Bracken Ridge Vineyard - The Athabascan - Villa 5

Bracken Ridge Villas is a relaxing country estate set on a working vineyard in the heart of the Hunter Valley, just minutes from Old North Road, Pokolbin, and some of the region’s most celebrated wineries and restaurants. The natural beauty of the Brokenback Mountain Range peeps over the vines, creating a stunning backdrop to your stay. Unwind on your private verandah overlooking the vineyard, or sit by the peaceful dam and watch the abundant local wildlife.

A true destination for all seasons, the estate spans 25 acres of expansive lawns and established Semillon and Shiraz vineyards. Each two-storey loft-style villa is surrounded by private gardens, offering both privacy and tranquillity. The fully self-contained villas feature well-equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, and quality bed and bath linen for your comfort, with some intimate villas also offering a romantic spa bath for two. Enjoy a cosy log fire in winter or cool air-conditioning in summer—an ideal retreat year-round.

Location – Close to the Best of the Hunter
Bracken Ridge Villas is perfectly positioned within minutes of renowned cellar doors such as Tyrrell’s, Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood, Tamburlaine, and Hunter Valley Gardens, along with award-winning restaurants including Muse, Bistro Molines, Esca Bimbadgen, and Baume. Concert venues at Hope Estate and Roche Estate, championship golf courses, local providores, and the charming villages of Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Rothbury are all a short drive away.

Celebrations & Gatherings
Bracken Ridge Villas is ideal for family getaways and special occasions; however, any celebrations must be advised prior to booking. Please note we have a strict no-party policy, and written approval is required for gatherings. Additional surcharges or conditions may apply.

The Athabascan
A private and cozy country villa for a small group of 6 – 8 people. This well appointed 3 bedroom villa is the perfect design. One ground floor Queen bedroom and 2 large second storey bedrooms, each with a Queen bed and extra single bed.

The open plan lounge and dining area with crackling log fire allow for long conversations with friends. The secluded private garden of this larger villa leads out to the rolling manicured paddock and the Shiraz vineyard.

Coming to a concert? Did you know that Rover Coaches will pick your group up (and drop you back to your holiday home) directly from this location? Pretty cool! Cost approx. $20-$25 per person return. You simply need to secure the correct route via the Rover Coaches website and contact them directly to arrange the location pick-up.

THE Important Stuff -
This is a 3 bedroom home offering bedding up to 8 guests. Our base/standard price is for 4 guests. Extra guests are chargeable.
Bedroom 1 - Queen
Bedroom 2 - Queen + 1 Single
Bedroom 3 - Queen + 1 Single

Please note: This is a rural property which runs on tank water. Whilst the water is filtered for cooking and bathing, some guests may prefer to bring bottled water for drinking purposes.

How We Price: The booking price is based on a minimum number of guests. Any guests above this number are chargeable on a per person/per night rate. The system will automatically calculate the correct rate when you enter the required number of guests. Reductions in guest numbers are non-refundable.

Arrival Details: Access to the property is made simple. You’ll receive an access code via SMS just before 3pm on your arrival day, which you’ll use for the duration of your stay. Standard check-in is at 3pm. While an earlier arrival may be possible, it cannot be confirmed until the afternoon prior to your arrival. If an earlier check-in is available, we will send you an SMS by 4pm the day before to confirm.

Linen: 1 set of full bed linens and 1 bath towel per person are supplied. Guests may wish to bring extra towels depending on the length of their stay. Pool/Lake/Beach towels are BYO.

Guest Amenities: We are Eco-Friendly - to help reduce wastage, we supply a single bottle of 3in1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash in all showers. In addition, guests are advised to bring their own personal preferred bathroom products/amenities.

Fires and Firewood: Internal wood fireplaces and outdoor fire pits only operate after the NSW Easter School Holidays up to before the NSW September School Holidays in line with NSW state fire restrictions. Please note we will normally supply enough firewood, kindling & fire-starters for between 1-2 nights of your stay. For guests wishing to have additional fires, we suggest BYO Firewood, Kindling, and Starters which can be easily purchased from the local service stations.

No Party Policy: All reservations operate under a Strict No-Party & Non-Excessive Noise Policy as prescribed in the NSW Short-Term Letting Legislation and Local Council Laws. This property is in a Residential Area. Failure to comply can put the security bond into jeopardy and may lead to police-assisted eviction and/or extra charges being levied. We hate to have to note this but the reality is that so far this year we have had to evict 3 groups for overstacking/bad/anti-social behaviour.

Extra Guests / Visitors: The number of people nominated on your booking is the maximum number of people that are allowed to be on the property at any one time, including visitors. Visitors may be requested and if approved must be approved in writing with Weekenda staff. Simply put, if Mum and Dad want to come over for a BBQ then we are likely to approve. If 10 extra people want to stop by we are unlikely to approve, which could put your booking at risk. We will always try to be reasonable with reasonable people within property constraints and House Rules.

Cameras and Noise Monitoring: There are no external security cameras at this location presently but the owner reserves the right at any time to install external cameras at their discretion. Any camera install will be in line with local regulations. A noise monitoring device is installed - fines apply to guests found to have disconnected, removed or damaged the noise device. These devices are used to monitor and maintain ours and guests responsibilities under the NSW STR Code of Conduct.

Guest Registration / ID Check : Weekenda requires every guest to complete and sign an electronic guest registration prior to arrival which will ask for photo ID i.e. a copy of your Drivers Licence or Passport. The primary booker will also be required to complete a list with the guests names and actual mobile numbers. In the event we are unable to reach the primary booker, it is very important we can get a hold of other guests. These documents will be deleted after your departure. Access Codes are only released to Registered and Verified Guests.

Critical Update: Due to an unprecedented influx of fraudulent bookings, we are forced to impose a policy that protects our clients, industry and community against those attempting to commit fraud and theft. Any booking made within 5 days of arrival is required to provide a photo of a valid credit card in the same full name of the primary guest to match the supplied identification document. Failure of these documents matching will result in the booking being cancelled and all funds processed returned to the original card assumed as stolen and thus a fraudulent transaction. We trust we have our honest and genuine customers understanding this policy is in place to protect all parties.

Insurance: As always, but ever so more due to recent times, we strongly encourage any holidaymakers to obtain a very inexpensive 3rd Party Domestic Travel Insurance Policy to cover you for all manners of matters which may restrict travel. This is particularly helpful for things like Hunter Valley Concert cancellations, Covid or Medical and Other Emergencies for which we don't provide refunds, and anything which falls under our standard Terms & Conditions irrespective of the reason. We suggest reviewing policies with 'Cover-More' or 'Travel Insurance Direct' or 'Insureandgo'

This property is managed by Weekenda, a licensed real estate. Weekenda staff are available 7 days a week to assist from your initial enquiry through to your departure and everything in between.

We look forward to having you stay with us.