Cedars Mount View stands out from the rest.

While there are some lovely accommodations in the Hunter Valley, one of the absolute standouts is Cedars Mount View for its sleek design and peaceful atmosphere. The adults-only retreat in Mount View offers private, self-contained accommodations perfect for couples or solo travellers looking to unwind in refined comfort.

The sprawling 38-hectare property features five self-contained accommodations: Villa Stella, Villa Lorea, Villa Alaia, the Treehouse and The Vue. I recently checked into Villa Lorea and it quickly became my new favourite accommodation in the region.

The long driveway to the property takes us through a mountainous valley landscape where spotted gums thrive. As we pull up to the accommodation, I’m pleased and surprised to find it looks less villa-like and more house-like. The 100 square metres villa’s modern exterior sympathetically blends with the landscape, featuring Colorbond cladding and a sandstone entrance wall, surrounded by native plantings. I’m also pleased to find how separated the accommodation is from the others. The closest villa is too far down the hill to hear us, and we can hardly see it – this level of separation sets Cedars apart.

The property has been designed by Sydney-based architect Alexander Symes with interiors by Juliana L Martin Interiors. Inside, the villa is impeccably clean with pink lilies gently perfuming the space. The open-plan design helps make it feel extra spacious, while the contemporary design feels high-end with natural, earthy tones and textures prevailing.

The living room is divided into two by a double-sided fireplace – one half taken over by a plush daybed that wraps the window, the other with a sofa, TV and, quite randomly, an infrared sauna. The sauna is a cosy little wellness nook that feels delightfully indulgent after a day of wine tasting.

During the day, nearby wineries beckon, but I can’t help but feel a strong pull to just head back and enjoy the property while we have it. Thankfully in the evening it gets cold enough for us to make use of the double-sided fireplace which instantly dials up the cosy vibes while we relax on the daybeds sipping our earlier purchases.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, gas cooktop and oven, microwave, designer dinnerware and breakfast supplies (bacon, free range eggs, orange juice, fresh milk, Baker’s Delight bread, a variety of Berrenberg spreads and Brookfarm muesli and granola, baked beans and pancake mix). French-born owner-operators Gilbert Ponlot and Christelle Chardin have stocked the fridge with Briar Ridge Vineyard bubbles, Binnorie Dairy cheese and a range of accoutrements which we devour on the spacious wraparound deck.

It’s here we spend a large portion of the weekend relaxing, admiring the bushland views and listening to the gentle calls of native birds. There’s also a Heston Blumenthal-designed BBQ for warm summer days, alongside a pair of daybeds where we while away the evenings stargazing. There are walking trails and paths across the property where we casually stroll with a glass of bubbles in hand.

Back inside, the bedroom features a plush king-sized bed with a bespoke wooden headboard flanked by two handmade bed lights crafted by Gina Ermer. The spa-like ensuite is huge, with a curvaceous freestanding bath, positioned to take advantage of vineyard and bushland views. The space features terrazzo stone surfaces, a separate bathroom, underfloor heating, dual rain shower and basins that thoughtfully match the shape of the bath.

Where many luxury accommodations in the region underwhelm, Villa Lorea at Cedars Mount View truly excels. Couples seeking a romantic weekend escape – or anyone craving privacy and a sense of disconnection – will find it hard to leave.

Details

Best for: Couples

Price: From $ per night

Address: 60 Mitchells Rd, Mount View NSW 2325

Distance from Sydney: Approximately a 2-hour drive/174 kilometres from the CBD.

EV charging: There is a shared EV charging station on the property.

Nearest wineries: Briar Ridge Vineyard, Savannah Estate Wines and Petersons Wines

Extras: Helicopter pick up available on the field in front of the villa. Vineyard tours and transfer pick up available directly from the villa.