House in Luera, NSW

Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House

Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House

Photo gallery for Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House

Living room
Interior
Dining
Private kitchen
Room

Overview of Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House

9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Enjoy the area

Luera, NSW
  • Popular LocationLeura Mall4 min drive
  • Popular LocationThree Sisters7 min drive
  • Popular LocationKatoomba Scenic World8 min drive
  • AirportSydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)87 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

3 bathrooms

Apple bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Family bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master ensuite

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House

Perched on a ridge in north Leura between the valleys to Mt Hay National Park in the east and Minni Ha Ha Reserve in the west, Rawson Retreat is quite simply an enchanting home. Its spacious open plan, colonial style structure opens to polished wood floors and lush interiors redolent of years in the Orient. Hand spun textiles, wool and antique silk hangings and draperies in spice pots colours complement the rich hues of Baluchi and Shirazi hand woven rugs. Intricately carved teak sideboards, mirrors, lamps and tables from Rajasthan, Java and Burma are melded with simple contemporary wooden pieces by local craftsmen.

From intimate assignations to celebrations of family and friends this warm, tactile haven welcomes you, embracing the senses and restoring the spirit.

Seasons and the House

Originally settled by early colonial families, Leura’s alpine climate offered respite from Sydney’s heat and humidity. The mauve eucalypt scented miasma, visible for hundreds of kilometres, earned its name the Blue Mountains, where both the winter snow and the cooler summers were a reminder of the European seasons.

Rawson Retreat’s north-easterly orientation captures each distinctive mountain season in the many windows and doors that open to decks in every direction.

Winter fills the house with light and sunshine melting the occasional snow drifts that dust the landscape.

Spring bursts through every window with greening buds and burgeoning blossom on every tree and crisp nights heavy with jasmine and jonquils.

Summer waterfalls, mountain streams and deep mossy pools beckon bushwalkers and picnickers as readily as heritage pubs, hip cafes and bijou tea shops gather in the less adventurous.

Autumn leaves - gold russet, burgundy and copper, first in the spectacular trees that line every roadway, then swirling in fierce gusts to colour every path and lawn and finally in the peaty bonfires that resign us again to winter.

Dawn spills onto the vine fringed easterly deck inviting sheltered year-round breakfasts. Or a cool refuge to stretch out on a daybed with the newspaper and something chilled on summer afternoons.

Another deep covered deck enclosed with large cedar windows creates a conservatory space spanning the entire back of the house. Furnished with huge day beds heaped with cushions and comfy armchairs, it frames spectacular sunsets overlooking a boardwalk and garden terrace into the valley and up the ridges to Yosemite Creek. The fireplace provides a cosy gathering point with a large barbeque, outdoor dining facilities and gas heaters inspiring entertaining in every season.

And in winter, there’s the instant comfort of natural gas central heating.

Food, glorious food

The kitchen is fabulous – large, very well equipped and laid out for lots of cooks to prep and chat and drink wine together. That combined with long gentle days working up an appetite bushwalking, and the local weekend farmers markets just begs you to gather fresh produce, artisan goodies and create….. Zest a lime, baste a turkey, whip up a paella, a cake, a stir-fry, slow braise a ragout, blend a cocktail, puree a soup, steam basmati, roll pastry, grind coffee, shave parmesan, melt chocolate!

A soup tureen, a cake stand, martini glasses, a cheese board, a wine decanter and buckets, pots for Oolong tea, a herbal infusion… gastronomic indulgence is anticipated. And to present everything from afternoon tea to a lavish celebratory feast, there are all the goblets, glasses, plates, platters, dishes, jugs, bowls, napery, candlesticks and other accoutrement you could wish for. Plus a dishwasher and wine fridge. And an additional BBQ with plates that fit into the dishwasher on the adjoining kitchen deck.

And for the less culinarily inclined, there’s a list of great local cafes and restaurants!

