"Ferndale" is a large, private and very quiet, fully self-contained, stylish studio, appointed graciously with comfortable furniture and accessories.
Nestled on 200 acres of rural farmlands, its charm is enhanced with landscapes of rolling highland views, grazing pastures, native bush and a secret rain forest. Our farm is a genuine working cattle stud with an organic olive grove and veggie patch, handled always with a sympathetic approach towards our environment and locale.
We're ever mindful of the responsibilities and sensitive demands of farming; our animals (Wagyu cattle & miniature Shetland ponies) reside quietly as our friends, our lawn-mowers and our compost makers.
The apartment exudes warming and homely tones with electric blankets, fully insulated floors, walls & ceilings, block-out curtains and dependable gas heating, creating such an ambiance you'll want to snuggle up, feeling cosy and secure, day or night.
We are proud to consider our location a DARK SKY PRESERVE (an international protocol describing a stringent standard of no light pollution...we maintain and protect our naturally dark night skies from artificial light pollution).
Dark sky definitions quoted ~~~google/wikipedia :
"Dark Sky Reserve: A public or private area with exceptional starry skies that's protected for scientific, educational, and other purposes.
Dark skies for DarkSky International: Skies where the Milky Way is visible on a typical night.
Feel spoiled in the spacious bedroom with French provincial queen bed and furniture, crisp, ironed linen, complimentary fluffy dressing-robes, toasty duvets and electric blankets, all of which repel even the chilliest Highland frost.
The bathroom features a large shower, vanity and toilet, heated towel rail and heating lights. We promote careful consumption of water using the latest energy-saving bathroom accessories as we are fully self-sufficient, collecting only fresh rainwater for domestic use.
The modern kitchen is intended for self-catering purposes with ample cooking facilities and equipment. A convenient BBQ is also available for your use.
Continental breakfast provisions are included in the tariff. Feel relaxed upon waking as your provisions are readily available; you can please yourself when you'd like to breakfast. Our late check-out (1pm) assures a restful and unhurried meal and relaxed mood after a leisurely sleep-in.
Use the sun deck for outdoor dining and relaxing. It invites you total involvement with your country experience ~ fresh, restful & hearty country living is completely natural ~ gaze over the fields of dynamic grasses and an ancient apple orchard as you breathe in the cleanest of air.... it's nature's tonic for humanity, especially those who endure tension and anxiety during working days. Stress is eased and banished, just by gazing at happy cows munching.
The living area is large with comfortable spaces, inclusive of DVD; TV; CD, complimentary movie & reading libraries and board games. Wi-Fi is not offered but works perfectly via your personal account.
Quality curtains, a gorgeous Persian silk rug and limed, cedar-wood blinds ensure total comfort and absolute privacy.
Parking is secure with easy-access. The studio is 500mts along our private road, guaranteeing the safety of your vehicle.
Our established gardens are a fusion of mature exotic trees, untouched native bush and swathes of flowering seasonal bulbs, completely embracing the building.
The garden is a delight..... rambling and vigorously energized... lively, fresh and teeming with wild birds and animals. Over 35 species of native birds flitting about have been counted during the annual bird count ~ they are all calm in our presence In spring they bring their newly fledged offspring to show off and discover the territory !!
Challenge yourself with a hit of tennis on the full sized, synthetic grass tennis court. We provide complimentary racquets and balls; maybe an afternoon stroll along the many lane ways on the property? There's 200 acres to wander about and explore.
For those who would like to meet the ponies, chopped apples and/or carrots as well as few slices of stale bread certainly break the ice and guarantee devoted attention.
Kids are most welcome and encouraged to develop physical contact with "the girls", but only with parental supervision. Kids are also perfectly safe riding bikes or roller-blades on the driveway, tennis court and lanes.
Linked to the past history of our district and striking a unique and regal presence across the mews, are the eternal chimneys of the original 1890's "Ferndale" guesthouse ~ a genuine statement of prestige in the Exeter vicinity of the Southern Highlands.
Interestingly, aspects of the property and chimneys have been used in several TV documentaries and programmes.
In April 2013, with a back-drop of bagpipes, surrounded by autumnal rampant leaf colourings, we delighted in witnessing the marriage of Ross & Heather, staged among the ruins of these genial giants; true reminders a yester-year lifestyle that was gracious and rich.
**SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ... UPON PERSONAL DISCUSSION with the OWNER, WE MAY ACCEPT PETS.
We can offer a large, secure outdoor cat cage or smaller dog compound, HOWEVER we do not allow pets inside the apartment. The animals must sleep outside in the enclosure but it is covered with tarps, so a safe and warm environment is assured.
If pets are accepted, the owner must provide bedding and food.
If accepted, an extra small fee is due, payable direct to owner upon arrival.
A visit to "Ferndale" will re-acquaint anyone with how quality of life was meant to be enjoyed.
ALL THIS !!!
YET only 5 minutes to BUNDANOON, EXETER or SUTTON FOREST for shops, cafes, supermarkets and local cold-climate vineyards and cellar doors.
MOSS VALE, BERRIMA - approximately 12 minutes
BOWRAL, ROBERTSON - approximately 35 minutes.
CANBERRA - approximately 1.25 hours
***PLEASE NOTE.....One-night bookings are generally accepted, HOWEVER, during the BRIGADOON HIGHLAND GATHERING FESTIVAL weekend in April, ONLY a two-night reservation will be accepted.
This property is an ideal hide-away; a delightful retreat from modernity, city noise and with that personal touch from owners who care.