Entire home

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

Welcome to 'Tara-Lee'
Stayz Award Finalist 2017

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

Cessnock, NSW

Place, Oaks Golf Course
‪3 min drive‬
Place, Werakata State Conservation Area
‪3 min drive‬
Place, The Valley Brewhouse
‪4 min drive‬
Airport, Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)
‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

family room

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Living room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Outdoor play area

Garden

About this property

'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.

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Spa pool
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air-conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Games, books and toys available.

Events

No events allowed

Maximum of 9 guests/visitors allowed.

Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total

Please ensure you clean up after your pet.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 2325, PID-STRA-5797

Property # 9131898

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 indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; 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

About the area

Cessnock

Cessnock is home to this holiday home. Hunter Valley Gardens and Werakata State Conservation Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hunter Valley Wildlife Park and Binnorie Dairy. Ready for a night out? Consider Roche Estate and Bimbadgen Palmers Lane. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours and health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like horse riding nearby.

View more Holiday homes in Cessnock

Cessnock, NSW

What's nearby

Oaks Golf Course - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Werakata State Conservation Area - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
The Valley Brewhouse - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
Saddlers Creek Wines - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park - 8 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

‪West End Take Away - ‬3 min drive
‪Oporto - ‬15 min walk
‪KFC - ‬11 min walk
‪The Italian Cottage - ‬2 min drive
‪Burgerfiend - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?

As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... on 29 August 2026 start from NZ$693, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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 The Valley Brewhouse. Saddlers Creek Wines is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Niki B.

14 October 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Complimentary wine and chocolate was so thoughtful!

Real character to the property! Wished we could have utilised the pool as did look spotless and thoroughly enjoyed the wine!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Long N.

29 December 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Response from VrboOwner on 12 January 2023

You are most welcome! We were honoured that you chose ‘Tara-Lee’ to be the home where you and your family celebrated Christmas. Best wishes and we’d love to have you stay again one day.

Verified

6/10 Okay

Caitlin L.

13 June 2021

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

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

Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2021

Hi Caitlin, are you sure you have reviewed the correct property? I can guarantee ‘Tara-Lee’ was left in a perfect state for your stay with all beds made with freshly cleaned sheets. There is no way a bathroom would have been left in the way you describe and we never received any calls or messages from you. We are very particular about this beautiful home being left absolutely clean and perfect for guests. Regards Karen & John

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlie W.

29 January 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Response from VrboOwner on 29 January 2023

You’re most welcome. We hope to see you again!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

28 January 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Archival

8/10 Good

Michelle D.

12 August 2015

Comfortable Stay

A comfortable 2 night stay @ Tara-Lee. Property is close to the main street of Cessnock & walking distance to shopping, restaurants & pubs & a short drive to wineries & various other tourist attractions. I would recommend Tara-Lee to family, friends & clients for a group, family or couple stay & for those who like to holiday with their pooch. Property has all the comforts of home & is clean & well equipped for all, including the pooch. The back verandah, rear yard & pool area is safe & secure for children & dogs & is a very relaxing space. The Owners are a pleasure to deal with & have thought of everything, making your booking, check in & stay a breeze......... only draw back was our stay was not long enough. We hope to return for a longer stay @ Tara-Lee in the near future. Many Thanks...... Michelle, Gary, Susanne, Andrew, Nanette, Mike, Bella & Maya

Verified

4/10 Poor

Helen M.

22 January 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Check-in, communication

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

Response from VrboOwner on 24 January 2023

Your feedback is inaccurate. You received a message 2 days prior to your stay with code and checkin time for 3pm and that your checkout was 11am instead of 10am. You acknowledged via SMS you received this email, thanking us. Someone arrived at the property at 2:20pm (40 mins prior to checkin time), was greeted by the housekeeper who explained she was still doing the floors as the house had to have a full covid clean but would be finished by 3pm… to which the guest said that was fine and she understood as she also owned a holiday rental. The housekeeper reported further guests arrived at about 2:35pm and insisted they enter the property as checkin was at 2pm (contrary to the agreement via SMS in the days prior it was 3pm with an extended checkout time). The housekeeper was confronted by one guest in particular who asked her why she (the housekeeper) was still there and did I (the owner) know she was still there. The housekeeper explained she was just about finished mopping the floors and that I had asked her to stay in to 3pm to complete a full disinfect of the home in accordance with Covid cleaning protocols). The housekeeper was holding the mop standing on wet floorboards while being confronted at the front door. At 2:38pm you or one of your guests rang us to inform us did we know the housekeeper was still there and wouldn’t let you access the house. I confirmed this was correct and it was me who asked her to work until 3pm to ensure the covid clean was completed. You argued that checkin was 2pm and I reminded you about the message which said 3pm and your response thanking us and noting you had received the message. You continued to dispute this email so I sent you a screen shot. You argued without letting me get much of a word in that you were told 2pm as this was what was advertised when you booked. I stated that a 10am checkout was also advertised but the email prior to your checkin had stated you may checkout by 11am instead. You were aggressive, rude and intimidating in your communication with the housekeeper who was rostered on and with myself over the phone. So much so, I was shaking for an hour after your call and text messages and the housekeeper felt so intimidated her husband accompanied her when she arrived to clean after your stay. As to your comments about sleeping arrangements, the booking sites are very clear about bed configuration. The walls are beautiful red cedar and not thin at all. Please enjoy someone else’s property next time.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isabella F.

4 September 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

13 February 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annette c.

31 January 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tara Lee Cessnock

Perfect location, exceptional home slept 8 in comfort with everything you need. Beautiful weekend away

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

Response from VrboOwner on 12 February 2022

We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail M.

13 January 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Holiday Stay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Loved the character and how spacious the home is with not taking away the coziness of the property

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

27 August 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

About the host

Hosted by Karen & John

We love travelling, bushwalking, camping, being with family, wine and our work! We have been hosting for over 10 years now and we really enjoy making your holiday experience the best it can be!

Why they chose this property

'Tara-Lee' is a great example of a magnificent federation home in the Hunter Valley NSW. Built in 1910 by the Dunlop Family, it retains many of its original features. Its location on Convent Hill and its close proximity to the wonderful Hunter Valley Wine Regions make it a great place for a weekend getaway or longer holiday. We have loved the area for years and we feel quite at home when we stay at'Tara-Lee'!

What makes this property unique

The original Federation features of this property and the interior decoration which is also in keeping with the age of this property make this property unique. It is a comfortable, large and spacious grand old home equipped with modern amenities.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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

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

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

family room

Living room 1

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property

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

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

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House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Cessnock

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

9.6/10

10/10

10/10

9.8/10

9.6/10

10/10

10/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David T.

David T.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Sarah M.

10/10 Excellent

Viviane

Viviane

10/10 Excellent

CHERYL C.

CHERYL C.

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

Journey Back in History

Angela M.

10/10 Excellent

Niki B.

Complimentary wine and chocolate was so thoughtful!

Niki B.

10/10 Excellent

Long N.

Beautiful house in the Hunter Region

Long N.

6/10 Okay

Caitlin L.

Bit surprising

Caitlin L.

10/10 Excellent

Charlie W.

Our amazing overnight family getaway at Tara lee

Charlie W.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Verified traveller