Hillview Heritage Estate

We were so excited to stay here as we love places that are a bit less commercial, the photos made it look cosy and welcoming, but they were not an accurate representation of the actual rooms- we expected it to be a bit rustic and perhaps a little rough around the edges. What we did not expect was the filth that greeted us. Mould, stains, damage and even, just for fun, a used bandaid in the bathtub! The room smelt very musty and in the thirty minutes we stayed we left the door open. This still wasn’t enough as my asthma flared up and I had breathing issues for the next few hours- my asthma isn’t even that bad, but something in this place affected it badly! We couldn’t stay and had to arrange last minute accommodation, elsewhere, for our weekend. We are not fussy or particular, but this place was not suitable. To charge the amount it does for what it is offering is outrageous. Unless it gets a thorough clean and the mound dealt with it shouldn’t be offered as accommodation at all!!

This is definitely a TLDR so don't read, but in a nutshell, go to Hillview if you want the outside to be quieter than paradise but the inside not to be a 5 star Grand Hyatt / Four Seasons. When I was figuring out where to stay for a few days to break the Mel/Syd drive, I looked at all the usual suspects and ... found one I'd never heard of before, Hillview. So I looked at the reviews. Wow, are they ever polarised. Those that loved it really loved it, and those that didn't were so scathing and the language was so (negatively) powerful that I thought "I have to see this place". So I booked for two nights. Ended up staying for four. You can now see where this review is going ... two nights wasn't enough. I'll get down to it. Hillview is original. Remember that word if you decide to go there. If you're expecting something quaint and Downton Abbey-ish *but* that has been completely gutted and 5-star made-over on the inside, with just the outside facade being the only thing left to look nice and charming, don't go there. Really ... don't go. On the other hand, if you want to live for a day or four just like the upstairs family in Downton Abbey did (but without the hot and cold running servants), but with a few of the must-haves of modern living thrown in ... a microwave, outstanding but very simple heaters (it got down to minus 1 degree when I was there), beautifully comfortable beds with electric blankets, crisp linen all round, Netflix/Prime/Stan/whatever on a nice new widescreen Hisense, and .... you promise not to freak out at the sight of a shower curtain or an original claw foot bath that catches (most of) your shower water or the lack of a kitchen as you might have come to know kitchens, or a few things I'm probably forgetting to mention, then .... go there. Really .... go. BTW when I said NF, Prime etc, I used all my own accounts and my own 'net access that travels with me (I don't even know if Hillview has WiFi, didn't ask). If you aren't totally comfortable doing a bit of techie workaround to get all your stuff running on their nice TV and you're clinically addicted to some streamed thing you can't go a few days without, I go back to ..... don't go there. I’m attaching photos of my room and one or two from outside. That is exactly how it looks. That long narrow corridor-looking room? That’s the kitchen. The kitchen sink is the basin in the bathroom. Maybe it’s just me, but I like that. During your time there, you will change the way you do a lot of things. You’ll learn some stuff. You’ll get frustrated at times. Your heart rate will slow. Your cortisone levels will drop. You’ll achieve nirvana and become a better person. But you will be in THE quietest (I know, it feels wrong to shout about quietest) most peaceful, most charming, best-situated place you’ve ever been. A gadzillion rabbits can’t be wrong. Really, it has at least that many ... they are the cutest things and kudos to them for choosing *the* safest place on the planet

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.