There is something inspiring about being surrounded by books. The knowledge, the adventures, the storytelling and pages filled with possibilities sitting on the shelves begging to be read. That's the feeling you get staying at Book Barn Cottage at Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Formerly the gatekeeper's residence, the house sits proudly at the entrance to Bendooley Estate, a beautiful country estate also housing the famous Berkelouw Book Store, Restaurant, wedding venue, winery and cellar door – what a winning combination for foodies and book lovers!
A hedge provides privacy from the busy road and the charming cottage is surrounded by a garden of native plants, lavender and roses. The scent of flowers fills the air as you enter the cottage with vases of fresh tulips and lilies dotted around the house.
Comfortably able to accommodate a group of 5 guests, the master bedroom has a king-size wrought iron bed with luxurious linen and French doors leading out to the balcony and garden, plus a large ensuite with double vanity. The second bedroom has two king singles and trundle bed plus a second bathroom with bath. Both bedrooms have plush carpeting and the living areas have lovely wooden floors.
My favourite room is the open-plan lounge room with leather lounge, book shelves stacked with books of all genres and a comfortable chair beside the fireplace inviting you to settle in with a good book. French doors open onto the verandah with BBQ and small table and chairs for two leading out to a large grassy yard.
The dining area off the kitchen has a large timber table with bench seating with red chairs providing a pop of colour to the cottage. The small country kitchen is well stocked with plenty of kitchen essentials and has a basic oven, stove-top and dishwasher. There is a full laundry for your convenience too making the cottage ideal for longer stays as well as weekend retreats.
Guests staying at the Book Barn Cottage benefit from discounted prices at the bookstore and cellar door and you'd be crazy not to indulge in lunch at the restaurant while you're staying on the estate. The cellar door is an impressive space to taste Bendooley Estate's award winning wine while gazing up at the incredible John Olsen painting above the counter, specially commissioned for the winery. You can enjoy casual dining by the fireplace or outside overlooking the vines - bliss!
Venture a little further and you're just 9 minutes to Bowral and spoilt for choice with a vast selection of boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants. Spend a while at Dirty Jane's Emporium, an antique's market with over 60 stall-holders showcasing vintage, retro and country style wares. We love stopping at the Tea Salon within Dirty Janes for the most delicious lavender scones and tea. The new stores surrounding Dirty Janes now features The Press Shop, blending great coffee and treats with gorgeous stationery by Bespoke Letterpress. For dinner we ventured to the divine Bistro Officina (pictured below) and indulged in their generous 4-course experience, you can read the full review here.
Book Barn Cottage is a charming country cottage in a picturesque setting at Bendooley Estate in the Southern Highlands, creating the ultimate escape for foodies, wine lovers and book worms. Be inspired by the vast collection of books, outstanding wines and divine dining making it the perfect base to explore all the Southern Highlands has to offer.
Book Barn Cottage
3020 Old Hume Highway, Berrima NSW
Book at Book Barn Cottage here.
