Hilton Homestead c. 1880
Sleeps 12 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 2
Hilton Homestead, near the village of Mandurama in Central NSW, is one of the area’s most historic properties that was established by George William Rowlands, born in 1866. Hilton has a proud history as both a merino sheep & cattle farm and has been in the Rowlands family for five generations. John & Megan Rowlands, current owners and hosts, are the fourth generation to live at Hilton. They look forward to welcoming you to their luxury farm stay with genuine country hospitality.
Hilton Homestead was built in the late 1800s for John’s great grandfather and his wife to move into after their wedding in 1889. Handmade bricks were fired on-site from clay dug up on the property. They then went on to build the wing of the Homestead around 1920 as staff quarters, with an open fire & copper, and a dairy to separate cream.
Recently, Hilton Homestead underwent a complete renovation – a family effort, with Megan & John’s son Sandy providing advice on restoring & retaining the building’s historic architectural features. The verandah was pulled down, original bricks cleaned, and the verandah then completely rebuilt using the old bricks. Their daughters Olivia and Sam, along with Megan have created a welcoming, elegant interior. Beautiful period detail throughout the Homestead now sits alongside contemporary additions and modern comforts, making it the perfect country getaway for families and small groups of friends.
The Homestead accommodates up to 12 guests in spacious comfort. There are six bedrooms – two king beds, one queen, two doubles, and a twin room with two singles. Each bedroom is beautifully furnished with vintage & antique pieces, quality linen quilts with pure cotton sheets, and reverse-cycle heating & cooling throughout.
A gorgeous country kitchen awaits with coffee machine, large oven & dishwasher, and has everything you need to create gourmet feasts. Come together for meals at the long dining table - crafted from hand-cut timber slabs, salvaged from one of the cottages on Hilton - or there’s a Weber BBQ for relaxed al fresco meals in the outside entertainment area, overlooking the expansive garden. Local produce including honey, olive oil, free range pasture eggs and milk are included, and you’re welcome to pick fresh herbs from the garden. Breakfast cereals are also provided.
The Homestead also has several living areas for guests to enjoy. Cosy up of an evening in the lounge room in front of the combustion wood fireplace, unwind in the sunroom with a good book…or catch up on your Netflix series in the TV room. There’s also complimentary WiFi included if you need to get work done.
However, we suggest escaping technology for a while to head outdoors – there’s over 2,000 acres of farmland on Hilton, and the Homestead is surrounded by unspoilt natural beauty, with a rich bird life and scenic views from walks to the top of the hill. You’re also likely to spot kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, wombats, and wedge-tailed eagles…and there’s plenty of space for both children and adults to play! The established gardens feature mature English oak trees, roses and native Australian flora. Relax on the verandah with a glass of local wine at sunset, take in the magical views, and breathe in fresh country air.
For those looking for a peaceful rural retreat and a special place to reconnect with family & friends, come and escape to Hilton Homestead. Soak up the atmosphere of this historic farm and experience the serenity of the open countryside. Book direct below for the best rates.
Special Features
Working Farm
Established Gardens
Indoor Fireplace
Families Welcome
Things To Do
Hilton Homestead is 3.5 hours from Sydney, and under 3 hours from Canberra. From the Homestead, it’s a 10-minute drive along the picturesque back road to the historic township of Carcoar. Admire the many heritage buildings throughout Carcoar, with its boutique shops, restaurants, and museums. Spend a day visiting nearby wineries, then return for a traditional country pub meal in Carcoar or Mandurama. Also nearby are the towns of Millthorpe, Canowindra, Orange, and Cowra to discover, all less than an hour’s drive away.