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Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue

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Property grounds
Exterior
Interior
Property grounds
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Cambewarra, NSW
  • Place, Tapitallee Nature Reserve
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Cambewarra Estate Winery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Bomaderry Creek Regional Park
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Shellharbour, NSW (WOL)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Cambewarra

At this cottage you'll be 1.7 km (1 mi) from Tapitallee Nature Reserve and 3.6 km (2.3 mi) from Cambewarra Estate Winery. .You can enjoy a TV with a DVD player, and accommodation features a washing machine, a fireplace and a balcony. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board are also available.
View more Cottages in CambewarraOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Tapitallee Nature Reserve - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Cambewarra Estate Winery - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Bomaderry Creek Regional Park - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Cambewarra Range Nature Reserve - 6 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Red Rocks Nature Reserve - 9 min drive - 8.5 km

Getting around

  • Berry Station - 17 min drive
  • Shellharbour, NSW (WOL) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bomaderry Bowling Club - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Murphy’s Espresso - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemans Club - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Hyper Hyper Espresso - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue

The Connoisseur's Cottage @ Garden Hill Retreat is a well-appointed, aesthetically designed and tastefully decorated two-storey sandstone masterpiece, which nestles at the foot of the Cambewarra Mountains. Straddling between picturesque Kangaroo Valley and fashionable Berry, it has been meticulously conceived to give the most demanding connoisseurs a most memorable experience in country living.

Standing elegantly on the western end of the property, the Connoisseur's Cottage enjoys a panoramic view of Brown's Mountains, the mirror lake and the French-inspired kitchen garden.

Enjoy breakfast at the sun-drenched courtyard and feast on the breathtaking view of the Australian bushland amidst the manicured rose and gourmet kitchen gardens. Recharge with an energising game of tennis. Swim in the indoor pool. Relax with a game of croquet. Wind down with your favourite Shiraz or Chardonnay at the sun-drenched courtyard and watch the ducks dive in and out of the mirror lake.

Book at table at the fabulous restaurants in Berry: South on Albany, Burrows, or the Silos Estate.

Awaken your senses with a visit to the delicious wineries: Two Figs, Silos Estate, Coolangatta Estate, Cambewarra Estate and Mountain Ridge.

Leave your footprints on the exhilarating walking trails at Shoalhaven Heads, Nowra Grotto Walk or Bomaderry Creek Nature Reserve. You will be blown away by the sheer majesty of these spectacular and subtly hidden heritage sites.

Read our wonderful reviews on our sister property Garden Hill Spa Retreat (The Magnolia Cottage). Visit our blogs and video clips on Garden Hill Spa Retreat on wordpress and youtube.

To make your holiday relaxing, we provide farm fresh eggs, breakfast provisions, a bottle of wine and chocolates, linen and towels. Simply chill out and be mesmerised by the sublime beauty of Garden Hill.

Message or email us if you have a special celebration: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, honeymoons and even babymoons, and we would do our best to help make your stay unforgettable.

Following is the wonderful review we received from a very happy guest:

Connoisseur's Cottage
The Connoisseur "Sandstone" Cottage is a love affair between the Arts and English heritage. The dwelling features an indoor wood fire place, master bedroom, shower amenities, indoor plus outdoor dining, veranda with a garden patch that have various herbs such parsley, coriander, mint, and thyme. In addition to the above luxury amenities the stay included an outdoor wood fire "sandstone" oven.

As my wife and I sat outdoors during breakfast we can we see the transition from the dwelling to the lake and were taken away by the hills in the backdrop. There afterwards, we played a sporting game of tennis then took a wonder around the garden and the lake. Later the evening we would relax by the indoor pool, which can be used throughout the year. In addition to the above, we learnt the site will feature a playground for Croquet, which is a gentleman's/woman's game.

The Garden Spa is also within proximity via vehicle to Queen Street in Berry, which has diverse restaurants and cafes plus much needed body message services in the area. Berry has a local history of both English convicts and Aboriginal settlement so check out the local museum (Free entry).

My wife and I travel quite a lot and we rarely give 5/5 but this place is an exception. Overall, we loved it and look forward to coming back!

Red October 2016


Confirmation and Cancellation

We are pleased to confirm your reservation as soon as full payment has been made.
We have blocked the calendar for you and rejected all other applications in your favor and will not be able to offer the cottage again for the same dates.
Please note the Cancellation Policy applicable.

Minimum Stay

The minimum stay is 2 nights except for the Christmas season, which is 7 nights.

Garden Hill is sublime beauty. You will have a fabulous stay. w

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Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Indoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Next to a golf course

Things to do

  • Tennis
  • Fishing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a first aid kit in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number 2540, PID-STRA-70793

Property is also known as

Hill Retreat Connoisseur's
Garden Hill Retreat: Connoisseur's Cottage Cottage
Garden Hill Retreat: Connoisseur's Cottage Cambewarra
Garden Hill Retreat: Connoisseur's Cottage Cottage Cambewarra
197420

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue?

The closest beach to Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue is Seven Mile Beach (21 km).

Does Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue have a pool?

