We booked to stay at The Carriages as a last minute trip, we were staying in Sydney with our daughter, who recommended the Hunter Valley for a visit. As our holiday was coming to an end, we only booked to stay 1night, booking 2 rooms in the main house. When we arrived, we were greated by Lise, who said she had upgraded one room, so we call be next to our daughter.
The house was superb, built 20 yrs ago, with such a good design and furnished very tastefully, olde worlde, therefore, does not date. It had a wrap around verandah with lovely comfy wicker furniture. Our breakfast was delivered in a large wicker basket, everything and more than we could eat. Cereal, fresh fruit, bread, coisants, muffins, fresh orange juice and milk. All presented in proper dishes and baskets, no plastic cartons. The room was also fitted with a fridge, mini oven (to warm the coisants), toaster, kettle, all the required crockery and glasses, there was no "make do" here. We were able to lay all our breakfast out on the table on the verandah and enjoy it "al fresco".
The setting for the house was perfectly secluded, with beautifully maintained gardens and a delightful pool, beware of the ants if you stupidly sit on the ground!! I have never heard such loud crickets. We were so happy and relaxed there from the city, that we booked to stay another night, would have stayed more had we not have other arrangements already.
Lise and her husband (sorry I cant remember your name), were such great hosts, even ringing us in the evening when we were out to dinner, to advise us the kangaroos were in their garden, so to call at their house on our return. Nothing was too much trouble. They have built a beautiful house and environment for their guests, and we would not hesitate to return if and when we visit Australia again.
Thankyou to you both for a wonderful relaxing stay, wish we lived closer, to make it a weekend retreat, maybe one day.
John, Viv and Lauren Jones from England.
