Notes from the host
Windmill Lodge Large Groups
Windmill Lodge is our suburban farm! A hidden gem beautifully situated in an outer suburb of Newcastle, not too far from anything. It is a property perfectly suited to low key gatherings of larger groups; families, corporate gatherings, team building events, birthdays, weddings, sports groups etc etc (sorry no bucks or similar gatherings). For 7 years Windmill Lodge has been an oasis for literally thousands of guests. We are relatively new to Stayz but if you search you will find the reviews needed to ensure you are in for a treat.
70 acres so close to the city makes our place extremely unique. Our home is beautiful and the property something very special. The house is for living! It is robust yet welcoming with a strong rustic and eclectic flavour. We have plenty of big entertaining areas for groups as well as several more intimate spaces...secret nooks and crannies should you feel you need your own space. The downstairs entertaining area is huge and the hub for many outdoor group activities. Get set for a game of chess, darts or good old fashioned space invaders and pac-man challenges or move everyone out onto the large lawn area for a game of giant corn hole, boule, volley ball, finska, koits, cricket or touch footie. There’s also a modern swing set and trampoline for the little ones to enjoy. All this right next to the large salt water pool where one can simply cool off, relax and unwind. In winter, kick back and toast a few marshmallows over one of the fire pits.
When it comes to food...
For those who want to keep the cooking outdoors, there's the huge BBQ, giant paella set which caters for 25 servings, a separate full sized rustic hot coal spit in the downstairs entertaining area. Saving the best till last is the "Global Warmer". An enormous wood fired smoker oven. It has the capacity to fit an entire pig or lamb as well as pizza oven (once cracking, you can be turning out a dozen pizzas at a time). Or perhaps keep it simple on a winter night by lighting up the "cauldron". our floating fire pit. Perfect to toast a few marshmallows or sizzle some snags on its grill.
Moving upstairs, the gourmet kitchen is a delight to cook in and will ignite any budding chef into creative cuisine. The inside dining table will seat 20 comfortably with an extensive array of coordinating table wear. All open plan, the kitchen and dinning hosts a large indoor living area, huge comfy lounges (all of which open up to the outdoor deck) and even more space for relaxing. All this surrounded by a beautiful rural outlook. The landmark of which is of course the giant windmill.
When it’s time to think about sleep we have a vast array of bed types and room configurations. Our permanent beds are very comfortable and mostly positioned in bedrooms that are large allowing flexibility for even the most tricky configurations. Four of our king beds now split to make 2 long singles.
B1 master bedroom with ensuite (this room is huge)
King bed plus small double daybed. This room can comfortably have up to 3 blow up single mattresses or fold outs for small children.
B2 King bed or can split to 2 singles and can fit 1 fold out for a child
B3 King bed or can split to 2 singles, can also fit 2 extra blow up single mattresses or foldouts for children.
B4 King bed or can split to 2 singles, can also fit 2 extra blow up single mattresses or foldouts for children.
B5 King bed with permanent cot (cot linen not provided) and can fit a fold out for a small child
B6 king bed or can split to 2 singles, can fit one blow up single mattress or one fold out for a child.
B7 Queen bed and can fit one blow up single mattress or fold out for a child.
Common areas
We try to accommodate our guests in bedrooms rather than overflowing into common areas whenever possible. However, in accommodating some configurations, our common areas are spacious and can do the following;
Upstairs living
Queen fold out sofa bed (linen not provided)
Outside deck has a small double daybed (linen not provided)
Downstairs living
Single bunk set
Space for 2 single or 1 queen blow up mattress or 2 child fold out beds. It is important that you are upfront in the beginning about guest numbers. We will do our best to accommodate you but some extra guests may need to cover a supplementary tariff or bring their own linen. We treat every group as having a unique dynamic so please be genuine.
Linen is constantly being upgraded and added to. All is professionally laundered and all beds are fitted with 100% luxury cotton or bamboo sheets with quality bath towels and washers. Please note a linen charge may be added for those using additional areas.
Sulphate free shampoos and body washes, hair driers and many other conveniences are provided for your pleasure.
There is plenty to explore outside. The land surrounding us is part grazing and part wetlands. The bird life is wonderful. We have walking /biking trails on and near the property and for the really adventurous we have creek access with a very rustic boat ramp for canoeing. We are in the process of setting up a mountain bike/e-bike adventure. Please enquire before your arrival if you are interested in partaking in this activity. (Conditions will apply and subject to availability).
If it's a wet day we have a huge array of games suitable for every age as well as Xbox and Netflix with three huge HD TV’s. There's the well loved piano, bongo drums and a couple of guitars to be used and enjoyed by all. A vast supply of good books, a spiritual corner, yoga deck and a well equipped gym for those that want to keep up with their workouts (special conditions apply with gym access so if required please enquire when booking).
We are mid way between the beach and the vineyards and we are on a large and totally unique acreage yet still in suburbia. There isn’t another like it! We love the reaction from every group when then they arrive….You will be very pleasantly surprised as you enter the driveway.
After 7 years of hosting (over 5000 guests) our reviews and guest book say it all. Windmill Lodge has become a home for dozens of groups. Guests coming together for whatever occasion from all over Australia and beyond. Bringing children, grand children and great grand children....they fill the house with love and laughter and take home the delights of wonderful happy memories. Windmill Lodge is truely magic for this. We love getting to know our growing family of repeat guests who are now rebooking every year.
We will always keep improving and adding additional features over time. There is still much to be done so consider Windmill Lodge a place you will want to visit again and again. As enthusiastic passionate hosts, we aim for you to really enjoy your stay with us.
We hope to meet you soon!
Warmest regards,
Tanya and Paul
Please note...we really do love to accommodate most groups. However, we can no longer accept large group bookings from all male persons, young bucks groups and those who intend to hold a rowdy party or attend a festival.
We have a designated quiet time between 9am and 9pm. We have a general low noise policy 24/7. Noise must be kept to a minimum at all times and especially after 10pm.
Everything in our home and surrounding it is special to us and our family so please consider this before requesting to book.
T
Hosted by Tanya Bartlett
