'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
When I think of holidays, my mind usually jumps to far-flung, passport-stamping destinations—the kind that live on vision boards and in frequent flyer fantasies.
But a recent getaway gave that thinking a serious reality check.
Nestled in the Central West, in a countryside postcard known as Abercorn, I discovered that the ultimate escape doesn't need a customs line.
Listed as one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025, Abercorn sits in a valley so peaceful, even the roads don't bother with stop signs. It's wrapped in vineyards, kissed by country air, and just a short drive from the town of Mudgee. A true country getaway that gently yanks you and your family out of city chaos and into something that feels a lot like exhaling for the first time in months.
Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.
Abercorn was named one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025. Image: Supplied
RELATED: The best family-friendly property in Australia has been revealed
There's a reason why Abercorn is one of the top holiday homes
This holiday getaway delivers for both sides of the parenting contract. The kids get disconnected from electronics with wide open spaces and endless adventures. You get silence, scenery, and maybe even coffee that's warm enough to drink! It is the kind of break from routine that will reset everyone.
The moment you roll down the long driveway, Abercorn starts showing off. The view stretches out in every direction, with a valley so wide it feels like you've landed in a postcard. And then, just as you're taking that all in, you spot the front entrance. The path to the door is framed by a dreamy arch covered in a carefully curated tangle of greenery, setting the tone before you've even turned the handle. This, I thought, is when the holiday officially begins.
Inside, Abercorn instantly delivers on the cosy-meets-stylish promise. Designed to sleep eight, the house manages to feel both spacious and snug at the same time. The open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for guests to wander from space to space without bumping into anyone, but it also gives everyone enough room to peel off and have their own little corner of calm.
For me, the real standout was the massive windows that wrap around the living space, seamlessly inviting the countryside in. They became my favourite spot, perfect for savouring morning coffees, enjoying sunset wines, and soaking in every moment in between.
Cosy vibes in the country. Image: Supplied
The bedrooms are thoughtfully spread out, with a generous master, two queen rooms, and a sweet twin room that's practically begging for a sibling sleepover. Each space has its own rustic charm, and yes, more of those magical windows so you can wake up to gum trees instead of Google Calendar notifications.
But here's where Abercorn really turns the dial up—two fireplaces. One inside for toasty nights curled up with a glass of red, and one outside for marshmallow-roasting sessions under the stars. Whether you're a parent in desperate need of downtime or a couple looking for a quiet spot to reconnect, there's a nook for you.
And just when you think the charm has peaked, there's a veggie garden tucked off to the side. You can pick whatever's ripe or just potter around pretending you're Meghan Markle!
Feeding the cows with the kids never gets old. Image: Supplied
Keeping the whole family entertained
Inside Abercorn, the charm just keeps coming. I loved seeing shelves packed with books of every kind, offering a much-needed break from our screens and a chance to dive into a good story. These days, it's so easy to get caught up in our devices, even when we're trying to relax. But if reading isn't your thing, no worries. The games area downstairs is a real gem, with a table tennis table and a bunch of board games that kept the kids busy and our competitive spirits alive.
And yes—this is a farm stay, which means there are farm animals, big cows that love to get fed hay. They wander over around 4pm each day for a snack and a sticky beak, and feeding them quickly became a daily highlight. Whether you are an adult or a child this activity is heaps of fun and is something everyone got excited about.
Off to sample some of Mudgee's best. Image: Supplied
RELATED: Grandymoons: The 2025 travel trend we didn't think we needed
If you're keen to explore beyond the property, Mudgee is just down the road and filled with treasures. There's wine tasting for the grown-ups (you've earned it), charming boutiques to browse, and if you time it right, weekend markets bursting with local goodies. I loved wandering through the quiet streets and hidden corners—every path felt like an invitation to slow down and breathe out.
Before heading out from Abercorn, I couldn't help but feel thankful for the simple joys we experienced.
It was the perfect escape from the digital grind, offering real connection and relaxation. Whether you're chasing family fun or a peaceful retreat, Abercorn greets you with open arms and moments you won't forget.