Sleep until you waken

On cushion topped chiropractic mattresses with pure Egyptian cotton sheets, downy duvets, throws in wool and silk and electric blankets for pre-warmed beds on chilly nights. There are 4 bedrooms: 1 king (with an additional single day bed) and en suite with spa bath; 1 queen and 2 rooms with twin beds that may be configured as kings.

There are two additional full bathrooms (a total of three) all with natural gas heated hot water on demand.

Music hath charms

The large forty square metre salon is home to a baby grand piano and a range of percussion instruments. For composers and musicians to family singalong groups and music students, the piano is a centrepiece of their stay for many of our returning musical guests.

Life begins the day you plant a garden

Despite the magnificent native sclerophyll landscape you just can’t resist tulips, camellias, dogwood, magnolias, rhododendrons, lavender, violets, roses, jasmine, clematis, azaleas, hydrangeas, lilac, daffodils, jonquils, narcissus, daisies, maples, weeping cherries, viburnum, petunias………so you don’t! The combination of the rich soil, the alpine climate and the profusion of European exotics that herald every season beguiles you eventually.

Rawson Retreat resolves the dilemma with a series of gardens – some exclusively exotic, a north facing wintergarden, an extensive native garden surrounding a large grassed terrace and a few transitional areas where gnarled banksia, scribbly gums and burnished leafed immigrants cohabit harmoniously. The abundance of grevillea, callistemon, acacia and other natives entices the parrots, rosellas and lorikeets, finches, honeyeaters, bell and butcher birds, cockatoos, kingfishers and kookaburras, doves, owls, magpies and currawongs………..Cayley’s bird book is always on hand! And there’s wild bird seed to fill the bird feeders dotted throughout the garden for additional entertainment on a slow day.

Out and about….if you must!

The Mall: Rawson Retreat is a 15 minute walk or a 4 minute drive from Leura Mall famed for its baristas and bakers, bars, cafes, restaurants and quaint little emporia with everything from handmade chocolates, paintings, jewellery, woodwork and apparel to bijoux from around the globe for your home, your garden, yourself and your loved ones. The nearly villages of Katoomba, Blackheath, Medlow Bath, Wentworth Falls and Mt Victoria also abound with cafes, restaurants, pubs, wine shops, spas, a range of fashion, food and homewares, supermarkets and specialty providores, weekend markets, a couple of cinemas and heritage hotels hosting high tea.

Bushwalking: Mt Hay National Park is in walking distance from the house offering several spectacular destinations anything from an hour to a half day’s hike away. The Three Sisters and Echo Point in Katoomba, the Everglades and the Cascades in Leura, Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap in Blackheath, Darwin's Walk in Wentworth Falls and other well-known natural, environmental and historical attractions are a short drive away. Local tours from gardens, bushwalks and the skytrain to more daring adventures can be booked in Katoomba.

Festivals and Events: The Winter Magic Festival in the June Solstice, the Leura Garden Festival in October, the Rhododendron Festival in November, the Blues Festival in March, the Harvest Festival in May and other wonderful community food, music, drama and art events coupled with monthly markets in almost every village provide an abundance of distraction for every inclination.

Indulgence: More than any other delight for many visitors is that of peace and pampering. The mountains probably have more masseurs, osteopaths, herbalists, healers and well-being practitioners, spas and retreats per square metre than anywhere else in Australia! And with a mere phone call, you can organise a reservation or for someone to come home and spoil you

Check List
Enjoy the luxury and comfort of a quality furnished family home in a ridge-top garden setting a short distance from Leura Mall and the valleys of the Blue Mountains

4 bedrooms: 1 x king + single; 1 x queen; 2 x twin or king;
3 full bathrooms with toilets: 1 x en-suite with spa bath, 1 x bath and shower, 1 x shower

Kitchen: Granite surfaces, double sink; gas cook top, electric oven; microwave, dishwasher, large fridge freezer, wine fridge, blender, food processor, stick mixer, rice steamer, slow cooker, bread maker, electric frypan, 4 slice toaster, electric jug, coffee plunger, well stocked cook’s pantry, Global knives and every kind and size of cooking utensils, pots and pans.

