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

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Welcome to 'Tara-Lee' Stayz Award Finalist 2017
Exterior
Pool
Interior
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Games, books and toys available.
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Events

No events allowed
Maximum of 9 guests/visitors allowed.
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
Please ensure you clean up after your pet.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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
Property Registration Number 2325, PID-STRA-5797

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

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 CessnockOpens in a new window
Map
Cessnock, NSW

What's nearby

  • Oaks Golf Course - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • The Valley Brewhouse - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Saddlers Creek Wines - 7 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Hunter Valley Golf Club - 8 min drive - 8.8 km
  • Hunter Valley Wildlife Park - 9 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Railway Hotel Cessnock - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Oporto - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Caledonia Hotel - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬7 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 29 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... on 30 November 2026 start from NZ$427, 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.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 83 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Karen was extremely responsive to our needs, and the house had everything that we could possibly need. It was one of the most well appointed homes that we've ever rented We would definitely recommend staying at Tara Lee!
Stayed 57 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was perfect in every way. We stayed over Christmas for a break from a busy year. The home had everything we needed. A well equipped and maintained property. A big tick for us was the pets policy. We always travel with our "pack" and Tara Lee did not disappoint. A secure yard is always a necessity when travelling with pets. We will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CHERYL C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. Stayed with some old school friends and showed them the Hunter Valley Gardens and Xmas Lights Spectacular. We had such an amazing time. We were exhausted Saturday doing the gardens from midday and again at night. We had a sleep-in and spent Sunday visiting Sabors Desserts late in the morning then the Choclate and Fudge place next door to Sabor's. We were back at Tara Lee by 12.30 in the afternoon and just relaxed, talking and swimming in the spectacular pool. They were in awe of Tara Lee and the step back in time with beautiful furnishings etc. Congratulations to Karen and John as there was everything you could possibly need. We remembered around 6pm there was the complimentary bottle of wine and Chocolate still in the fridge. Thank you again for a wonderful stay.Cheryl and friends
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Viviane

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

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

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.

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.

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Caitlin L.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlie W.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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.

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.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isabella F.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gil

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

10/10 Excellent

Trudy K.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glenys G.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia A.

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.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail M.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra N.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris L.

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

Great property

Just a nice 5stars place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lesley H.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

Host profile image
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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