Soldiers Cottage - Historic Hunter Valley Retreat
Set at the foothills of the Brokenback Range and near Yengo National Park, Soldiers Cottage is a charming country escape spread across 37 acres, surrounded by leading wineries and acclaimed restaurants.
Originally a 1900s soldiers’ settlement cottage (formerly Kalagari), the home has been carefully extended while preserving its historic character, including original floorboards, a brick fireplace, and a vintage stove.
The main residence features four bedrooms, including a private upstairs master suite with ensuite and balcony, plus three ground-floor bedrooms positioned away from the main living areas. For larger groups (12+ guests), a separate one-bedroom studio is also available.
Inside, enjoy a spacious lounge with raked ceilings and a wood fire, along with a generous indoor-outdoor entertaining space. Outside, a private swimming pool is nestled among lush greenery, offering complete seclusion and relaxation.
With vineyard and mountain views, on-site award-winning vines, and retired racehorses grazing nearby, Soldiers Cottage delivers a truly distinctive Hunter Valley experience, rich in charm, history, and country character.
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
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.
Respectful Stays (The Not-So-Fine Print)
We want you to fully enjoy your time away, and we also ask that guests help us look after the home and the surrounding community.
To keep things comfortable for everyone:
This is a no-party property, the Quiet hours are between 9pm and 8am. The number of guests at property must not exceed the booking without written permission.
These guidelines help ensure Weekenda homes stay available for future escapes (yours included) and that local neighbours remain welcoming to visitors.
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.
