On our first visit to the Hunter Valley we looked at staying at Aldora Cottage but not having stayed in many (actually any at the time) off-grid properties, we shied away from not having room service or daily housekeeping. Fast forward a couple of years and we have grown to love and appreciate the benefits and tranquility of staying not only at off-grid properties but properties that are secluded and give you the freedom to wake up grab a coffee and wander the grounds in your pyjamas!
Driving just over three hours from Sydney you will find Aldora cottage on Mistletoe Lane, which is possibly the sweetest-named street in Pokolbin. For any wine enthusiast out there you would already know that Pokolbin sits right in heart of The Hunter Valley aka wine country.
With views of Brokenback Mountain, the ever-important vineyards, and situated only minutes from some of the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries, restaurants, cheese, and chocolate shops you will find yourself close enough to the action but far enough away to relax and unwind in peace and quiet.
Before arriving at Aldora Cottage we highly recommend stopping by four of our favourite places to stock up on supplies so from the minute you check in you can enjoy what the Hunter is famous for – Food & Wine!
♡ Binnorie Dairy – is not only one of our favourites but is one of Australia’s best soft cheese makers, stock up on their delicious triple cream brie, vintage cheddar, fig paste (this is a must), crackers, and even tiramisu.
♡ Cocoa Nib – located just down the road from Aldora Cottage, you literally have to drive past it, so there is no excuse for not stopping in. Offering some of the yummiest handcrafted indulgent Artisan Chocolates you can’t go past the Salted Butter Caramels, Cranberry & Coconut Butter Crunch, and the 12-piece bonbon box where you can select 12 different flavoured perfectly made chocolates. You should also grab a hot chocolate and add an exploding hot chocolate ball, think marshmallows, chocolate, and more chocolate!
♡ Peppertree Wines – With over thirty years in the wine business and only 10 mins from Aldora Cottage you will not only find great wines at Peppertree but also the incredibly helpful staff. Grab a bottle of the single vineyard Cab Sav and you will not regret it.
♡ Baumé Restaurant – If like us all you want to do is check in and bunker down for the night call ahead and order a take-home pizza or pasta from Baumé. This would have to be one of our absolute favourite restaurants in the Hunter and can never go past the Arancini, Tender lemon-peppered calamari, Mandarin salad, and the Affogato. Pizza toppings change regularly so just call to find out what the chef has to offer, we have to warn you though Baumé pizzas are huge, the menu calls them “old-fashioned family size”.
Aldora Cottage is one of three properties that form Jindalee Estate.
Sitting over 30 acres Jindalee Estate offers three accommodation options.
Aldora Cottage and Yarrimbah Cottage are standalone cottages located towards the lower end of the property and are perfect for 2 guests, while Jindalee House sits proudly on the high side of the property and accommodates up to eight.
You can book the whole estate as one or each property separately. During our stay, both cottages were occupied, they are located far enough away from each to still maintain privacy and a sense of seclusion.
Aldora Cottage is a self-check-in property.
On the day of your stay, you will be texted two codes one for the estate entry gate and one for your cottage. After entering through the gate you will probably be met by some Kangaroos, some who are very inquisitive, and some who simply give you one look down and then go back to relaxing in the sun.
Just follow the road past Jindalee house on your left and Yarrimbah Cottage on your right till you reach your destination – Aldora Cottage.
You will find a property guide inside which will assist with any questions you may have about the cottage and the surrounding area. There were also instruction signs around the cottage to help guide you through turning on the gas fireplace, we did find this detracted from a high-end property feel but did find it quite practical.
Walking into the cottage you are greeted by a fully equipped kitchen, dining, and lounge area that houses a large gas fireplace, big screen TV, and views of the mountains and vineyard from the outdoor patio. You will find basic supplies in the kitchen including tea, sugar, long-life milk, and coffee pods for the Nespresso Machine which along with a complimentary bottle of wine you have the essentials covered.
With plenty of room for two, the oversized bedroom area comes with a second tv, a king-size bed, and a standalone bath and shower. We loved the wireless charging lamps so much that we bought the same ones for our home.
With reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a gas fireplace, you will enjoy the coziness and spaciousness of Aldora Cottage all year round.
After a long day of wine tasting all you will want to do is sit outside and enjoy a bbq and glass of wine from your own patio while watching the sun go down and the kangaroos hop by. We often found two kangaroos sitting only one meter from the back door and once inside the same kangaroos would come right up to the window.
Good to Know
♡ Aldora Cottage is a 100% off-grid property
♡ This property accommodates 2 guests & has a 2-night minimum stay
♡ Self-check-ins from 3 pm & checkouts at 10 am, we did ask for a late check-out which could be accommodated
♡ You will find security cameras located at the front and back of the cottage & some wear and tear on the fixtures & furnishing
♡ We stayed at this property during July & it would also be beautiful during Autumn & Spring
♡ This property is managed by Hunter Valley Stays, we did find there to be a few steps to the booking process which detracted from a seamless booking experience
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Thoughts, opinions, and photos shared about Aldora Cottage, Hunter Valley | In the Heart of Wine Country are entirely my own.