Antique treasures meet luxe accommodation comfort in Morpeth
The historic river port town of Morpeth now has a picture perfect country getaway set behind a white picket fence.
Found in the Lower Hunter and overlooking the historic St James Anglican Church, this quintessential country cottage is bordered by historic homes and buildings. It’s location at the heart of Morpeth means you can stroll to the heritage-listed main street, picnic on the river bank and dine at the lauded Boydell's Cellar Door and Restaurant (a mere 50 metres from the back gate).
Designed with couples in mind (the River Haus sleeps four), it’s where vintage and antique treasures meet luxury and curated comfort. Inside you’ll find a farmhouse kitchen with butler’s sink, Nespresso coffee machine (with 36th Parallel biodegradable pods), Smeg kettle and toaster, leather lounge, ducted air conditioning, Nectre woodfire, 65cm Smart TV and JBL sound bar.
Two (identical) guestrooms offer queen size iron beds with AH Beard mattresses, blackout blinds, quality linen and antique wardrobes. A separate office (along with fast Wi-Fi) allows guests to work from home or curl up with a good book in the oversized armchair.
A highlight is undoubtedly the striking bathroom with herringbone tiled floors, freestanding bathtub, walk-in shower with oversized shower head, Grown Alchemist amenities and Normann Copenhagen bell lamp.
Dark stained Blackbutt floors and crisp white walls are the perfect backdrop for the River Haus’ many treasures: a French market basket, Bentwood chairs, vintage kitchen cannisters and weighing scales plus Dr Morse’s Indian Root pill bottles. The Dr Morse's Indian Root Pills signage on the side of an old shed just outside Morpeth is an iconic local building. Framed drawings of steamships, a rustic lantern, ship’s rope, coffee table fashioned from a steamship trunk, model ship and old oars meanwhile are a nod to Morpeth’s past as a bustling river hub.
Step beyond oversized glass sliding doors where a custom built deck adorned with festive marquee lights leading to a private rear garden where guests can gather with glass of wine in hand under clear starry skies. A fire pit will be available in time for cooler weather.
Sheriden Rhodes, a local travel writer, and Tom Szecsodi, a property developer, are the owners of the River Haus.
“We love Morpeth, Australia’s second oldest river port with its old school pubs, local artisans, sandstone buildings, cafes, the historic Arnott Bakehouse and a rare timber truss road bridge which spans the Hunter River. You can take a carriage ride pulled by Clydesdales, shop at farm gates and taste award-winning small batch wines at Boydell’s housed in a restored 1850s slab timber building,” Sheriden said.
“We hope guests staying at the River Haus feel refreshed taking walks down country lanes, sleeping on cotton sheets and waking to bird song and the peal of church bells.”
We have an inkling this dreamy white cottage – two hours’ drive north of Sydney; 35 minutes from Newcastle - is going to prove one popular country escape so be sure and book your stay today.