Serving ware: Fully stocked red & white wine glasses, goblets, highball, shot & martini glasses; side and flat plates in 27 & 30cm sizes, flat rimmed bowl plates in 25 & 30cm, 3 sizes of cereal/noodle bowls and the usual white-ware, ramekins, platters, tea sets, and a selection of candles, placemats and napery.

Central Heating: Brivas natural gas

Gas Barbeques – 6 burner with wok attachment plus a smaller Zeigler and Brown on the kitchen deck

Large Jetmaster fireplace with firewood on the back deck conservatory and café style gas patio heaters

Entertainment systems: Music systems including a wifi JBL, an ipod dock in dining and lounge rooms, on the back deck and in some bedrooms, a large CD collection plus a WiFi and Netflix enabled 50" Smart flat screen television, satellite and DVDs.

Communications: NBN WiFi and a landline as mobile reception can be chancy in the bush
An extensive enclosed, conservatory style deck at the rear of the house overlooks the valley to the ridge beyond while the huge master bedroom opens onto the north east facing front deck

Become one of our extended family of guests who see Rawson Retreat as their personal mountain getaway year after year for family celebrations, girls getaways, book groups, overseas visitors, wellness and pampering breaks or just a glorious opportunity to step away from the clamour for a few wonderful days and mooch about without a care in the world!

Property manager

Suzanne J
Premier Host
Premier Host

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please be respectful of piano and furnishings

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property registration number PID-STRA-25274

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sydney

This holiday home is located in Leura, a neighbourhood in Sydney, and is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Blue Mountains National Park and Katoomba Scenic World. Travelling with kids? Consider Everglades Historic House & Gardens and Mount Victoria Railway Museum. Break out the clubs and hit the links on a nearby golf course, or seek out an adventure with ecotours, horse riding and cave exploring.

What's nearby

  • Leura Mall - 4 min drive
  • Leura Cascades - 6 min drive
  • Three Sisters - 7 min drive
  • Echo Point Lookout - 7 min drive
  • Katoomba Scenic World - 8 min drive

Getting around

  • Leura Station - 4 min drive
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) - 87 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cafe Leura - 3 min drive
  • Lily's Pad Cafe & Takeaway - 3 min drive
  • Freudian Sip - 3 min drive
  • Sublime Lounge - 6 min drive
  • Leura Gourmet - 3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Rawson Retreat Luxury Country House located?

This family-friendly Sydney holiday home is located in the mountains, within 2 mi (3 km) of Fortress Rock, Everglades Historic House & Gardens and Leura Mall. Leura Cascades and Leura Golf Club are also within 3 miles (5 km). Leura Station is 23 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 109 out of 124 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 124 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 124 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 124 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 124 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Debbie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic house, spacious and well equipped
Lovely house, fully equipped kitchen, lots of space to spread out in the various rooms. Open fireplace very cosy on cold mountain night - (wood and kindling provided by owner). We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Rawson Retreat. Thanks Suzanne
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
70th birthday gathering
Wonderful weekend in a stunning home with superb ambience.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fabulous place to stay.
This home exceeded all expectations. It was roomy, comfortable, well equipped and with wonderful decor. Suzanne our host was helpful and welcoming and provided us with a place to stay which had all we could need. Our family of three generations had room to spread and relax and we would certainly come here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable stay at Rawson Retreat
We loved our stay at Rawson Retreat. The house has so much character and has every comfort you can think of. It made us feel completely relaxed. We loved our weekend away at this beautiful home in a wonderful location.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Huge house with lots of character
The property was well stocked in the kitchen and it was perfect for our group of four adults with three bathrooms. The house has lots of character and is a great size.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Suzanne J

Host profile image
I purchased this lovely old colonial style home in 2003 after losing my home in Grand Canyon, Medlow Bath to a bushfire. I was living and working in Asia but always intended to come 'home' to the mountains.
The renovations have evolved over the years to establish what has become our family gathering point for special events and celebrations.

