'Wow, this looks interesting!' I exclaimed, as our car drew to a halt at the end of the fern-lined gravel driveway. 'Doesn't it, just,' Peter replied, his raised eyebrows indicating that he, too, was pleasantly surprised.
The kitchen is well-appointed and comprises worn timbers, unusual wire-fronted doors and stainless steel benchtops - but the real showstopper is the hand-painted island counter top, featuring giant hibiscus flowers in shades of gold, lilac and tangerine. This is complimented by the surrounding gardens, which have plantings en masse displaying foliage in similar colours. Amazing!
We have arrived at 'Sahali', a luxury holiday retreat tucked into the hillside of Cambewarra Mountain on Moss Vale Road, Beaumont, a short drive from the hamlet of Kangaroo Valley. We're visiting the region for the autumn harvest at Kangaroo Valley Olives with Foodscape Tours, and Sahali will be our home base for the weekend.
Right away the property captures our interest. Our eyes are drawn to the angled rooflines and different materials used on the exterior of the building - the natural colours of which sit well against the bushland surrounds and the valley on the horizon. In a former lifetime, Peter dabbled as a realtor at around the same time that I worked as a property manager, so the phrase 'location, location, location' comes up in conversation before we've even stepped inside the front door. Now dear readers, please allow me to introduce you to Sahali through my postcards and morsels:
As we are to discover, Sahali was built in 2002 with the remnants of a 1930s weatherboard cottage that was previously located in the nearby township of Berry. The result is an eclectic blend of weathered old timbers, corrugated sheeting and modern surfaces sympathetically crafted into a comfortable, user-friendly and architecturally-striking home. Truly, we spent the first few hours mesmerised and 'just looking' at the house from ceiling to floor, and one end to the other!
Just off the kitchen there is a well-stocked galley-style butler's pantry that doubles as a laundry and cloak room.
It is raining and we start to undo our shoes on the verandah outside. In the entry hall we are greeted by this canine companion, who bears a note that reads: 'Please let me mind your shoes while you are inside. I am well trained and do not chew or bury'. Cute!
The spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area has cathedral ceilings, a wood burning combustion heater, surround-sound home theatre and French doors that open to the rear deck, BBQ mezzanine, and wet-edge pool. To my mind, Sahali feels charmingly rustic and 'designerly' all at once. The interior colour palette - inspired by nature - is clever. Restful earthy tones with splashes of burnt orange and deep ocean blue, are contrasted by the rich, lush greenery outdoors in the gardens.
The walled fernery (which is visible from the kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom) offers a quiet sanctuary of green.
While the lounge room, dining area and kitchen form the central hub of Sahali, there are other living spaces offering a quiet retreat. One is a sun room-come-reading room or study, complete with a Chesterfield and desk. The other is a music room (complete with piano) that can be used as a bedroom or TV room if preferred. Indeed, the owners have thought of everything, and Sahali is stocked with an assortment of books, board games, music CDs and movies on DVD.
Sahali deck, BBQ area and pool...
'Sahali' means 'high ground', a fitting name for this property. The views of the Kangaroo Valley escarpment seen from the rear deck, BBQ mezzanine and swimming pool are quite spectacular, no matter the weather nor time of day. Watch the mists roll in and then disappear again, as you sit listening to bird song, or wade in the pool. On clear evenings, Sahali is perfect for star gazing, too.
Exploring Sahali...Sundown at Sahali...
As the sun begins to set, the mists roll in and there's a distinct chill in the air. It's time to light the fire and snuggle on the sofa with a glass of locally-produced Yarrawa Estate wine, or simply gaze at the impressive array of stars in the evening sky. This is a rare treat for city folks like ourselves.
Good night, sleep tight...
Bed time at Sahali is fun, for there are six comfortable bedrooms to choose from and they are separated by different wings of the house. The upstairs master suite has French doors that open to a private balcony overlooking treetops and the valley. It also offers an ensuite bathroom. On that topic, there are three bathrooms in all, one of which has uninterrupted views to Sahali's swimming pool, expansive gardens and the escarpment. The linen is fresh and crisp, and the bed is comfortable. We close our eyes and fall asleep quickly, lulled into slumber by gentle sound of rain on the corrugated roof. Zzzzzzzz.
Rise and shine - morning walk in the garden...
Sahali is set on two acres of well-manicured, established gardens that are surrounded by tall trees and lush Australian rainforest. There is much to discover around every corner and along each of the rambling paths. Despite the rain, I greatly enjoyed losing myself in Sahali's outdoor space. It is paradise for bird watchers, photographers and plant enthusiasts alike!
Farewell Sahali and thank you for a fabulous weekend!Tell me dear readers and fellow travellers, do you love a relaxed weekend getaway as much as we do? And have you ever considered holidaying in the Kangaroo Valley of New South Wales? Incidentally, thank you for taking the time to enjoy this photo-rich post.
The Good Things team enjoyed a weekend in the Kangaroo Valley as guests of Sahali. Opinions expressed are our own.
The list - Sahali, Kangaroo Valley
Sahali 979a Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales, via the climb up Cambewarra Mountain between Kangaroo Valley and Nowra. For information and bookings visit the web site
Kangaroo Valley Olives, 110 Cedar Springs Rd, Kangaroo Valley, NSW To find out more about visiting the Kangaroo Valley, including dining options, shopping, farmer's markets, food tours, scenic drives, markets and other good things, see the Kangaroo Valley Tourist Association web site.
