Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village
Nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges and Yengo National Park and surrounded by some of the Hunter's most notable wineries and restaurants, "Soldiers Cottage" is the ideal country residence or weekend retreat. It was formerly known as Kalagari.
Set on 37 acres, the original 1900's soldiers' settlement cottage has been thoughtfully extended to ensure the historic features of the property have been retained, including many of the original floorboards, brick fireplace and original Stove. A homely and extremely comfortable cottage, the main homestead now boasts four bedrooms, including a separate, large master bedroom with ensuite and balcony on the upstairs level. The three additional bedrooms are located on the ground floor and separated from the living areas. There is also a separate 1br Studio close by (only available for groups of 12 or more) and free Wi-Fi. The property features a beautiful private pool, perfect for a refreshing swim or relaxing by the water in complete privacy. Surrounded by lush greenery, it's the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
This highlights the appeal of the pool and emphasises the relaxing, private atmosphere.
With beautiful views of the vines and surrounding mountain range, the large 9.8m x 5.2m lounge room features raked ceilings and a split system air conditioner. Winter nights will be spent snuggled on the lounge next to the stunning Masport wood burner and family meals will be shared all year round in the 7.2m x 4.8m enclosed indoor/outdoor entertaining area.
In addition to its award-winning vines which consist of a highly regarded Chambourcin and Shiraz, the property capitalises on its close location to many wineries and wedding venues. Its nearby paddocks are home to a few retired racehorses who love carrots and apples, certainly a great experience for the kids.
A storybook home in a beautiful location makes "Soldiers Cottage" the ideal property to start your next chapter.
THE Important Stuff - House - Sleeps 12 Guests Bedroom 1 - Queen Bedroom 2 - Queen Bedroom 3- Double Bedroom 4 - Queen + 2 Single Sunroom - 2 singles
Studio - for groups of 13 or more only Queen
* Please note parking is permitted in allocated parking area only - please do not park your vehicle on the grassed area surrounding the property.
How We Price: The booking price is based on a minimum number of guests. Any guests above this number are chargeable on a per person/per night rate. The system will automatically calculate the correct rate when you enter the required number of guests. Reductions in guest numbers are non-refundable.
Arrival Details: Access to the property is made simple. You’ll receive an access code via SMS just before 3pm on your arrival day, which you’ll use for the duration of your stay. Standard check-in is at 3pm. While an earlier arrival may be possible, it cannot be confirmed until the afternoon prior to your arrival. If an earlier check-in is available, we will send you an SMS by 4pm the day before to confirm.
Linen: 1 set of full bed linens and 1 bath towel per person are supplied. Guests may wish to bring extra towels depending on the length of their stay. Pool/Lake/Beach towels are BYO
Guest Amenities: We are Eco-Friendly - to help reduce wastage, we supply a single bottle of 3in1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash in all showers. In addition, guests are advised to bring their own personal preferred bathroom products/amenities.
Wifi is provided complimentary on behalf of the owner. It is intended to be used in an appropriate manner by all guests. As the service is provided by an external 3rd party, Weekenda cannot and do not guarantee the speed or efficacy of this property's wifi connection nor do we pay any compensation for interruption of service for any reason.
Pets: Pets are welcome at this property on completion of the below standard pet regulations in writing finalised prior to arrival: Guests supply pet bedding, food bowls & disposable waste bags. Pets are strictly prohibited from being on any furniture, rugs, carpeted areas, beds & bedding/linen inside & outside the property. At no time are pets to be left alone, locked inside a property. Your pet must remain in your possession at all times. Guests bring pets at their own risk understanding we can commit to the validity of fencing, access to natural waterways, rural properties pest control with chemicals and surrounding neighbours pets or livestock. A Bond will be charged for any damage caused by pets and any non-adherence of the pet regulations.
Fires and Firewood: Internal wood fireplaces and outdoor fire pits only operate after the NSW Easter School Holidays up to before the NSW September School Holidays in line with NSW state fire restrictions. Please note: we will normally supply enough firewood, kindling & fire-starters for between 1-2 nights of your stay. For guests wishing to have additional fires, we suggest BYO Firewood, Kindling, and Starters which can be easily purchased from the local service stations.
