When you set foot onto the lush 20 acres that are home to Leaves and Fishes, it’s very easy to forget you're in the Hunter Valley.

There’s no rolling hills or vineyards to be found here – rather, rainforest-like trees and a pond covered in lotus leaves and lily pads make you feel like you’ve been transported to Bali.

This feeling is even more pronounced as you enter the property’s newly opened two-bedroom accommodation, The Villa. 

With a style and atmosphere not quite like anywhere else in the Hunter Valley, The Villa is your escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

The Villa was the previous owners’ home for many years before they retired and sold the property to Kristy McGuigan and her husband Aaron, who took over in February 2023.

Kristy decided to open the home to the public for the first time in April. 

“We updated the space with new furniture, luxurious linens and details, and brought the outside in with indoor plants to give it that homely feel,” she said.

Stepping inside, you’re greeted with a living space that somehow feels cosy, yet airy and open – homely, but with luxury in every feature. Creating this atmosphere was a deliberate choice by Kristy.

“We wanted to make it feel sophisticated and luxe, but comfortable."

The living and dining area opens up onto a large covered deck that sits over the pond, inviting you to while away an afternoon relaxing, or entertain into the night. From here, you can observe the ever-changing scenery of the pond, as the lotuses move through their life cycle to bloom each spring. 

Timber accents lend a cohesiveness to the space without feeling overwhelming. Pops of colour throughout – a huge potted monstera plant, a bowl of lemons on the table, navy cushions, the deep red front door – mean the home is calm but never boring.

While the whole of The Villa is breathtaking, your delight will be especially heightened as you enter either of the home’s two bathrooms.

A huge stone bath takes up central position in each bathroom, complete with an overhead shower head and stripped-back tapware. All that’s left to do is fill up the tub, let yourself relax and drift into bliss.

If you want to replicate the styling in The Villa in your own home, many of The Villa’s furnishings are sold in The Store, Leaves and Fishes’ homewares retail space. You can find the same cushion covers, candles, bath products and more for purchase.

The Villa accommodates up to four people, and is adults-only, as is the property’s other accommodation, The Boathouses.

There are four Boathouses at Leaves & Fishes, each accommodating up to two people. If you’re planning a big group getaway, why not book out The Villa and The Boathouses for a holiday to remember?

Or, with Leaves and Fishes hosting weddings in the private grounds of The Venue, The Villa would make a beautiful space for couples to get ready for their big day, and for guests to stay once the festivities are done.

Leaves and Fishes currently have a special offer for the first 10 bookings at The Villa – book in for a two-night winter getaway at The Villa and get the third night free.

Once you settle into The Villa, however, chances are you'll wish you were staying just a little while longer.