Cruickshanks Farmstay and B&B
Host: Mike Whitney
Mike’s gone country to a ‘wee’ Merino Sheep & Angus Cattle farm near Armidale in New England – but it should really be called ‘New Scotland’ as there are some Highland Coos too!
This is it...The Country Experience! For people who are looking for an atmosphere of comfort and a peaceful haven far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Cruickshanks offers a lovely balance of passive and active possibilities together with the sights and sounds of Aussie outback life on a 1000 acre working property.
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For families, Cruickshanks is a very welcoming place for children where they can take part in farm activities on a working sheep and cattle property.
While for couples it can be just that secluded romantic retreat politely distanced from the rest of the world.
Give yourselves the opportunity to simply soak up the tranquillity of Cruickshanks and leave your stress at home or back at work. Spoil yourselves. Just sit back and relax, there are sunny verandahs and in winter crackling wood fires. Stroll out at night to gaze at the moon in the best starry skies and in the mornings wake up to bird song and the tantalizing aromas of breakfast.
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The beautiful countryside is a walker's paradise and a photographer's delight. Simply pack great expectations and take home wonderful memories.
For Mike and Anne the guests who come to stay are regarded far more as friends than clients.
Guests often leave feeling they have relived some of their childhood memories of their "holidays in the country"!
Many people from overseas visit Cruickshanks to experience the real "Aussie" country lifestyle first hand, returning home with new perceptions to relate to their friends.
The Homestead
The Homestead offers 2 bedrooms. The Garden Room has an ensuite and private entrance from the verandah, and an old fashioned high double bed with a view.
The Tartan Room has twin beds with its own bathroom and is close to access from the verandah.
Guests are openly welcome to use the kitchen, living area, TV and the extensive library.
It's a true country homestead where you can laze in the sun on the wide verandahs with a coffee or a glass of wine and in winter by the cosy fire with a book.
You are invited to share your evening meal with your hosts, and for this reason many internationals and guests looking for the true Aussie country lifestyle experience choose to stay in The Homestead.
Both the120 year old colonial style Homestead and The Cottage are set in the same large rambling bird filled garden which means the two can be taken in conjunction by the same party.
For those who feel a holiday means absolutely no work then the fully catered and be totally spoilt option may be the best choice, otherwise a compromise with dinner or just bed and breakfast.
The Cottage
The Cottage has three bedrooms accommodating from 8 to 10 or two families. Two rooms with queen sized beds and the third with 2 sets of bunks. A cot and 2 extra trundle beds are available too.
It is fully self-contained with a complete kitchen, BBQ, laundry, TV, DVD/VCR, CD-Player, the works, plus a small library.
There is a woodfire for cold nights which will keep you warm and cosy. The verandahs on both sides will ensure that you can catch the sun for breakfast and for the afternoon snooze and even for an early barbeque in the evening.
The Farm
Experience country lifestyle firsthand. Join in day to day farm activities with your hosts, feeding, mustering, drenching or whatever is happening.
Take a guided 4WD Tour of the working property and see first hand, the "fine wool" merino sheep, the shaggy Highland and commercial Angus cattle and maybe even spot a kangaroo or a koala and at the same time take in the beautiful country side.
Walk the farm trails over the hills or along the beautiful Mihi Creek.
Fish in the Creek and farm dams for perch, and in summer for craybobs (yabbies or crayfish) then maybe eat your catch for dinner.
Rekindle old memories of holidays in the county and share this experience with your children. Show them the miniature horses and where eggs come from, how working dogs round up the sheep and most of all teach them respect for all animals large and small.
[Source: www.cruickshanks.com.au]
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More Information Cruickshanks Farmstay and B&B 313 Mihi Road/Tourist Drive 19, Uralla Telephone: (02) 6778 2148 Stay down on the farm for just $120 per couple per night. Children aged 3 – 14yrs are $40 per night and kids under 3yrs are $20 each. |
Prices correct as at 13/09/08
Get yourself up there with QantasLink. One way fares from Sydney start at $129. Book your seat on www.qantas.com or call 13 13 13.