Vine Lodge, c. 1839
Sleeps 14 | Bedrooms 7 | Bathrooms 4
One of the original homes in the picturesque village of Exeter in the Southern Highlands, heritage-listed Vine Lodge and its historic outbuildings were built by the Badgery family during the 1820s and 1830s, with the current home built in 1839. European settlement of the area began with a 500-acre land grant by Governor Macquarie to James Badgery in 1821, and the township of Exeter was named after James Badgery’s English birthplace. The property remained in the Badgery family for some 140 years. Built with local sandstone, timber and handmade bricks, and with its wide flagstone verandahs, Vine Lodge is an impressive example of early Colonial Georgian architecture. In more recent times, Vine Lodge has been extensively and sensitively restored, and won a Heritage Conservation Award in 2007.
Sleeping up to 14 guests, with stunning garden surrounds and swimming pool, Vine Lodge is perfect for groups of family & friends seeking a peaceful country escape. All bedrooms feature comfortable beds with luxurious linens, cosy armchairs, and tranquil views. The main Homestead has five bedrooms – one king with ensuite, one double with ensuite, and three queen rooms. With original heritage fireplaces, polished floorboards, timber-lined ceilings, and cedar doors and windows, you’ll feel like you have stepped back in time.
Four guests can be accommodated in the historic kitchen wing, now known as the Outbuilding, which includes a king bed and three single beds, perfect for a small family, featuring the property’s original wood oven, with red brick hearth. The Stables accommodation, sleeping up to three guests, is beautifully rustic - with exposed rafters, sandstone & limewashed walls, and flagstone floors. This open plan space features a king bed, comfortable leather armchairs to curl up in with a good book…or relax on the stunning antique Indonesian day bed. There are four bathrooms in total, two with baths, and complimentary amenities.
The soaring vaulted ceiling of the contemporary kitchen, dining and casual living area celebrates the scale of this grand home, and the fully-equipped kitchen, with gas cooktop and industrial workbench will delight any chef. Pick veggies straight from the garden, and collect fresh eggs each morning from the chooks! There’s plenty of space to gather for meals at the large dining table, and the sunny deck just off the dining room is a lovely spot for your morning coffee. Open up the French doors from the formal living area onto the verandah, with sweeping views across the lawns and over the Southern Highlands.
Outdoors is a delight - relax on the lawns, explore the gardens, spend hours swimming, then cool off in the pool house. Come together for a long leisurely lunch in the Stables courtyard area. And with a pizza oven and BBQ, enjoy al fresco dining at sunset under beautiful established trees. A heritage treasure, Vine Lodge is a beautiful place to spend time with loved ones, while experiencing a part of early Australian architectural history.
An exclusive offer for Historic Stays guests - book two or more nights and mention Historic Stays, and you’ll receive a $100 voucher to spend at the delightful Exeter General Store cafe.
Special Features
Heritage Listed
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Countryside Views
Swimming Pool
Things To Do
Only 90 minutes from Sydney, the delightful village of Exeter is the closest you’ll get to a quintessential English country village without boarding a plane. From the beautifully preserved, heritage-listed Exeter Railway Station, tennis court, croquet club and quaint cottages, you’ll be charmed by this historic settlement. Browse boutique stores and enjoy delicious café-style meals at the Exeter General Store. And just a short drive away are antique stores, Morton National Park, wineries and restaurants.
