The lodges are one or two bedroom, split level with open plan living. They float above the sloping landscape, positioned to take full advantage of the view and sun and to offer complete privacy for our guests.
Living/dining/kitchen spaces with panoramic views and polished concrete floors open to a timber deck with BBQ and deck chairs. Luxurious living complete with wood fired heater, library, flat screen TV, DVDs and CDs.
Queen sized bedrooms offer the best in bed linen and reverse cycle air-conditioning for your comfort. Spacious ensuite bathrooms feature double showers and select toiletries.
The contemporary-style kitchen features stainless steel appliances and everything you need to self-cater. It comes well equipped with fine crockery, cooking utensils and the essential basics - coffee, tea, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and herbs, as well as home made sweet treats to snack on.
Quality local produce is provided to start the day well - home made muesli, juice, fresh fruit, local farm eggs, bacon, pastries and home made jams. Finish your relaxing day with a BBQ on the deck (…don't forget the snags!) or order in a gourmet meal from one of our local restaurants.
Eco-Design
The lodges are designed to incorporate the best practice of eco design, with no sacrifice to comfort and luxury - the secret is in the efficient use of energy and resources.
The property was selected for its spectacular views to the northeast, with the contours of the land forming a natural amphitheatre to the view. It was used for many years for market gardens due to its rich soil and natural spring before being abandoned and overrun with noxious weeds.
Extensive rehabilitation and advance planting of the site was therefore necessary to prepare it for the Mount View Lodges. Trees and shrubs, such as spotted gum and peppercorn, were chosen for their suitability to the area, their ability to attract birdlife and for fire resistance. The plantings were placed around the perimeter of the site and between the buildings to maximise privacy.
The buildings are sited along the contours of the slope with views over the valley below. A large spanning steel floor structure generates minimum disturbance to the landscape. Mt Bimbadeen to the west shields the property from the harsh afternoon sun.
The living areas feature extensive north-facing glass to capture the sun and the view. Their polished concrete floors absorb the heat of the sun, keeping it cool in summer and radiating warmth back into the room in winter.
Natural ventilation has been maximised in the design through the use of louvres, and 'stack' ventilation achieved by employing smaller openings to the south (in the timber-clad bedroom areas) and through the central skylight.
Photovoltaic cells on the roof transmit power to the electricity grid, to offset power used in the lodges. Hot water is supplied by solar panels.
The monopitched roof collects rainwater into two tanks. A wet composting sewerage system deals with waste, which is dispersed within the site more than 40 metres from the watercourse on the property to prevent contamination Materials used for the construction of the lodges have been selected based on conservation of energy. This is either in their original manufacture or by their potential to be recycled.
Timbers are radiata pine where concealed, and recycled or new growth spotted gum. Internal walls are generally lined with laminated plywood which is fixed to easily permit reuse. The ceilings are miniorb Colorbond steel sheet which is also easily removed. All natural paints are used in the lodges.
The bedrooms are carpeted in wool. Bathroom tiling consists of reconstituted stone and glass mosaic tiles.
Location
Mount View Lodges are located at the southern end of the Pokolbin vineyard district in the Hunter Valley, within easy driving distance of Sydney and Newcastle. Located near Cessnock, they can be reached from Sydney via the F3 or on the scenic "back way" through Central Mangrove and Wollombi.
Once you tear yourself away from the comfort of your lodge, there is no shortage of things to do in the area.
The six Mount View vineyards are close by, and the Pokolbin vineyards and restaurants are just a short drive away. There are also several top class golf courses in the area.
If you're in the mood for a walk, the Pokolbin branch of the Great North Walk passes just above us. Walk to Pokolbin in one direction or to Paxton Pub in the other.
The Watagan State Forest is a short drive to the south, with spectacular lookouts, walks, drives and picnic areas. Historic Wollombi village, with its sandstone buildings and beautiful surrounding countryside is a popular spot located nearby to the South. Cessnock township with all services available is only five minutes away.
Our address: 839 Mount View Road, Cnr Mount View Rd & Bimbadeen Rd, Mount View
Take Wollombi Road, turning into Kendall Street at Bellbird. Kendall St becomes Bimbadeen Rd when it reaches open countryside. The first intersection is with Mt View Rd - we are down on the right. The entrance is about 50 metres along Mt View Rd.