No Party Policy: All reservations operate under a Strict No-Party & Non-Excessive Noise Policy as prescribed in the NSW Short-Term Letting Legislation and Local Council Laws. This property is in a Residential Area. Failure to comply can put the security bond into jeopardy and may lead to police-assisted eviction and/or extra charges being levied. We hate to have to note this, but the reality is that so far this year we have had to evict 3 groups for overstacking/bad/anti-social behavior.
Extra Guests / Visitors: The number of people nominated on your booking is the maximum number of people that are allowed to be on the property at any one time, including visitors. Visitors may be requested and if approved must be approved in writing with Weekenda staff. Simply put, if Mum and Dad want to come over for a BBQ then we are likely to approve. If 10 extra people want to stop by we are unlikely to approve, which could put your booking at risk. We will always try to be reasonable with reasonable people within property constraints and House Rules.
Cameras and Noise Monitoring: There is 1 external security camera installed at this location presently but the owner reserves the right at any time to install additional external cameras at their discretion. Camera is positioned at front door to view the entry way areas for external security monitoring only. All cameras are installed in line with local regulations. A noise monitoring device is installed - fines apply to guests found to have disconnected, removed or damaged the noise device. These devices are used to monitor and maintain ours and guests responsibilities under the NSW STR Code of Conduct.
Guest Registration / ID Check : Weekenda requires every guest to complete and sign an electronic guest registration prior to arrival which will ask for photo ID i.e. a copy of your Drivers Licence or Passport. The primary booker will also be required to complete a list with the guests names and actual mobile numbers. In the event we are unable to reach the primary booker, it is very important we can get a hold of other guests. These documents will be deleted after your departure. Access Codes are only released to Registered and Verified Guests.
Critical Update: Due to an unprecedented influx of fraudulent bookings, we are forced to impose a policy that protects our clients, industry and community against those attempting to commit fraud and theft. Any booking made within 5 days of arrival is required to provide a photo of a valid credit card in the same full name of the primary guest to match the supplied identification document. Failure of these documents matching will result in the booking being cancelled and all funds processed returned to the original card assumed as stolen and thus a fraudulent transaction. We trust we have our honest and genuine customers understanding this policy is in place to protect all parties. Insurance: As always, but ever so more due to recent times, we strongly encourage any holidaymakers to obtain a very inexpensive 3rd Party Domestic Travel Insurance Policy to cover you for all manners of matters which may restrict travel. This is particularly helpful for things like Hunter Valley Concert cancellations, Covid or Medical and Other Emergencies for which we don't provide refunds, and anything which falls under our standard Terms & Conditions irrespective of the reason. We suggest reviewing policies with 'Cover-More' or 'Travel Insurance Direct' or 'Insureandgo'
This property is managed by Weekenda, a licensed real estate. Weekenda staff are available 7 days a week to assist from your initial enquiry through to your departure and everything in between.
We look forward to having you stay with us.
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Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
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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
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
Property registration number PID-STRA-17967
About the area
Fordwich
Located in Fordwich, this holiday home is in a rural area. Hunter Valley Gardens and Wollemi National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Binnorie Dairy and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Ready for a night out? Consider Tyrrell's Wines and Roche Estate. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like horse riding nearby.
Margan Family Wines - Hunter Valley - 11 min drive
The Willows Broke Village Store - 11 min drive
Running Horse Wines - 8 min drive
Motty's Farm Cuisine - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village?
As of 9 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village on 23 April 2026 start from NZ$1,370, 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.
How much is parking at Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Soldiers Cottage picturebook vineyard home in cute Hunter Valley village located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Mount Broke Wines, Margan Family Wines and Stomp Wine. Wollemi National Park and Krinklewood Vineyard are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
8.2
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
My friends and I had a great time at your property- we loved the house and pool, and the horses was like icing on the cake. Hope we cleaned everything up to a good standard.Please however check amenities are in working order prior to guest arrival, as we purchased ingredients to make pizzas (it was too hot to use the pizza oven, so we planned on using the electric conventional oven) but the oven was damaged (presumably by previous renters), and couldn’t be turned on.When we pushed the ‘on/power’ button the front panel fell off, as it was just loosely sitting there. We have also just placed the panel loosely back where found, but this was quite the disappointing discovery as we had to innovate a new dinner plan late in the evening.
