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A weekend retreat at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley

3/6/2015

41 Comments

 

Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
'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! 
Picture

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:
The hand painted kitchen bench top at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Interesting architectural features at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
The kitchen at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley
'I'll mind your shoes' - guard dog at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
The lush rainforest and driveway at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales

The dining table looking to the kitchen at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
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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!
Outdoor setting on the front verandah at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
Just off the kitchen there is a well-stocked galley-style butler's pantry that doubles as a laundry and cloak room.
The Ten seater dining table at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley
Stairs lead to an ensuite bathroom and One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
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 timber and stainless steel kitchen at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley
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.
Curios on the dining room wall at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
The kitchen at Sahali with its amazing hand painted kitchen bench
The comfortable living room at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
One of many beautiful flowers in the garden at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
The walled fernery (which is visible from the kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom) offers a quiet sanctuary of green.
Sahali retreat in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
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. 
Mist rolls in over the valley at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley
The covered sheltered BBQ area Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales

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.
The rear deck BBQ area and pool at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
Stag horn and lichen covered trees in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Stunning water pot out by the pool at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
A honey eater in the garden at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley
The sun peeks through the foliage at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
The rear deck at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW

The pool at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
Ferns in the courtyard garden at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
The well-appointed butler's pantry at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley
Sunrise at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales
Picture
The mist rolls in over the Kangaroo Valley escarpment
Hall way to the library at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW

Exploring Sahali... 

Mist and the views from Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales

The library and study at Sahali Kangaroo Valley NSW
Choose one of many books to read at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Furnishings and curiosities at Sahali Kangaroo Valley NSW
Desk and leather chair in the study at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
We light the fire at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Decorative vase at Sahali

Sundown at Sahali...

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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. 
Sundown at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
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Basket of wood on the deck at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Light the fire and snuggle in for the night at Sahali
Stargazing at Sahali
The charm of Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales

Good night, sleep tight...

Spa bathroom ensuite at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
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.

One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Nothing nicer than crisp white linen - at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Views from one of the bathrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
One of the six bedrooms at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
There's a view from every window at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW

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!

Fronds of a tree fern unfurl in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Steps lead from one level of the lawns to another at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Flowers in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Sweeping lawns and park like copse of trees at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Flowers in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Lichen on the timber clothesline at Sahali
Rain drops on dahlias in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Garden path at the side of the house Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Flowers in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Pebbles and leaves in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Rain-soaked leaf in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Lichen-covered tree branch in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW
Tree ferns in the gardens at Sahali in the Kangaroo Valley NSW

The front verandah at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales

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 tree and fern lined driveway at Sahali - a luxury self contained holiday home in the Kangaroo Valley New South Wales

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
Krista link
28/5/2015 12:11:28 am

What a gorgeous, restorative, restful place, Liz. I'm SO glad you got to spend time here. All that greenery makes me relax just looking at it. :-)

Reply
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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Tania | My Kitchen stories link
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

Reply
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

Reply
Helene D'Souza link
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. =)

Reply
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!

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

Reply
Liz link
28/5/2015 04:43:18 am

It looks like paradise to me! So glad you enjoyed your little getaway.

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:07:13 am

Liz, thank you. Sahali could indeed be described as 'paradise'.

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

Reply
John/Kitchen Riffs link
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.

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:07:56 am

John, thanks so much. It'd be grand if you could come visit sometime!

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

Reply
Anna @ shenANNAgans link
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.

I love a good relaxing weekend away, and yes... all the yes to holidaying in the Kangaroo Valley. It is where I go when I need to switch off from my world.

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:08:30 am

Anna, isn't Kangaroo Valley so peaceful!

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

Reply
Maria
28/5/2015 02:23:45 pm

Hi Liz, it looks like paradise to me!

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:09:00 am

Maria, Sahali is like a little slice of heaven!

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

Reply
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 !!

Reply
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!

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

Reply
Joanne T Ferguson link
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!

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:10:39 am

Sahali is the perfect setting to do that, Joanne...

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

Reply
Amanda link
28/5/2015 02:56:27 pm

These are gorgeous pics, Liz. Wha a lovely place to get some R & R!

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:11:23 am

Thanks so much, Amanda. Sahali certainly fits that bill!

Thank you for taking the time to pop in and comment. I know this was a 'huge' post to read (and took ages for you to load), so I really appreciate it x

Reply
Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
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' :)

Reply
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.

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

Reply
Jane link
28/5/2015 07:27:14 pm

I seem to have turned a bright shade of tree fern green as I read this post Liz! Can't think why? How positively luxurious and relaxing. I've never been to Kangaroo Valley, but I'm certainly very tempted now.

Reply
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.

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

Reply
Mary Frances link
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!

Reply
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.

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

Reply
Hotly Spiced link
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

Reply
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. : )

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

Reply
Kyrstie@AFreshLegacy link
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!

Reply
Gourmet Getaways link
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!

(Sorry I couldn't comment fresh. The new comment box didn't appear for some reason or was it just my browser?)

Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:15:49 am

Julie and Alesah, thanks for your kind words. You'd LOVE Sahali, that's for sure.

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

Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:15:08 am

Kyrstie, yes, that lovely white noise of rain on a tin roof. Bliss!

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

Reply
Maureen link
31/5/2015 12:21:10 am

How wonderful is this place?? I want to stay long enough to read War and Peace. :)

Reply
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

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

Reply
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
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

Reply
Lizzy
3/6/2015 11:17:09 am

Thanks Lorraine, Sahali certainly is a lovely place for a getaway.

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

Reply
Fiona @TIFFIN bite sized food adventures link
2/6/2015 01:13:16 am

Lovely photos Liz and that bench top! Looks like you enjoyed your weekend.

Reply
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!

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

Reply
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!

Reply
Lizzy
12/6/2015 12:44:12 pm

Indeed it is, Leigh. And thank you so much for your very kind words!

Reply
Maureen link
13/6/2015 11:28:42 am

Wow, you'd definitely feel brand new after a few days here! How lucky you two were!

Reply

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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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