfy and cosy. However if I was visiting as a family I would really enjoy the freedom of the Bunk House. Knowing I could cook my children meals at any time, that we could play games as a family, relax together around the large dining table, or on the lounges. I believe it would be very relaxing and a extremely bonding time for me with my young family.

The rates include: complimentary tea & coffee, juice and homemade snacks freshly baked each day available in rooms or in lounge area, farm tour and access to all facilities, use of linen, towelling, free parking, internet access and are inclusive of GST.

Yes these are advertised on our website, or our guests are notified in our seasonal newsletter if they subscribe to this. Each holiday or special celebration ( Easter, Christmas etc) we offer special events and discounts.

All our meals including breakfast are prepared from fresh local produce. We attempt, were possible to create, prepare and cook from 'scratch'.....no meals are prepared, processed or shop bought. Our breakfast menu varies from season to season and from this our guests choose before their arrival to save any unexpected surprises of meals that they don’t enjoy. Our meal preparation is very personalized & individual to the family or couple visiting....based on the likes and dislikes of our visit guests. A typical menu from our cooked selection would be: (1) big breakfast (sausages, bacon, 2 eggs, grilled tomato and homemade hash browns); (2) Scrambled eggs on a bed of toasted croissants, cheery tomatoes & baby spinach leaves; (3) Egg, bacon & spinach flan; (4) Pancakes and maple syrup with bacon or fruit and cream; (5) Fresh fruit platter with ambrosia dip and French toast side; (6) Bacon & egg Turkish bread roll; (6) Fresh locally made Yoghurt, fresh fruit, dried fruits & homemade bread for toasting. All with bread for toasting, juice, tea and coffee. Our continental selection includes: a variety of cereals, homemade fruit toast, homemade seeded toast or wholemeal and white (your choice) served with homemade marmalades, jams and toppings. Juice, Tea & Coffee.

Our continental breakfast is available self serve in the dining room from 6am on wards. Often Dad will take the children in for breakfast while Mum has a sleep in. The cooked breakfast is cooked and served in the Dining Room at a time suitable to our guest. Anywhere from 6.30am onwards. We are very flexible and accommodating to our guest and work around their requirements where possible. All meals are served at the time requested by the guest. All meals may be taken into the BBQ area or the gardens to enjoy if you prefer.

Our service is very personalized we discuss all preferences in food and drink prior to our guest arrival. If there are any allergies or intolerance we find this out beforehand so preparation can be made to suit. An email will be sent on booking and confirming your accommodation needs requesting preferences in milk, juice, bread etc. We are able to cater for vegetarians, vegans, gluten intolerance, dairy free etc and are happy to accommodate these requests with advanced notice ( a small fee may apply).

With advance notice (at time of booking) we can supply three meals a day if our guest wishes. We provide on our website a luncheon & Dinner menus however these are flexible and personalized based on our guest requirements. We offer a children’s menu (again based on the children’s preferences) and for a tiny extra charge serve the kiddies meals earlier than Mum and Dad thus ensuring a relaxed evening for the parents once the children are snug in their beds, sleeping soundly close by. The 2 x course Dinner includes a complimentary glass of red or white wine or if they prefer glass of beer. Course may be either entree and main or main and yummy dessert. Complimentary: Freshly baked yummy cakes, slices, muffins etc are offered daily in the dining room for enjoying as morning or afternoon teas. Tea & Coffee, Juice and cordial are available in the guest dining room fridge daily. In winter a freshly cooked pot of homemade soup is always available as a complimentary winter warming treat. Our Self Catering Bunk House guest does not miss out! On arrival tea and cookie making is provided with fresh milk, juice and cordial for the children. A Jar of freshly baked biscuits or muffins awaits you or a freshly baked loaf of bread. The Guest lounge & Dining room is available to our Bunk House guests also.

Yes, we do offer some basic self catering to the Motel guests. We often suggest that they prepare their own lunches in the kitchenette off the dining area. Here we provide a double sink, small fridge, toaster, kettle, sandwich toaster and microwave. Also guest may use the gas BBQ and the lovely garden area it is situated in. Our bunk house people have their own fully equipped kitchen so the have the choice of either self catering totally or having some meals in the dining room prepared and cooked by us. Packed picnic lunches can be provided if families wish to participate in a bush walk and have lunch under a gum tree in our beautiful bush land. Often a couple will take a picnic lunch beside the pool or down near the creek bed for a romantic time alone

Our Farm Stay B& B is very children friendly. We suggest that our families and couples holidaying with us treat our home as there’s for the stay. All we ask is respect and care be shown throughout their stay. The games room as been left particularly ‘rustic’ for this purpose. This enables the children to really enjoy themselves while Mum and Dad don’t have to worry about anything being broken. All we ask is at the end of their stay they tidy up, putting away games and craft supplies. In our welcoming email (prior to arrival) we suggest that only ‘play clothes’ be packed as traditionally our visiting children get a little dirty playing, exploring and interacting with the animals. This ensures both parents and the children really enjoy themselves and there is no tears about dirty clothes etc. Children under 2 eat free at Hidden Valley and a ‘children menu’ is available based the individual child likes and dislikes. Children 12 and under meals are charged out at $1 per birthday year (8 year old child all meals $8) Children over 12 eat at Adult prices.

