Hillview Heritage Estate

We loved our night in the Earl of Jersey. We've driven past the driveway to Hillview many times and often wondered where it led. And then earlier this year we spotted a magnificent mansion high on a hill as we traveled on the train from Canberra to Sydney... and the rest is history, we booked a stay! Our cottage looked out over the beautiful countryside of the Southern Highlands. The furnishings and amenities remain true to the period and this only adds to the charm of staying in such an historical property. The bay window was a perfect spot to sit and eat our continental breakfast in the morning; the sun was streaming in and the view was like looking out on an English park. And a great night's sleep, the bed was so warm and comfy. Thank you Damien for a memorable stay.

This is a very special location. The park is stunning with a vast array of modern sculptures, the view from some of the cottages is wonderful, the wildlife is abundant. My family occupied 3 cottages. They are charming - as is Damien who runs the property.

If you don't mind "rustic" then this is the place to stay in the Southern Highlands. This is not the Marriott, but it is so steeped in history, with amazing countryside views and serenity that it is hard not to feel relaxed here. Period furniture and furnishings add to the "old world" ambiance. The lessee, Damien, is so friendly, accommodating and full of informationabout this estate that was the Governor's residence. It is clean and tidy. Linen and crockery / cutlery are provided, along with tea towels and washing up detergent. Plenty of cereals, fresh milk, nudie orange juice, english muffins and condiments were supplied for breakfast. The rooms have a larger sized bar fridge, kettle and toaster. Washing up is in a small tub with water from the kettle. You will most likely need to bring simple lunches/ dinners (eg. slow cooker, thermomix) or try some of the amazing restaurants and wineries the Southern Highlands has to offer. The grounds have interesting sculptures throughout but we were more taken by the gardens and the breathtaking views across the valley to the hills on the eastern side of the property. While we were there some visitors arrived to say that they had heard about the home and Damien was more than happy for them to wander the property and view the sculptures and gardens. We will definitely be returning to this beautiful old home in the very near future.

This is my second stay here, I really like the property and cottages. The views are just gorgeous, some fun sculptures around the place too. Damien is a friendly host. The high ceilings, furnishings etc are all great. I’d stay here again for sure. Things to note: - The cottage we stayed in (2 bed, Sir Admiral) has an odd layout but doable for a weekend away (eg walking through both bedrooms to get to bathroom, ie neither bedroom has much privacy which isn’t always needed). - Washing up is slightly tricky with only bathroom sink, but manageable for teas, coffees, light breakfast.

We stayed here for the old school experience and were not disappointed. Yes the internet was very patchy but as the add says stay here and unplug for awhile and enjoy the moment. We had a 2 bedroom cottage and although it was basic it had everything you needed. By basic I mean it was like stepping back in time which is why you stay here, you have the modern things like tv the bed in the main room was modern so was the lounge suite. The bathroom has a great shower which is hard to find these days. Now the basic side is the building is as it was built with all it's charm even some of the furniture and fittings are original. The grounds are large and a great place to wonder.

We had a wonderful weekend at this place.We saw the rabbits and kangaroos on the field. The views is stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset time. The house is old style but cozy and warm with heating, and have enough hot water for taking a bath at cold night.

Wow what can I say except that if you are looking for a different experience to your usual sterile hotel/motel room then try Hillview Estate. The rooms are huge and the beds are so comfortable. However it is an older hotel and there are some who may prefer modern facilities....not us though as we appreciated the history and features of the property. Where can you stay where ex governors have stayed.. The setting is superb with absolutely glorious views and a sculpture park and gallery which is a delight.Again you are in the country and there are the occasional millipedes etc. we were lucky enough to have a group stay of 11 and Damien the owner allowed us to have a formal dinner in the main house catered beautifully by Labarynth catering. It was a beautiful night in a lovely setting. Damien is a very relaxed and supportive host.

This is our second visit to Hillview and this time we brought our 2 German Shepherds. You are literally stepping back in time and the gardens and sculptures are wonderful. We were also shown the new Art Gallery recently created in the main house. The first time we visited this had all the original furniture and I was told that not many people used or saw it so the main building has been re-invented as an Art Gallery. The continental breakfast gave us plenty to eat with muffins, cereals, fresh fruit, full bottles of orange juice and a whole litre of milk. The coffee was proper bags not instant. There are 8 lodges or rooms and my wife and I will go back again to try another room. Relax, unwind, enjoy how life used to be...

A group of about 20 of us recently stayed at Hillview Herritage for a wedding next door to the property. Damien was so accommodating and went out of his way to organise us all into cottages. The cottages are stunning and perfect for a cosy stay in the southern highlands, everyone absolutely loved the bath tubs! Would highly recommend if you get the chance, close to cafes and restaurants as well :)