I moved back to Australia around 2010 and eventually brought the collected treasures from my homes and years in Singapore, India, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, coupled with some family pieces. Together this has become a most eclectic melange which could only be called maximilist!
But it all works harmoniously to create a genuinely uplifting and restoring space.... a home.

Unfortunately work took me away in early 2012 and the many friends and family who have stayed over the years encouraged us to make it available to share with others.

I communicate directly with every group who stays at my home and about half of our guests return again and again bringing their families, friends and international visitors. Many tell me they feel it is their home, their go-to getaway and nothing sums up better what I have tried to create at Rawson Retreat.

I'm a musician in an inter generational family of now amateur musicians and the big room (6.4 x 6.4 metres) with the baby grand is a favourite hangout. That said, many would argue the huge back deck with the fireplace and the giant daybed is our fave!

But then the foodies would say, no, the kitchen!
I'm a passionate cook but I like to keep it simple on weekends, letting the local produce speak for itself. And we certainly have wonderful fresh ingredients to work with in the upper mountains. We LOVE going to the farmers markets and buying everything from homemade cheeses, smoked trout, fruits and vegies in season - the apples and stone fruit from Bilpin and Orange, honey from local hives, homemade pickles and jams and then we eat. O, I should mention the wines!!

Why they chose this property

This is a home. A real live space that invites you feel the warmth and comfort. It has everything you want and expect in a home, with a hint of the quirkiness that characterises everyone's home.
I'm often disappointed when I stay somewhere and there are 6 matching utensils aligned in a pristine drawer. O I'm a total believer in clean, even neat, but we keep it real.
Our utensil drawers have peelers, zesters, satay skewers, pastry brushes, can openers, cupcake papers, every kind of wrap, rubber bands, birthday candles and sticky tape - never know what you'll need, right!?

Rawson Retreat is big and spacious - we all love our friends and family and part of keeping that real is space to get away from each other! We have 2 deck areas - one facing the sunrise (gorgeous for breakfast) and the huge west facing one (perfect for sunset cocktails).

There is a big comfy sofa in the open plan kitchen dining area plus the huge lounge/music room with daybeds, lounges and armchairs to curl up and chat. There's enough space for 4 or more cooks to hang out AND good knives!

There are several places to eat - the kitchen deck (with BBQ), the breakfast bar, another table adjoining the kitchen, the dining area with a big table and candles, place mats, napkins etc, and the enclosed back deck with BBQ and fireplace.

The property is over a third of an acre with several distinct garden areas to the front, side and back. There's a beautiful quiet spot or meditation platform to one side of the large terraced back garden which is fenced with gates to keep little ones safe.

There are four bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, again plenty of space and amenity.
We're absolutely into comfort! Pure cotton sheets, fluffy towels, electric blankets, rugs crocheted by my mother, Persian rugs on polished wood floors, plump cushions, soft lamp light, woolly throws, comfy beds, plenty of hot water, programable central heating, heaps of places to recline with wine, books, snacks and music.


What makes this property unique

This is the perfect large home for a group getaway. All the together space and amenity with lots of personal space to rest and recharge.

It's beautifully laid out and fitted with a unique collection of furniture, furnishings, textiles and artworks. It has all the comfort, gadgetry and forethought of a genuine home rather than an investment property.

Leura is the artistic heart of the Blue Mountains, Rawson Retreat is close to Leura but positioned to the north east in tranquil bush with views from the east and west into national park valleys.

If you're the organiser of your group break - you not only get first choice of bedroom - you'll get heaps of kudos for finding this perfect Blue Mountains house to create your special getaway.

And we're lovely to deal with (really!) - which is also why our guests return over and over.

Premier Host

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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