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Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience

Family-friendly holiday home in Paterson with free breakfast

Photo gallery for Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience

Exterior
Exterior
Living area
Dining
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6250 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Tocal Homestead
  • Place, Wallalong House - Hunter Valley Wedding Venue
  • Place, Maitland Showground
  • Airport, Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience

Experience the charm of Old Duninald House, a lovingly restored 1822 residence said to be the oldest in the Hunter Valley. Set on 25 acres of gardens and bushland within the larger Duninald Property, this rare retreat offers old-world beauty, rural tranquility, and the warmth of home.

Here, time slows. Wake to birdsong drifting through ancient trees, wander garden paths dotted with sculptures, or settle by the billabong with a book in hand. In the evenings, gather by the firepit under starlit skies or enjoy a glass of Hunter wine on the wide verandahs as the cattle graze in the distance.

Inside, Old Duninald accommodates up to six guests across three beautifully appointed bedrooms, two bathrooms, and multiple living spaces. Expansive verandahs and a fully equipped kitchen ensure there’s ample room to gather, cook, or simply unwind. Original features are matched with modern comforts – a wood-burning fireplace, barbecue facilities, Wi-Fi, and reliable mobile coverage – so you can feel both grounded in history and perfectly at ease.

Duninald itself is a working farm of 500 acres, producing beef from a primarily Angus herd with Charolais bulls. The property also features a specialist wholesale fern nursery and boutique honey production. Yet just beyond the gates, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Lower Hunter Valley: minutes from Paterson village, just two hours from Sydney and one hour from Newcastle. From here, you can explore the historic streets of Morpeth, the cultural hubs of Maitland and Dungog, the beaches of Port Stephens, and of course, the region’s celebrated vineyards.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family gathering, or a stay linked to nearby Tocal Homestead weddings, Old Duninald offers something rare: a chance to live inside history, surrounded by nature, while exploring one of New South Wales’ most beautiful regions.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Parking included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Babies and children over 7 are welcome
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Turn off the air conditioner & close the doors.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Be aware of dangers for small children - billabong and electric fences. This is for our guests (you) & your guests.
Please ask children to respect the house. We want it beautiful for you and the next guests.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 2421, PID-STRA-5400

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Paterson

Located in Paterson, this holiday home is in a rural area. Tocal Homestead and Maitland Gaol are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Columbey State Conservation Area and Columbey National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider The Rail Motor Society, or check out an event or a game at Maitland Showground. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
Map
Paterson, NSW

What's nearby

  • Tocal Homestead - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Wallalong House - Hunter Valley Wedding Venue - 20 min drive - 18.0 km
  • Maitland Showground - 22 min drive - 22.6 km
  • Hunter Valley Gardens - 52 min drive - 55.1 km
  • Bimbadgen Estate - 54 min drive - 56.3 km

Getting around

  • Paterson Station - 2 min drive
  • Newcastle, NSW (NTL-Williamtown) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Paterson Tavern & Bistro - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Paterson Service Station & Cafe - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Flying Duck Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bushrangers Bar & Brasserie - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Court House Hotel - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Old Duninald - Historic Farmhouse Experience located?

This family-friendly Paterson holiday home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of The Rail Motor Society, Paterson Golf Course and Paterson Court House Museum. Tocal Homestead is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away. Paterson Station is 22 minutes by foot.

About the host

Hosted by Mrs Julia L Wokes

Host profile image
We restored Old Duninald and wanted people to have the opportunity stay in the oldest house in the Hunter Valley. Restored for a contemporary stay. We have travelled and have tried to create the house that we would have liked to stay in.
The house is welcoming with lots of spaces for people to come to-gether: verandahs, sunroom, sitting room & dining room. There is also plenty of space for a little solitude - within the house or in the grounds. The grounds are 25 acres of woodland. Within the grounds there is a summer house by a billabong with a table & chairs. There is also a bench seat under a tree to take your favorite book or take the perfect wedding photo.
We are available 24 hours on the phone to ensure our guests queries are answered.

Why they chose this property

Paterson is a great central location in the Lower Hunter Valley. The house is only 5 minutes away from the fabulous wedding venue of Tocal. Our bridal parties have loved the photo opportunities that Old Duninald has provided - as well as the perfect light for pre wedding make up!
It is central for taking overseas guests to the main spots of the Lower Hunter - an hour to Pokolbin to wine tasting, an hour from Port Stephens for whale watching & an hour from Newcastle for all that this city in tansition offers: good food; swimming - ocean & ocean baths; cultural & sporting events.
Closer to the property are the historic towns of Maitland, Morpeth & Dungog - all around 30 minutes away.

What makes this property unique

To have such an historic property, renovated for to-day, surrounded by 25 acres of woodland which includes a Bush Food garden and an arboretum showcasing the vegetation of the Hunter Valley - this is unique.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests