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'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Terrace/patio
Outdoor pool
3 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Barbecue grill

Room options

Smart TV, fireplace

Shalimahs Secret-Beautifully Designed Luxe Cottage *10min to HV Gardens

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (13)
Shalimahs Secret-Beautifully Designed Luxe Cottage *10min to HV Gardens
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About the area

Map
Cessnock, NSW

What's nearby

  • Oaks Golf Course - 4 min drive
  • Hunter Valley Wildlife Park - 8 min drive
  • Roche Estate - 11 min drive
  • Hunter Valley Gardens - 11 min drive
  • Hope Estate - 12 min drive

Getting around

  • Greta Station - 20 min drive
  • Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Australia Hotel - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Cessnock Ex-Services Club - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Vincent St Kitchen + Bar - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...

STAYZ AWARD FINALIST 2017

'Tara-Lee' is a perfect location for your get-away to the Hunter Valley Wine Region. Five minutes to concert venues, gardens, wineries. This magnificent historical property (circa 1910) boasts traditional elegance and original features alongside the convenience of contemporary living. This superior home is centrally located in Cessnock and only a five-minute walk from the town centre. The property is ideal for 2 to 8 guests, for a single night through to a long stay.

'Tara-Lee' can accommodate up to 9 people in the following configuration: 3 queen sized beds, 1 king single bed, 1 sofa bed. There is also a fold-away cot.

Relax and cool off in the magnificent pool and enjoy the garden and outdoor living space.

'Tara-Lee' boasts its original timber flooring, high timber ceilings, open fire-place (now converted to gas) in the formal dining room, stained glass and patterned glass windows, french doors to the side and rear verandas, original wood-fuel kitchen stove and oven, modern kitchen appliances including gas cooktop, ducted air conditioning throughout, gas heating and a fully-equipped kitchen.

There is lock-up garage parking for 1-2 cars, subject to availability. The home is spacious and well-equipped with superior kitchen appliances and smart TV, Netflix, blu-ray, surround sound system and guest Wi-Fi. You will certainly enjoy your stay in the Hunter in this outstanding home.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF 'TARA-LEE'

*Complementary bottle of local wine and chocolates are waiting for you on arrival.
*Arrival/departure times are as follows: Check in is from 3:00pm on your date of arrival and check out is by 10:00am. Variations to allocated check-in and departures times are subject to availability.
*This property is pet friendly, fully-fenced with a secure yard, kennel, bowls for water and food supplied.
*Private, secluded yard.
*Large salt water swimming pool with water fountains.
*Lock up garage for 1-2 cars (subject to availability and CCTV monitoring).
*Large screen SMART TV with Netflix, Blu-Ray, DVD AND CD player, surround sound.
*Free Wi-Fi.
*Selection of DVDs, books and games (including children's books, DVDs, toys and games).
*Ceiling fans
*Ducted air-conditioning
*Gas fires in Family Room and Dining Room
*Laundry facilities
*One large, Federation bathroom
*Ensuite in main bedroom
*Three large bedrooms (bed 1 - 1 queen; bed 2 - 1 queen; bed 3 - 1 queen and 1 king single. In addition: Portable cot, sofa bed all with linen supplied).
*Your linen and towels are supplied
*Dishwasher
*Fully-equipped modern kitchen with gas cooktop
*Tea, coffee and milk are supplied
*BBQ facilities
*Solar Power

Payment may be made using the on-line secure payment services provided by this booking service. A deposit is required at the time of booking. A service fee is charged by the booking agent for guests paying via the on-line secure payment service.

Property manager

Karen & John

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Fenced private pool
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Fully-fenced
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total
  • Food and water bowls

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Horseback riding 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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available
Note from host: Please ensure you clean up after your pet.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Games, books and toys available.

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
Note from host: Maximum of 9 guests/visitors allowed.
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
Property Registration Number 2325, PID-STRA-5797

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

tara-lee' Step Back Time.. House Cessnock
tara-lee' Step Back Time.. Cessnock
'tara lee' A Step Back in Time..
'tara lee' A Step Back in Tim
131898

Frequently asked questions

Does 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... located?

