Looking for a city escape? Somewhere to relax and reset? Well, it’s no surprise to hear that many are flocking to NSW’s Southern Highlands to get a little bit of fresh mountain air and switch off for a mini break.

On a recent HUNTERhunter trip to the area, it was a no brainer to stay in the area’s busiest town, Bowral, and it didn’t take us long to find the most stunningly charming cottage located just a five-minute walk into the centre of town; Dunrana House.

Home to two separate accommodation spots; Dunrana Cottage and Dunrana House; no matter what size your party, Dunrana could just be the ultimate accommodation for your Southern Highlands getaway.

Situated on the main road leading into town, just driving through the big black gates feels like you’ve been transported into your very own private oasis. The exterior is complete with beautifully maintained gardens, an outdoor swing perfect for the little ones (or us adults), and on-brand white pebbles across the driveways.

Dunrana Cottage is situated just to your left. The cosy and intimate studio space is designed with an open plan bed, kitchen, and living areas, making it the perfect romantic getaway or single break.

Need a little more space? Dunrana House is perfect for larger groups or families, with the huge four-bedroom, two-bathroom home allowing for plenty of space for people to spread out and relax.

Enter via the door to the side on the large wraparound deck, through the beautifully styled laundry space into the jaw-dropping magical open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. With high ceilings, white interiors with eclectic touches; this is the true heart of the home.

With high ceilings and natural light flooding in from all sides, this central hub is so warm and inviting. This entertainer’s dream of a space will keep you in awe as you explore the gourmet kitchen. With a butler’s pantry decked out with every cooking utensil you could ever want; there’s nothing this kitchen is missing.

Make sure to make the most of the complimentary wine, supplied from local winery; Centennial Vineyards. You could pair a glass with some of the baked goods from the local bakery; Gumnut Patisserie.

The living and dining areas boast an 8-seater dining table, a lounge that dreams are made of, a fireplace, as well as games, books, and magazines galore. So, if you’re not actually wanting to explore the region, there is more than enough in this house to keep you entertained. On a nice day, you can open up the large French doors out into the backyard and make the most of the Southern Highlands sunshine.  

Making your way through the home, each corner is like an exciting exploration. Open a door and you won’t know exactly what you’ll find, but each discovery is a delight to the senses.

Before you reach the bedrooms, take in the beautifully lit sunroom; perfect for the cold (yet sunny) days that the area is known for. Wander down the refurbished hallway and choose your pick of the four individually curated bedrooms.

With one king room, two queens, and one room with two king singles, each bedroom has been curated with natural hues, stonewashed linen; but each has their own distinct personality.

The children’s room is complete with an old exposed brick fireplace, filled with the most beautiful collection of books and toys, including some of our favourites; Little People Big Dreams books.

The name itself, Dunrana is the perfect partnership of two towns, worlds apart.

“It joins our past from a small village in Ireland called Dunlavin and a tiny country town in rural Australia called Urana. It’s our love story. Our nod to the past and our families. And when you look around you will noticed subtle glimpses into our story, our heart and how sentimental we truly are.”

Only a three-hour drive from Newcastle, Dunrana House in Bowral is the perfect spot for a mini-break away from the crowds, somewhere to sit in front of the fire curled up on the comfiest lounge I ever did experience, with a cup of hot tea in one hand and a good book in the other.

So, when are you visiting Durana House?