Notes from the host
Water View Villa
THE Estate
Block Eight Estate is a stunning 100-acre private retreat nestled in the heart of beautiful Hunter Valley Wine Country. With vineyard, olive groves, natural bushland, park like grounds and vistas stretching from the Barrington Tops to the Brokenback Range, you will immerse yourself in its natural beauty. Our guest only Wine Room, built over our sparkling lake, offers a peaceful space to indulge in one of our boutique wines and watch the sun set.
Block Eight Estate priorities a tranquil and romantic setting for our guests. We only allow a maximum of ten guests at any time and have a strict no child policy. If you want to explore the surrounding area, we are neighbours with Squires Vineyard, a short stroll or bike ride from Ridgeview Cellar Door and Restaurant, and a short drive to some of the regions most celebrated wineries and restaurants. Helicopter flights and winery tours will pick you up from your doorstep.
Block Eight Estate is home to a large family of kangaroos and wallabies and a diverse range of native animals and bird life. We regularly foster rescue dogs and have a dedicated “Puppy House” for guests to visit and cuddle the puppies. You can feed the ducks or collect a fresh farm egg from our friendly chooks.
Relax in one of our luxury villas with hotel quality linen, plush towels and high-end toiletries. Our villas are well stocked including our own award-winning olive oil. All guests receive a complimentary bottle of estate wine on arrival and welcome gift.
THE Villa
Water View Villa is a luxury one bedroom villa with beautiful views of our natural lake and bushland.
Watch the kangaroos and water birds from your large private veranda or indulge in a relaxing bubble bath. In the cooler months the cosy, open fire is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of red wine. With its own fully fenced garden, Tree Tops Villa is the ideal getaway to enjoy with your best furry friend.
Other available villas include: - Vineyard View, Gum Trees, Barrington View and Tree Tops (dog friendly).
THE Important Stuff -
This is a 1 bedroom home offering bedding up to 2 guests.
Bedroom 1 - 1 king size bed
How We Price: The booking price is based on a minimum number of guests. Any guests above this number are chargeable on a per person/per night rate. The system will automatically calculate the correct rate when you enter the required number of guests. Reductions in guest numbers are non-refundable.
Arrival Details: Access to the property is made simple. You’ll receive an access code via SMS just before 3pm on your arrival day, which you’ll use for the duration of your stay. Standard check-in is at 3pm. While an earlier arrival may be possible, it cannot be confirmed until the afternoon prior to your arrival. If an earlier check-in is available, we will send you an SMS by 4pm the day before to confirm.
Linen: 1 set of full bed linens and 2 bath towels per person are supplied. Guests may wish to bring extra towels depending on the length of their stay. Pool/Lake/Beach towels are BYO
Wifi is provided complimentary on behalf of the owner. It is intended to be used in an appropriate manner by all guests. As the service is provided by an external 3rd party, Weekenda cannot and do not guarantee the speed or efficacy of this property's wifi connection nor do we pay any compensation for interruption of service for any reason.
Pets: Pets are welcome at this property on completion of the below standard pet regulations in writing finalised prior to arrival:
Guests supply pet bedding, food bowls & disposable waste bags.
Pets are strictly prohibited from being on any furniture, rugs, carpeted areas, beds & bedding/linen inside & outside the property.
At no time are pets to be left alone, locked inside a property. Your pet must remain in your possession at all times.
Guests bring pets at their own risk understanding we can commit to the validity of fencing, access to natural waterways, rural properties pest control with chemicals and surrounding neighbours pets or livestock.
A Bond will be charged for any damage caused by pets and any non-adherence of the pet regulations.
Fires and Firewood: Internal wood fireplaces and outdoor fire pits only operate after the NSW Easter School Holidays up to before the NSW September School Holidays in line with NSW state fire restrictions. Please note: we will normally supply enough firewood, kindling & fire-starters for between 1-2 nights of your stay in the villa.You are welcome to help yourself to extra firewood at any time from our woodshed located between Gum Trees and Vineyard View.
No Party Policy: All reservations operate under a Strict No-Party & Non-Excessive Noise Policy as prescribed in the NSW Short-Term Letting Legislation and Local Council Laws. This property is in a Residential Area. Failure to comply can put the security bond into jeopardy and may lead to police-assisted eviction and/or extra charges being levied. We hate to have to note this but the reality is that so far this year we have had to evict 3 groups for overstacking/bad/anti-social behavior.
Extra Guests / Visitors: The number of people nominated on your booking is the maximum number of people that are allowed to be on the property at any one time, including visitors. Visitors may be requested and if approved must be approved in writing with Weekenda staff. Simply put, if Mum and Dad want to come over for a BBQ then we are likely to approve. If 10 extra people want to stop by we are unlikely to approve, which could put your booking at risk. We will always try to be reasonable with reasonable people within property constraints and House Rules.
Cameras and Noise Monitoring:There are no external security cameras at this location presently but the owner reserves the right at any time to install external cameras at their discretion. Any camera install will be in line with local regulations. A noise monitoring device is installed - fines apply to guests found to have disconnected, removed or damaged the noise device. These devices are used to monitor and maintain ours and guests responsibilities under the NSW STR Code of Conduct
Guest Registration / ID Check : Weekenda requires every guest to complete and sign an electronic guest registration prior to arrival which will ask for photo ID i.e. a copy of your Drivers Licence or Passport. The primary booker will also be required to complete a list with the guests names and actual mobile numbers. In the event we are unable to reach the primary booker, it is very important we can get a hold of other guests. These documents will be deleted after your departure. Access Codes are only released to Registered and Verified Guests.
Critical Update: Due to an unprecedented influx of fraudulent bookings, we are forced to impose a policy that protects our clients, industry and community against those attempting to commit fraud and theft. Any booking made within 5 days of arrival is required to provide a photo of a valid credit card in the same full name of the primary guest to match the supplied identification document. Failure of these documents matching will result in the booking being cancelled and all funds processed returned to the original card assumed as stolen and thus a fraudulent transaction. We trust we have our honest and genuine customers understanding this policy is in place to protect all parties.
Insurance: As always, but ever so more due to recent times, we strongly encourage any holidaymakers to obtain a very inexpensive 3rd Party Domestic Travel Insurance Policy to cover you for all manners of matters which may restrict travel. This is particularly helpful for things like Hunter Valley Concert cancellations, Covid or Medical and Other Emergencies for which we don't provide refunds, and anything which falls under our standard Terms & Conditions irrespective of the reason. We suggest reviewing policies with 'Cover-More' or 'Travel Insurance Direct' or 'Insureandgo'
This property is managed by Weekenda, a licensed real estate. Weekenda staff are available 7 days a week to assist from your initial enquiry through to your departure and everything in between.
We look forward to having you stay with us.