41 Comments
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:05:23 am
Krista, Sahali really IS all that and we loved it! Thank you for taking the time to pop in and comment. I know this was a 'huge' post to read (and load), so I really appreciate it x
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28/5/2015 02:14:16 am
Beautiful photos Liz. It's such a green luscious place. What a wonderful weekend you must have had
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:05:54 am
Tania, thank you for your kind words. Sahali is just beautiful! Thank you for taking the time to pop in and comment. I know this was a 'huge' post to read (and load), so I really appreciate it x
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28/5/2015 04:36:43 am
wow so many photos, I am impressed Liz! This looks like a relaxing place, I would make it my weekend retreat if I could. You are so lcuky to have spend time there. =)
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:06:39 am
Helene, welcome back my lovely friend. I have missed you! It really IS a beautiful place and we were indeed lucky!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:07:13 am
Liz, thank you. Sahali could indeed be described as 'paradise'.
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28/5/2015 12:08:51 pm
We could use a weekend away about now! And that looks perfect. Too bad it's just a little too far for a weekend for us, though. ;-) Really nice -- thanks.
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:07:56 am
John, thanks so much. It'd be grand if you could come visit sometime!
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28/5/2015 01:14:06 pm
Oh I saw your amazing pictures on FB Lizzy, so jelly of your weekend escape, it looks like an absolutely beautiful part of the world. I am pleased you are taking some time out to rest, and boy oh boy is this the way to do it.
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:08:30 am
Anna, isn't Kangaroo Valley so peaceful!
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Maria
28/5/2015 02:23:45 pm
Hi Liz, it looks like paradise to me!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:09:00 am
Maria, Sahali is like a little slice of heaven!
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Eha
28/5/2015 02:26:03 pm
Absolutely beautiful views and exquisite gardens, Liz! Very home like surrounds and the distances to Kangaroo Valley from Sydney to Canberra and beyond not 'geographically impossible'! I notice you counted six bedrooms: well, one better assemble a houseful of comfortable friends desirous of 'letting go' as the wallet just might have a talk with one otherwise :D !!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:10:01 am
Eha, not far from you at all, my friend! Yes, gather a bunch of friends and Sahali is the perfect gathering place!
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28/5/2015 02:49:22 pm
ABSOLUTELY looks to me our kind of place Lizzy as when go away, enjoy disconnecting from technology and getting back to nature, so I can hear myself think again!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:10:39 am
Sahali is the perfect setting to do that, Joanne...
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:11:23 am
Thanks so much, Amanda. Sahali certainly fits that bill!
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28/5/2015 06:41:20 pm
How utterly peaceful it looks. Other than the counter top with the hob, everything seems to scream out 'relax' :)
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:12:04 am
Indeed, Tandy. And Sahali is a magical place in which one can truly relax. That's for certain.
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:12:51 am
Hi Jane, the Kangaroo Valley is a truly lovely part of Australia. It had been way too long since we had visited and we will certainly be going back.
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29/5/2015 03:40:43 am
What a delightful vacation! Who doesn't love a weekend getaway? Life is all about balance. I love all the beautiful photographs of nature and that infinity pool!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:13:36 am
Mary Frances, life is all about balance, isn't it. And a natural setting such as this makes for a beautiful getaway.
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29/5/2015 12:05:23 pm
Kangaroo Valley is so beautiful and a great place for a weekend retreat and not to far from Canberra as well. What a wonderful place to stay and I love the corrugated iron roof. And the little dog at the entrance! xx
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:14:30 am
Thanks Charlie. It's not too far from Sydney either, really. This would be a wonderful getaway destination for your lovely family, my friend. : )
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29/5/2015 12:59:38 pm
What a lovely place to visit Lizzie. One of my all time favorite things is falling asleep to the sound of rain on a tin roof. Lovely!
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30/5/2015 10:25:30 pm
Love that the place is close to nature. The greens are so soothing. The wooden interiors, the clean place. So homely, indeed!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:15:49 am
Julie and Alesah, thanks for your kind words. You'd LOVE Sahali, that's for sure.
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:15:08 am
Kyrstie, yes, that lovely white noise of rain on a tin roof. Bliss!
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:16:26 am
Maureen, that was so well put! : ) Yes, I'd love to have stayed long enough to read War and Peace too! : D
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31/5/2015 03:57:47 am
Wow this is an extensive review with loads of images Lizzy! looks like a lovely place to stay :D
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:17:09 am
Thanks Lorraine, Sahali certainly is a lovely place for a getaway.
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2/6/2015 01:13:16 am
Lovely photos Liz and that bench top! Looks like you enjoyed your weekend.
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Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:18:04 am
Fiona, thanks for your kind words. We did indeed enjoy our stay at Sahali and can highly recommend it to anyone wanting a peaceful getaway. As you can see, it's just beautiful!
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Leigh
4/6/2015 11:00:40 pm
Hi Lizzy, I was instantly drawn to your comments as we have been lucky enough to stay at this amazing property almost a year ago. We spent a long weekend celebrating my mothers 80th birthday, and had enough space for the whole family to stay together. You have captured the magic of this property in your beautiful descriptions here. These tiny gems nested away on country roads are the reason why we all work so hard, so we can enjoy the downtime and the spoils of our efforts with weekends away!! Thanks for reminding me of a truly great weekend. Sahali is sublime!
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Lizzy
12/6/2015 12:44:12 pm
Indeed it is, Leigh. And thank you so much for your very kind words!
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Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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