The writer was a guest of Stayz.
Originally published as 'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Herald Sun
'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
When I think of holidays, my mind usually jumps to far-flung, passport-stamping destinations—the kind that live on vision boards and in frequent flyer fantasies. But a recent getaway gave that thinking a serious reality check. Nestled in the Central West, in a countryside postcard known as Abercorn, I discovered that the ultimate escape doesn't need a customs line. Listed as one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025, Abercorn sits in a valley so peaceful, even the roads don't bother with stop signs. It's wrapped in vineyards, kissed by country air, and just a short drive from the town of Mudgee. A true country getaway that gently yanks you and your family out of city chaos and into something that feels a lot like exhaling for the first time in months. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Abercorn was named one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025. Image: Supplied RELATED: The best family-friendly property in Australia has been revealed There's a reason why Abercorn is one of the top holiday homes This holiday getaway delivers for both sides of the parenting contract. The kids get disconnected from electronics with wide open spaces and endless adventures. You get silence, scenery, and maybe even coffee that's warm enough to drink! It is the kind of break from routine that will reset everyone. The moment you roll down the long driveway, Abercorn starts showing off. The view stretches out in every direction, with a valley so wide it feels like you've landed in a postcard. And then, just as you're taking that all in, you spot the front entrance. The path to the door is framed by a dreamy arch covered in a carefully curated tangle of greenery, setting the tone before you've even turned the handle. This, I thought, is when the holiday officially begins. Inside, Abercorn instantly delivers on the cosy-meets-stylish promise. Designed to sleep eight, the house manages to feel both spacious and snug at the same time. The open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for guests to wander from space to space without bumping into anyone, but it also gives everyone enough room to peel off and have their own little corner of calm. For me, the real standout was the massive windows that wrap around the living space, seamlessly inviting the countryside in. They became my favourite spot, perfect for savouring morning coffees, enjoying sunset wines, and soaking in every moment in between. Cosy vibes in the country. Image: Supplied The bedrooms are thoughtfully spread out, with a generous master, two queen rooms, and a sweet twin room that's practically begging for a sibling sleepover. Each space has its own rustic charm, and yes, more of those magical windows so you can wake up to gum trees instead of Google Calendar notifications. But here's where Abercorn really turns the dial up—two fireplaces. One inside for toasty nights curled up with a glass of red, and one outside for marshmallow-roasting sessions under the stars. Whether you're a parent in desperate need of downtime or a couple looking for a quiet spot to reconnect, there's a nook for you. And just when you think the charm has peaked, there's a veggie garden tucked off to the side. You can pick whatever's ripe or just potter around pretending you're Meghan Markle! Feeding the cows with the kids never gets old. Image: Supplied Keeping the whole family entertained Inside Abercorn, the charm just keeps coming. I loved seeing shelves packed with books of every kind, offering a much-needed break from our screens and a chance to dive into a good story. These days, it's so easy to get caught up in our devices, even when we're trying to relax. But if reading isn't your thing, no worries. The games area downstairs is a real gem, with a table tennis table and a bunch of board games that kept the kids busy and our competitive spirits alive. And yes—this is a farm stay, which means there are farm animals, big cows that love to get fed hay. They wander over around 4pm each day for a snack and a sticky beak, and feeding them quickly became a daily highlight. Whether you are an adult or a child this activity is heaps of fun and is something everyone got excited about. Off to sample some of Mudgee's best. Image: Supplied RELATED: Grandymoons: The 2025 travel trend we didn't think we needed If you're keen to explore beyond the property, Mudgee is just down the road and filled with treasures. There's wine tasting for the grown-ups (you've earned it), charming boutiques to browse, and if you time it right, weekend markets bursting with local goodies. I loved wandering through the quiet streets and hidden corners—every path felt like an invitation to slow down and breathe out. Before heading out from Abercorn, I couldn't help but feel thankful for the simple joys we experienced. It was the perfect escape from the digital grind, offering real connection and relaxation. Whether you're chasing family fun or a peaceful retreat, Abercorn greets you with open arms and moments you won't forget. The writer was a guest of Stayz. Originally published as 'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
