Oldbury Cottage, c. 1856
Sleeps 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Oldbury Cottage is one of historic Berrima’s earliest dwellings. It was built in 1846 by Patrick Maloney and his wife, using Eucalyptus trees felled on site. Originally consisting of just two rooms, the Maloneys lived in the tiny cottage their entire life, until 1890. Owner & host Michael undertook a sensitive restoration of the cottage, that’s won three heritage conservation awards between 2018 - 2020. Wherever possible, original structural elements were preserved: hand-hewn eucalyptus slabs were exposed and restored, plaster & lath walls gently repaired, and the semi-collapsed chimney was stabilised and repaired. During the restoration, many little historic treasures were uncovered - handmade nails, broken pottery, a collection of old glass bottles, even a beautiful crucifix.
Oldbury Cottage is a rustic, yet luxurious couple’s retreat. The bathroom features a walk-in shower, deep freestanding bath, underfloor heating for colder months, and Orana eco-friendly, botanical amenities. The cosy bedroom has queen bed with crisp percale linens, fluffy bathrobes & complimentary slippers; and in the snug living space, relax on the lounge or one of the comfortable armchairs in front of the crackling wood fire. For your entertainment needs, there’s complimentary high-speed WiFi and Google Chromecast. In the kitchenette, included in your stay are tea & coffee, hot chocolate, juices and gourmet treats - and you’re only a short stroll from Berrima’s cafes, restaurants, award-winning patisserie & gourmet produce stores.
Outside, there’s a lovely courtyard space with outdoor setting, Webber gas BBQ and large firepit made from old horseshoes. An attractive original one room sandstone hut sits behind Oldbury Cottage, dating to c.1830s. It was most likely built by convicts to house explosives used to build the Hume Highway. A beautiful established garden surrounds the cottage, dotted with jonquils, roses, lavender, cherry blossoms, a 100 year old oak tree to relax under with a good book, and climbing wisteria framing the cottage in springtime. In the morning, sit back in one of the wicker chairs on the front verandah enjoying a coffee, watching fairy wrens hop through the garden.
A beautifully restored cottage, rich in old world charm and with a deep sense of history within its walls, Oldbury Cottage is a relaxing haven in the heart of the picturesque Southern Highlands. Open the gate, walk up through the garden, step onto the old flagstone verandah, and be instantly transported back in time.
Special Features
Clawfoot Bath
Cottage Gardens
Open Fireplace
Courtyard & BBQ
Things To Do
Berrima dates back to 1831, and is regarded Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village, with its stunningly beautiful streetscapes and impressive sandstone buildings. Only 90 minutes from Sydney, it’s a popular destination for weekend getaways, and if you love heritage architecture, a stay in Berrima is a must. Berrima’s Regency-style Courthouse was built in 1838 by convicts, using local sandstone. Enjoy a beer or pub meal at the Surveyor General Inn c.1834, also built by convict labour and known as Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn. Shop at Berrima’s wide range of boutique stores and take a drive through the Southern Highlands to hunt for antiques.