The place was nice and accomodating for huge group of family and we enjoyed our stay. Only negative is that the house was old and the some areas were not clean and we had a frog that came out of the toilet and the shower pressure was low when all bathrooms were used. But overall great and chill place to stay we saw a lot is stars at night and the pool was great and best thing was the coffee machine
Prashant S.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience at Soldiers Cottage – we’re so pleased to hear your group had an enjoyable and relaxing stay! It’s great to know the pool, coffee machine, and those stunning night skies made a memorable impression. We appreciate your feedback on the cleanliness and water pressure, and we’ll certainly pass it on to our team to help improve the guest experience moving forward.
We’d love to welcome you back for another getaway in the Hunter!
Kind regards,
The Team at Weekenda
Verified
8/10 Good
Natasha B.
22 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Really loved the place! It’s a well loved country type home. Big enough for all of us and the kids had a ball!Only down sides were the oven didn’t work in the kitchen so had to try use the bbq as an oven and wish I’d known before hand as I planned meals around being able to use the oven. Wish it had a bigger fridge too! As of writing this the tavern and shops mentioned as close by are all permanently closed so we had to drive into singleton. These are all heads up type of things though as the house and whole property is beautiful so as long as you’re prepared you’ll love it!
The home was so perfect for our trip away. From the swing In the garden to the fire place and horses. We used all the amenities and had no real reason to leave except for the occasional winery trip.
So many family dinners were enjoyed in the outdoor dining area.
Highly recommend and will be coming back
Giordana C.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 August 2023
Hello Giordana, Thank you for your feedback on Soldiers Cottage. It is great to hear your family enjoyed their stay and enjoyed the property and its facilities. Weekenda Team
Perfect place for a larger group, dog friendly, really comfortable beds. Everything you could wish for in a well equipped kitchen. We loved the great wood burning fire ( plenty of wood supplied) Sunday morning saw mist and the big floating balloons overhead. Lovely horses to pat and feed an apple. Very near to Margan Family Wines ( excellent food and wine ) and also try Running Horses vineyard, great experience due to the owner/ winemaker . We all had a wonderful time and the late checkout was a bonus.
Mrs Philomena S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2021
Thank you for the wonderful review, Mrs Philomena!
Verified
4/10 Poor
Karen K.
2 April 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Unsatisfactorily presented
Location was awesome, house was old with updated lovely bathrooms but the overall presentation was dirty , no laundry facilities so not a family friendly property over a 7 night stay , bbq really dirty, with food remains, no tea towels, decking really dirty and unkept garden and grass area. Won’t go back.
Karen K.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 April 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your positive comments about our location and updated bathrooms. We apologize for any cleanliness issues you encountered during your stay. Rest assured, we take your feedback seriously and will address these concerns promptly. While our property may not have laundry facilities, we'll strive to enhance our offerings to better accommodate our guests. We regret that your experience fell short of expectations, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future with improvements made. Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention. Weekenda
Verified
8/10 Good
Sonia K.
17 March 2026
Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
We had a lovely stay overall — the location is beautiful, right in the heart of wineries, peaceful, and surrounded by nature, and the pool and spacious, well-equipped house were highlights. We also appreciated the early check-in and late check-out. However, finding the key was difficult, cleanliness could be improved, and there were maintenance issues like a broken room light and a faulty shower head. it would have been better if this had been checked beforehand, especially as we booked a couple of months in advance at a higher price. A few basics like clearer instructions and extra supplies for basics like toilet paper for larger groups would make the experience even better as there are no shops for few kms. Despite these issues, the calmness, fresh air, and natural surroundings, horses, birdies made the stay and experience worthwhile and I would love to book this again.
Sonia K.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified
6/10 Okay
Kerrie E.
6 April 2021
Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Holiday
The house is in a good area. The property is picturesque and away from the crowds over Easter. We thought it would be a bit more hidden away, unfortunately, it is right on the road although not a busy one. We had 10 adults staying and two of the beds were really only suitable for children. The kitchen is well equipped and finally a house with decent wine glasses. Plenty of seating in the dining and lounge rooms. Overall we had a lovely long weekend
Kerrie E.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 August 2023
Thank you for the great review, Kerrie! I can certainly appreciate having good wine glasses! Hope to have you stay again