Mercury
5 days ago
- Mercury
Couple trigger TikTok by taking baby - but not toddler
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News. The internet has slammed a couple's decision to go on holiday with their baby, while leaving their toddler at home. Georgia and Chris Brown, both 30, booked a four-day stay in Morocco for a family getaway. They brought along their four-month-old son, Harry, but left their two-year-old, George, at home with his grandmother. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. RELATED: I made my teens sign a 'travel contract' before our family holiday "I wasn't sure on the idea of it at first, but I'm so glad we did it" Taking to TikTok, the couple shared their experience. 'POV: You leave your first baby at home to take your second baby on their first holiday where it can be all about them and not their big sibling,' she wrote in text on the video. In the caption, she admitted she'd been unsure at first. 'I wasn't sure on the idea of it at first, but I'm so glad we did it,' she explained. 'It was so amazing to make those one-on-one memories with our second.' But the internet didn't hold back. 'This is horrible,' wrote one commenter. 'I fear you did it the wrong way around,' another wrote. A third warned: 'this is exactly why older siblings feel left out.' 'This is rotten,' a fourth criticised. image: TikTok/gettingreadywithteddy RELATED: This is what parents do after adult kids get on flights "We wanted to give him something that was all about him" In response, Georgia posted a follow up video after TikTok went 'mad about it.' 'Just to clarify this will only be for his first ever holiday and any other holidays after will be family holidays,' she revealed. She also said the trip was about giving their second child the same memories they had created with their first. 'People are saying it's either favouritism or we don't have the money and that's definitely not the case,' she clarified. 'As a second child his life very much revolves around his brother's schedule so we wanted to give him something that was all about him.' Georgia dismissed concerns that the trip could cause George to develop abandonment issues or long-term resentment as 'absolutely crazy.' She insisted he was happy and well cared for by his grandmother, though admitted there was some guilt that he missed out on the Moroccan fun. Since then, the couple has taken two more holidays with both children, refuting claims they "weren't able to take two children" away at once. Originally published as Couple trigger TikTok by taking baby - but not toddler - on holiday
Sydney Morning Herald
21-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Homestays add a whole new layer to travel. Here's how to do it safely
For a pungent taste of local life when you're travelling, you simply can't beat a homestay, whether an Airbnb room in a high-rise flat in Nicaragua, a mat on the earth floor of a tiny hut in Ethiopia, or a night at a Cuban casa particular, complete with a jam session of Latin music. It mightn't be as comfortable or as antiseptic as a tourist hotel nearby but, hey, why are you actually travelling? Homestays add a whole new layer to the travel experience. Credit: Illustration: Greg Straight By adding in a few homestays, you can be more budget conscious, and hopefully, make friendships that might last a lifetime – or have excellent disaster anecdotes for around the dinner table after the trip. Short-term social media platforms like Airbnb and Stayz are available in a growing number of countries – now up to 191—but do take care to check reviews of accommodation first. It's easy to land in an Australian city and, if the room/s are dire, to find something else, but that may not be such an easy option by the Mount Mulanje in southern Malawi. Especially if you arrive at night. Always pay through the official platform and use a credit card which gives far more fraud protection than a debit card and sometimes also travel insurance. Never agree to pay a host who asks you to pay privately. Loading More big companies now offer homestays as part of their tours, which may be worth considering. G Adventures, for instance, has a new trip to Nepal with a series of five homestays with indigenous women, creating employment for locals as well as enriching experiences for travellers. Attractions include learning the local calligraphy, trying typical cuisine and a cultural walking tour. Hiring private guides to explore a country or region can also be a fabulous way into homestays as they have the contacts on the ground to arrange accommodation to suit your particular interests and desired comfort levels – whether a tent put up in a tribal village in Tanzania, or a mat on the ground of a family's traditional yurt in Mongolia.
