Willow's Retreat

Willow’s Retreat is a secluded paradise, on over 50 acres of pristine bush and pasture, at the Southern tip of the Wollombi Valley, NSW. An hour’s drive from Hornsby, and only 45 minutes from the Central Coast, it’s quick and easy to get to, yet feels like another world. Everyone’s welcome at Willow’s Retreat - whatever your background and wherever you’re from, it’s the perfect place to be yourself. Surrounded by that nature, you'll never want to leave... “Willow’s Retreat” is a beautiful house made of rammed earth. As such, it is extremely well insulated and maintains a great temperature year round. For extra comfort, there are ceiling fans for summer, and a wood fire and electric blankets for winter. Every living area is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for your safety, with extinguishers and first aid kit for emergencies. Solar powered, and harvesting rainwater, it’s completely off grid. There’s also no mobile signal; however, we do have high speed satellite internet for those that don’t want a complete technology detox! There’s a fully equipped kitchen, with gas oven/cooktop, microwave, kettle, toaster and large fridge and freezer (great for longer stays - shops aren’t close!). All utensils, crockery and cutlery are provided. Outside, there’s a brand new 4 burner barbecue with side gas ring, as well as a super-comfy hammock to laze in. The living area is spacious, with comfortable sofas, flat screen TV and DVD library. Or go old school, with board games, jigsaws and boule to keep you entertained! To explore the night sky, we've provided a telescope, too!There’s also a separate dining room, with a Japanese-inspired 6 seater table. Across the breezeway, the bedrooms have amazingly comfy beds (one queen and two doubles), with all linen and towels provided. With no traffic noise to disturb you, you’ll have the best night’s sleep and wake to the sounds of the birds outside your window. The rambling cottage garden is full of edible surprises! From fruit trees, to luscious herbs, to random turnips, you never know what you might find! There is an outdoor table and chairs, as well as fire pit for those cooler nights. The house and gardens are exclusively yours during your stay - but you are also welcome to wander through the 50 acres of pristine natural beauty of the property. From pasture in the valley floor, to huge rocks, cliffs, and virgin bushland, there’s an enormous variety of ares to explore and wonder at our flora and fauna. A bird spotter’s dream, we’ve recorded over 80 distinct species of birds (and photographed most of them!). From wedge-tailed eagles and glossy black cockatoos soaring overhead, to fairy wrens and whip birds darting through the undergrowth, everywhere you turn there’s something to see! The paddocks and hills are home to both eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies, not to mention numerous wombats. Look to the trees at night, and you’ll find gliders, possums, and, for those of you fortunate enough to spot them, koalas! Make sure you let us know what you find - we also work in conjunction with local wildlife carers to monitor and treat our native friends if needed.