Take your pick from a pool, a communal pool and an indoor pool.

What luxury perks are available at Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue?

This property features an indoor pool, as well as a fireplace and a living room.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue?

No, Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue?

There is a golf course next to Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue.

Garden Hill Retreat: Gardens/Heated Pool/Massage/Tennis Court/wedding venue Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Scott M.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Carley R.

We booked this property expecting a private, secluded stay as the listing suggested. Unfortunately, our experience did not match the description.On arrival, we were placed in a different cottage than shown in our booking photos. It was immediately beside the hosts’ home, with doors and windows facing their house and very little privacy. Later that same day, after unpacking and using the facilities, we were told we needed to move because other guests had arrived. We had about 30 minutes to repack while the next guests were already entering.The correct cottage was much nicer and aligned with the photos, but several issues remained:Privacy is overstated: both cottages are very close to the hosts’ home and each other.Pool access is via the hosts’ balcony, not a private space as implied.Wi-Fi was unavailable, and the TV/DVD had faults.Outdoor areas felt cluttered and unprepared, with spider webs and hoses.No bin was provided (we were given a bucket).Lawn mowing for most of one day disrupted the peace.Once in the correct cottage, we enjoyed the lounge for reading and the modern bathroom, and the male host was friendly and offered wine and snacks, which we appreciated. However, the listing’s emphasis on acreage and seclusion does not reflect reality.This property may suit guests who don’t mind being close to hosts and other guests, but if you’re booking for privacy and seclusion, be aware the reality is very different.
Main Cottage
Shared pool access via host home back patio
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frances D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely hosts, beautiful views, pool was clean and amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rosalind T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Magnificent Gardens and Beautiful Sandstone Cottage : A 6-Star Property!

Garden Hill Retreat is truly the hidden gem with magnificent and magical gardens and a wonderful well-appointed sandstone cottage with a wood-burning stove. The cottage is serene and sublime. It overlooks the beautiful veggie garden, rose garden, Mediterranean garden and lotus pond. There are wonderful features: croquet lawn, tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool to enjoy. There are amazing birds twittering in the camellia hedges and rose bushes. You can see Mama Duck waddling down the lotus pond with her ducklings watched over by Papa Drake. The whole 20-acre property is embraced by stunning magnolias, jacarandas, maples, eucalyptuses, Norfolk pines, Pin oaks, Bunya pines and even the oldest species: gingko trees! It is indeed a privilege that Nicholas and Rosalind the gracious and hospitable hosts are immensely generous and kind to make my stay such a memorable experience! I would highly recommend that you stay at this magnificent property at the foot of beautiful Cambewarra Mountain, close to Jervis Bay, Berry, Bowral and Kangaroo Valley.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

Liked: Cleanliness

GB Review

Great property & great hosts - really appreciated the opportunity to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mountains & Sea

Beautiful location, sandstone cottage with character & wonderful hosts
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Glorious long weekend

The perfect escape. Gorgeous cottage retreat with magnificent grounds and lovely hosts. An excellent spot from which you can explore this beautiful part of the world. Look forward to visiting again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kent H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy stay

A beautiful cottage. We had horrendous weather (during the NSW floods) and were kind of “forced to wind down” in the circumstances. Very comfortable and cosy fire, perfect to catch up on a few books. Friendly hosts, lovely gardens. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A perfect country escape

On the wettest weekend of the year Nick and Rosalind offered a warm and hospitable welcome to their cosy and well-appointed sandstone cottage. It was the perfect location to explore the stunning Kangaroo Valley region and retreat to home-cooked, fireside meals. We would not hesitate to recommend this beautiful weekend retreat. Thank you - Elizabeth & Liam
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Victoria H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stunning

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Garden Hill for our secret elopement. Rosalind and Nicholas were beyond welcoming, providing a basket of goodies on our arrival, and excitedly helped us prepare for our marriage. They went above and beyond as hosts to make our day extra special. We felt so much support balanced with being given the space to enjoy our day in secrecy. The property is beautiful, albeit less private than we expected - but the hosts were respectful and gracious at all times. There was some renovating happening on the property that we were not aware of ahead of time, but this did not affect our stay or ceremony. We will always cherish the memories we made at Garden Hill. Thank you again Rosalind and Nicholas!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Divine

Great setting, beautiful cottage, excellent hospitality.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roman E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely amazing time - could not have been better!!

