Just 90 minutes from Sydney but a million miles from your cares, The Red Cottage is the perfect getaway for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains. The cottage has a sunny north-facing garden with views and nearby are a host of beautiful bushwalks, scenic lookouts and waterfalls, with the historic hubs of Leura and Katoomba just a short drive. After a day’s activities, entertain on the deck, toast marshmallows around the firepit, or just relax by the wood burner. You’ve earned it! In the stunning Blue Mountains National Park, The Red Cottage is a relaxing mountain retreat surrounded by nature and native birds with views to the north of the Wollemi National Park. The cottage, which has three bedrooms, a separate study, an open plan kitchen/diner, and a spacious lounge with a wood burner, is situated on a quiet residential street in the village of Wentworth Falls - famous for Charles Darwin visiting here in 1836 during his voyage on the Beagle which led to his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. The cottage is a few minutes' drive from the Valley of the Waters, the breathtaking Jamison Valley and the Darwin Walk (where, upon seeing a platypus, Darwin wondered why a Creator would make such a curious creature), and the quaint stores, cafes, bakery, grocery, butcher, bottle shop and post office in the village. The cottage is perfect for a family holiday or as a getaway for a group of friends, or even a couple (or a couple of couples) who need space to work and relax. The house will sleep up to seven guests plus one infant comfortably. Our beds are super snug with soft, pure cotton sheets for a great night's rest. The large north-facing deck is great for entertaining or just relaxing and taking in the mountain air, and comes equipped with a gas/charcoal dual BBQ and an outdoor heater to keep you cosy on cooler nights. Reflecting a love of both old and new, the bohemian cottage has an eclectic mix of collectibles from our travels, but especially artwork showcasing the unique Blue Mountains. THE LIVING ROOM The Red Cottage has a large yet cosy open plan living room with a Chesterfield leather sofa and plush armchairs, a wood burner and a handcrafted red-gum log store perfect for the cooler months. Relax with a book, snuggle up with a loved one, or if you just want to chill and binge watch, there is also a 55" smart TV. THE DECK The living room opens out on to the north facing deck where you'll find an old church pew, Bali dining table, benches and stools, and a vintage rattan sofa giving plenty of space and options for entertaining. It's the perfect place for your morning coffee or a glass of wine when the sun goes down. There's also an outdoor heater if you need it. The king parrots and crimson rosellas may come and say hello, and there are binoculars for guests' use so you can watch the comings and goings of our feathered friends. Flick on the cafe lights and fire up the barbie. If you're a traditionalist and love the flavour of chargrilled food, then the right-hand side is for you, grab some charcoal and get cooking. On the left-hand side, there is always the easier option of gas burners. Just a reminder that if there's a total fire ban, you can only use gas. Fancy a bit of stargazing too? Feel free to use the very ancient telescope, it's a bit rickety but it still works. THE KITCHEN/DINER The kitchen/diner has funky cherry-red benchtops, Smeg kettle and toaster, and a Breville double boiler espresso machine for you to show off your barista skills (coffee beans supplied). We do also supply instant coffee if your barista is taking the day off. There are two huge fridge freezers, making entertaining a breeze, providing plenty of space for your gourmet supplies and a few coldies. The Smeg French door fridge-freezer has filtered cold water at the push of a button (sadly the ice making part isn't working). Finally, there’s an oven with four burners, including a wok burner, plus a dishwasher. THE STUDY The study has an oversized double-sided mahogany desk, made for two people to sit comfortably opposite each other. There are two monitors for you to plug laptops into and there is free Wifi internet. The study also has a lockable door which, if you’re working, you can use to avoid interruptions during meetings. THE BEDROOMS The Red Cottage can comfortably sleep seven plus one infant. The master bedroom has a queen bed and an ensuite shower room, the second bedroom a double bed, and the third bedroom has a triple bunk (double under and a single above), all with built-in robes. We also have a travel cot for the tiny ones but do remember that the cottage is not set up for babies and toddlers so please take additional care. The beds in the master and second bedroom have electric blankets. THE FAMILY BATHROOM In addition to the master bedroom ensuite, there is a family bathroom with a large corner bath with shower over (sadly the spa is currently not working). There is also a guest toilet in the laundry area, so the cottage has three toilets in total. THE LAUNDRY There is an LG top loader washing machine with a wall mounted dryer above for your hiking gear and the like (but please not the boots!) THE STUDIO Escape to the studio for a bit of fun on the foosball table or trying to improve your three dart finish. Or maybe just relax with a book on the chaise. THE GARDEN We are visited regularly by king parrots, crimson rosellas, satin bower birds, brown cuckoo doves, crested doves and sometimes the majestic black cockatoos. Grab the binoculars for a closer look. The deck looks over the north-facing garden with a lawned area and a firepit surrounded by stump seats (unfortunately, the firepit cannot be used during a total fire ban - please be sure you know the current fire status). It’s a great place to reminisce after a day’s hike, toasting marshmallows or having a glass of wine. You could even grab the guitar to take it to the next level. THE PATH (CAUTION - UNEVEN SURFACE) The rustic sandstone path down to the house doesn’t have a handrail so do take care as there are a few lumps and bumps along the way. High heels not recommended but it's perfect for hiking boots! Help yourself to the fresh herbs dotted about including parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, as well as basil, mint, oregano, lemon balm, kaffir lime leaves and maybe a few chillies when in season. In the summer, there are even wild strawberries in the garden - please feel free to use them. There is a gravel path that leads around the front and side of the cottage down to the bottom of the garden where the fairies live. Again, there are a few lumps and bumps and steps in the wilderness area so extra care is needed. PARKING There is enough space for 3 cars on the gravel strip and grass verge outside the property. There is also plenty of street parking available - no parking restrictions. Guest access The whole house and garden are yours to enjoy during your stay. Other things to note HEATING The Red Cottage has very efficient gas central heating in all rooms. In addition, there is a traditional log burner. You may find some logs and kindling in the baskets on the hearth, or stored under the deck, which you are welcome to use.