This family-friendly Cessnock holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Werakata State Conservation Area, Oaks Golf Course and Saddlers Creek Wines. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park and Carmichael Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 80 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 89 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 89 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Viviane, West Ryde

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful house with character and perfect for family weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Journey Back in History
Such a beautiful period home, true to the photos posted on the StayZ website!!! Such a privilege to be amongst it's history. Such wonderful and very helpful hosts!!! Would love to stay there again and again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our amazing overnight family getaway at Tara lee
From the moment we stepped into Tara lee we were all amazed at how well preserved and renovated this beautiful old house was, it welcomed us with a charm like no other holiday stay has ever done before. The wine and Chocolates on arrival was a nice touch that made us all feel very special and welcome. The magnificent large rooms accommodated all our family very well and the house was equipped with everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. The kids loved swimming in the beautiful in ground swimming pool as my partner and I relaxed in the comfortable chairs around the pool. Even thou it was a short stay we felt like we stayed allot longer as we we’re totally relaxed in our surroundings, we will definitely be back for a longer stay in the future and we’d recommend this holiday stay to anyone looking at visiting the beautiful wine region. Thanks Karen and John for a wonderful experience
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow! Wow! Wow!
As soon as we opened the front door we couldn’t believe it. Wow was all we could say. Smelt gorgeous and looked fresh and super clean. A generous and thoughtful touch with the wine and chocolates left for us to enjoy (and we did, thankyou!) This property is in immaculate condition and we loved the decor and reading about its history. The pool was stunning and a real bonus in this hot weather. The kitchen was the best equipped holiday let kitchen we’ve ever seen. Best sleep I’ve had in ages, beds were so comfy and beautifully made with crisp, fresh linen and neighbourhood is extremely quite. This property is very close to everything we needed. A gorgeous home. We had a lovely time and we’ll certainly be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

4/10 Poor

Helen M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend with family and friends
The property was cute, neat, tidy and quirky. It was tricky to organise sleeping arrangements when not all persons are a couple. More single bed options would be handy. The house was lovely but due to floor plan, and thin walls, noise easily carried through each room which made sleeping for some problematic. It was also hard to fit everyone in one room for board games. Upon check in, the host was hostile and unprofessional as she changed check in and departure times the night before without warning and it differed to all previous communications. When we arrived, well after advertise check in time, they weren’t ready, we were made to wait outside for 40 minutes after a long drive, the host and cleaner continued to argue with me and made us feel very unwelcome. I had my 84 year old mother with me who just wanted to use the toilet and enter the property but we were told to go away. As she charges a premium, I was shocked and disgusted by her attitude, this situation could have been managed so much better and nicer. Her text messages were also rude, inappropriate and unhelpful. I had to ask for information about the key and entry details into the property as I was waiting on any communication from the host prior, there continued to be no communication except for argumentative texts from host upon arrival. She then continued to ‘punish’ us by texting me stating we had an earlier check out time just because she wanted to be nasty, this was confusing us once again as to what was the actual check out time. I personally think the host is in the wrong profession, she was so cranky, unorganised and commutations were inaccurate. We did however try our best not to let this ruin our holiday. But if you’re going to charge people through the roof for 2 nights accommodation there is a certain level of service expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Long N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house in the Hunter Region
Our family stayed her over the Christmas Holidays. Everyone loved the house. It was beautifully decorated with a classical antique vibe. Very spacious, multiple dining areas, big kitchen. The pool was amazing and the kids stayed it in most of the day. The location is excellent, 5 minutes away from everything, shops, supermarkets, various churches. The host is very responsive and very understanding. Thank you for providing my family a 2022 Christmas we will never forget.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Isabella F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
We had such a nice stay at Tara Lee. Everything is so well thought out and was made so easy. Would definitely return
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gil

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great house with great character. Location was perfect as well. All round great
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Trudy K.