We are so happy that we discovered this hidden gem of Shoal Haven, it exceeded all our expectations. Nicholas & Rosalind are incredible hosts, welcoming, friendly, informative and very generous. We stayed over christmas and they shared their christmas cake with us :) We felt very spoiled during our stay The accommodation is luxurious and extremely comfortable, this place has everything that you could possibly need or want. The garden was AMAZING - sitting in the garden left us feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated, we highly recommend this place for anyone looking to stay in a super comfortable and calming environment. The location is also very convenient, we could spend the day at the beach and the evenings relaxing in a garden paradise.Our overall experience was 10/10 and we would love to come and stay again in the future. Thank you Nikolas & Rosalind for making us feel special!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Danielle E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely

We had a really relaxing and enjoyable stay, the gardens along with the pool make it that much more special!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Charlie H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful property and fantastic hosts

It was an absolute dream staying at Garden Hill. The indoor pool was the perfect relief from the summer heat, the gardens were beautifully kept and made for a wonderful stroll. The cottage is at an ideal location where you feel isolated and relaxed yet only a short drive to local shops, wineries and cafes. Nick and Rosalind were really friendly hosts and gave us plenty of great suggestions on where to eat and drink. We'd love to visit again when the weather is cooler and make use of the fireplace and pizza oven!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Stunning and so relaxing

We had a fabulous stay in Cambewarra. The cottage was exceptional. Very clean and comfortable with all the facilities you could desire. Such a beautiful place to wake up and to spend a night relaxing by the fire. The hosts were fantastic and made everything easy. We also had a lovely surprise when we found a gift basket full of goodies on our doorstep one morning. Thanks Rosalind and Nick. We hope to return one day soon xx
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Danny B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful

Exactly as described, a little slice of paradise and perfect for a quiet weekend away from it all. Nicely located between the coast/Jervis Bay and the highlands, if feels remote but is 5 mins from a Woolies and civilisation if you need supplies. Rosalind and Nick were the perfect hosts, right down to providing local eggs and veges fresh from their garden. Welcoming and friendly but also leaving you to yourself. Would certainly recommend it
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Venette F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Gatsby elegance in a tranquil location

We had an amazing weekend at this picturesque getaway retreat. Arriving late afternoon on the Friday, we immediately soaked up the idyllic, tranquil atmosphere as we prepared ourselves a decadent feast of cheese, pate and champagne which we enjoyed on the well positioned outdoor seated area. It was a warm night so we gazed up at the clear night sky while listening to John Lennon ballads thoughtfully left for us to enjoy along with a CD player. The next day we woke to spectacular bright blue skies enjoyed as we opened the quaint window box window in the top floor bedroom towards the lovely lily-covered pond. I sent my husband up to the nearby Cambewarra Estate Winery to pick up our High Tea "To go" just 5 mins up the road. I had checked out the photos of this property prior and thought it would be a lovely spot for a high tea and I wasn't wrong. We then took off and explored the beautiful area including the gorgeous Cambewarra Lookout where we enjoyed lunch with a magnificent view. It was a warm day and we got back just in time for a quick dip in the gorgeous glass covered swimming pool which we had all to ourselves. Watching the clouds roll in through the paned glass we then went inside to enjoy the soothing sound of rain on the tin roof and a chorus of kookaburras marking the occasion. Berry is just 15 minutes away so we had a late dinner at a cute little restaurant called SOUTH on Albany enjoying a delicious 3 course meal with wine pairing. The hosts at the property were lovely and made sure we were comfortable without being intrusive. Since posting photos of our lovely weekend I have had numerous enquiries from my friends wondering where I found such a lovely place. I would highly recommend "The Connoisseur's Cottage" to anyone that appreciates a beautiful setting in a lovely tranquil environment.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Greg S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic short stay

Perfectly positioned between Kangaroo Valley and the coast. Lovely cottage. Everything clean and tidy. Amazing gardens in a very quite setting. Would not hesitate to have a return visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Vicki K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful vista

What a wonderful place to escape from all the madness of Sydney! We had a relaxing time taking in the view, superb garden and lily pond. The pool is really special - inside a beautiful conservatory. This was the first time that I have ever stayed in a holiday home and not needed to unpack the knives etc that I always take with me. Hope to get back there soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nazila J.

Liked: Cleanliness

What a gorgeous place, lovely hosts. Will definitely be back 🥰

Excellent well maintained, lovely hosts, very easy stat

10/10 Excellent

Evan T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect getaway

We had a fantastic time staying at the Connoisseurs Cottage. Nicholas and Rosalind are great hosts and made us feel very welcome. The cottage was spotless and had everything you could need and more. The cottage is very private and is a great base to explore the south coast, from Gerringong to Jervis Bay. Thanks again Nicholas and Rosalind, I’m sure we’ll be back some time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa K.

Liked: Cleanliness

A magical stay

This property is absolutely gorgeous - the location is stunning and the cottage is appointed beautifully. The owners Rosalind and Nick are such warm and hospitable hosts, leaving us wine, chocolates, breakfast provisions including delicious homemade marmalade. We spent time relaxing, swimming, playing tennis and just enjoying the scenery - a perfect weekend getaway. If you're looking at this listing, just book it. You won't regret it! Can't wait to come back myself :)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mahmoud E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing getaway

Had an amazing time. Beautiful location. Photos do not do it justice. The property owners are extremely friendly and made us feel very welcome. Highly recommended. Will definitely return in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

JULIE A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sandstone cottage

A beautifully presented sandstone cottage surrounded by lawn and gardens, with views to the escarpment in the distance. The cottage is well equipped and the hosts easy to contact and lovely to deal with. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jamie K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spectacular beuatiful place to relax

Very relaxing place to unwind an enjoy the country side