Yes, we are pet friendly, however, all responsibility must be taken by the owner. We also suggest restraining the pet at night time for the pets safety. All pets holidaying with their family must be kept away from the farm animals as we do not want their security and happiness compromised. Animals are not allowed in the rooms or guest relaxing/eating areas.

Our rooms and guest area are non smoking, however, we do allow smoking outside. Ash trays are provided

Secure On site parking is available close to the rooms.

Our rooms are on ground floor and would be suitable for those who may be walking impaired however not suitable for wheelchairs as there is insufficient turning room internally.

All areas are secure with fire alarms & smoke detectors. Hidden Valley is situated in a very remote but secure area.

We are very flexible with check in and out. Unless a room has been recently vacated on the day of arrival we encourage our guests to arrive as early as they can to enjoy Hidden Valley. Similarly checkout (unless the room is required for another arriving family/couple) checkout is at the guest preference.

In our bunk house we have a min stay of two nights. However in the Motel en-suite rooms an overnight stay is always welcome. Many of our guests believe a min of three nights is required to really take advantage of what is up for offer here.

We prefer & encourage the personal touch at Hidden Valley. Most guests make their initial contact via either email (followed up by the telephone) or a phone enquiry. This gives the guest an opportunity to ask questions and get an impression of what we like, and what we offer. There is no obligation to this call. Once a guest has decided to holiday with us we confirm meal requirements, any dietary requirements etc and then email our standard reservation slip. This outlines all that has been discussed. We ask our guest to read this document carefully and if they approve of the contents to than pay the deposit of 15% to hold the room and allow us to undertake the meal preparation (if required).

A booking including meals may be cancelled up to 10 days prior without any penalty. Without meals cancellation with no penalty may be made up to 7 days prior.

We accept Cash/wire transfers, PayPal (extra 3%) and prefer direct deposit into our account (no fees or charges to anyone).

All we ask is mutual respect, to us and to other guests visiting. As we are a farm, all gates that are closed must be closed after opening. No animals to be chased or harassed. NO access to our private area unless invited. Swimming - if others are enjoying a sleep in, we ask that noise be kept to a minimum in the mornings and in the evening.

We are midway between the historical township of Merriwa and Willow Tree on the Liverpool Ranges). At Merriwa (approx 30 min drive) we have a "Bottle Museum", The Hut ( where local produce and handicrafts may be purchased) also the historical Merriwa Cottage where all Merriwa history is kept. In town we have a small grocery store, butcher, Chemist and other stores plus the local RSL club and Bowling club where night time entertainment may be enjoyed. To the North East Willow Tree and Murrurundi can be visited. Murrurundi (approx 40 min drive) is a very pretty village with arts and crafts, cafes etc- a pleasant day out. Tamworth is approx 1 hour 15 min drive away where major shops, facilities and movie theatres can be found. However most of our guests come to Hidden Valley to stay. There is so much to do, or the opportunity to do very little if you wish, that they don’t want or need to travel to either of the towns & attractions available. At Hidden Valley we have maps and brochures on all local attractions and wine yards close by.

We are approx 4 hours from Sydney, 3 hours from Newcastle and 7 hours from Brisbane. Our guests may take either the New England Highway or the Golden Highway. Exact directions are supplied to our guests prior to setting off on their trip to us to avoid any delays or confusions. Guest may also travel on City rail from Sydney departing at Murrurundi and picked up by either Michael or Penelope (a small charge applies).

At Hidden Valley it is large enough to allow people their privacy, while compact enough to allow conversations and friendships to start. Our policy is to allow our guests privacy and quietness if that is what they seek, or conversation with the hosts, and other guests when, and again, if they wish. We respect privacy and an autonomous stay if that is what our guest is seeking. Because of our remoteness many of our guests are seeking just this- a retreat away where no one can find them or contact them. In this case meals are served at a different time to other guests, and where possible we only booked couples on a retreat, not at the same time as families. Conversely our families enjoy the interaction of other children and their parents- many a friendship is started at Hidden Valley. Many family and friend groups travel to Hidden Valley together to share a family reunion, or an annual get together. Our overseas guest also enjoy the extra benefit of really getting to know the hosts ( and their unique lifestyle) and the Australian rural way. As well they enjoy meeting other families or couples living in Australia and finding out more about the typical Australian way.

Another attraction we find families enjoy is our very special and unique Paddy O'Malley afternoon. This is where we tell the historical tale of Paddy O’Malley a sheep herder who lived on the property back in the early 1980's. After the story our guests go for a walk to Paddy's old shack and view how he lived. On return a true Aussie camp fire has been started where dinner is cooking on the coals. We all enjoy a sing a long of Australian songs, telling ghost & funny stories. At the conclusion children have th opportunity to toast home made bread (damper) and marshmallows on the coals and then play with 'sparklers' before retiring to bed allowing the parents to relax by the fire gazing at the star filled sky. A truly special 'true blue' Aussie experience (extra charge per head includes dinner & drinks plus dress-up Colonial /early settler outfits for the children).

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