Liked: Cleanliness
A (beautiful) step back in time!
The heritage-like property was clean, spacious, and so very well equipped. Large timber deck looking over the perfectly manicured greenery and a stunning sandstone pool. Cafes, restaurants, and shopping all about a 500m walk away. Highly accommodating owners just to top it off. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Stay
We have family visiting from the UK so wanted to get out of the city for a few days. The property perfectly accommodated 4 adults and 2 little ones, we also brought the dog. The house had everything you can think of, the cleanliness was exceptional, beds comfortable and sheets so soft. The kids enjoyed the pool, despite the rain. The location was perfect in terms of proximity into Cessnock and the wineries. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glenys G., Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place for a getaway for R&R
Beautiful Home with everything you could ask for. Very nice and clean Pool. Convenient location and our Puppy enjoyed the Garden. Hope to return later in the Year
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for people and dogs alike
Very secure property for our small dog. Garden gorgeous after all the rain. Was perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Annette c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tara Lee Cessnock
Perfect location, exceptional home slept 8 in comfort with everything you need. Beautiful weekend away
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gail M., Blue Mountains NSW Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Christmas Holiday Stay
We had a wonderful time at Tara-Lee. The property is very well appointed, clean, beautifully furnished and the pool is fantastic. Check-in and communication with Karen was very easy and the chocolates and bottle of wine was a lovely touch. Couldn't recommend Tara-Lee highly enough.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sandra N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Accommodation
We loved our stay at "Tara-Lee". The property was just amazing. Very relaxing, Beautiful pool, great secure backyard for our puppies. The house has been beautifully restored and there was plenty of room for our family of 6 adults. Shops and Restaurants were just a 10 minute walk away. I would highly recommend this accommodation and will hopefully return when next in the Hunter Valley
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

6/10 Okay

Caitlin L.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Bit surprising
Location was great, check in easy. However when we arrived, one of the beds appeared to have been slept in and there were dirty towels on the bathroom floor which hadn’t been cleaned. I called the owner and left a message, who never responded. We changed the sheets ourselves and attempted to tidy up the bathroom. Other than that the place was great
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chris L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property
Just a nice 5stars place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lesley H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cessnock Gem
Excellent property, beautifully restored and maintained in early C19 condition....was a pleasure staying there. We would definitely recommend it and return at any time with pleasure.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the character and how spacious the home is with not taking away the coziness of the property
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
excellent stay
lovely home - very unique charm while also very comfortable with everything you might need. highly recommend it to others！
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Proser R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Weekend
We had a great weekend in this property. Good location, clean house and we love everything vintage.

10/10 Excellent

Hannah B., Narrawallee, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Immaculate Home
Even before we arrived to Tara-Lee I knew I would feel at home. Karen and John were an absolute to deal with and went above and beyond to make sure we had all the information and answer any questions before we arrived. When we opened the door to Tara-Lee you immediately fee the warmth of a home and notice the attention to detail. The home was immaculate, and welcoming. It was extremely comfortable to house 7 adults and 2 children and we had our own privacy with the property boasting multiple living and dining settings. The pool was very clean and inviting. Would return without hesitation and if I could I would give it 6 ⭐️! Great location, close to town and only a short drive to a number of award winning wineries. Thanks again Karen and John for sharing your slice of heaven.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Annie A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice and cosy
Pool is an awesome feature great for the kiddies. Lovely home deco and fittings, complete with amenities would recommend for anyone to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

DEBORAH R.

BEAUTIFUL HOUSE !!!!!
The house was beautiful, well kept, clean and homey. The pool was very inviting, and a wonderful relief in the heat of Feb in Cessnock. Well used and enjoyed. May well come back to Tara-lee. Many thanks for Homeaway-stayz & managers of this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Pat T., Sydney, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay
Great stay at Tara-Lee. My family had the most amazing and relaxing time together. Convenient location. The house was clean, huge and very beautiful. Large backyard and large pool. Would definitely return.

General property information

Check-In Time
3:00 PM
Check-Out Time
10:00 AM
Location
Cessnock
Structure Type
Private vacation home