A handbuilt cabin for one or two, set on a private acre of Hunter Valley farmland near Vacy. A wood-fired Finnish sauna, a hot tub under the stars, just 2 hours from Sydney.
Pepperbark is a small cabin for one or two, built by hand on a quiet acre among hundred-year-old ironbarks. We take one booking at a time. No check-in desk, no other guests - a fenced yard with a private wellness patio tucked away in a native garden.
The Finnish Sauna
The sauna: Experience a true Finnish sauna. Built by hand here on our property, it is designed to fit two people comfortably. Cedar boards line the walls, giving off a unique woodsy aroma. The Harvia heater is wood fired, with volcanic stones that absorb and disperse heat in a way that feels organic and soft. Building the fire is part of the fun, and this sauna is exceptionally fast to heat up - reaching temps of 80 degrees in 40 minutes. The sauna features a full glass door and window view so you feel cosy but not confined. Felt hats are provided to help protect hair from heat, and they double as cute props to make you feel extra-Finnish. A bucket of water and ladle are at the ready to add steam (or löyly as it is called in Finland). Simply pour a ladle on every now and then to feel a wave of soft steam. Sit in the heat until you feel ready for a change. Step outside and cool off under the shower - we removed the pressure reducer so it feels like you're under a waterfall. Go back in. Repeat as many rounds as you like...
The Wood-Fired Hot Tub
The hot tub: Made by our mates at Stoked Stainless across in New Zealand. This 2 metre tub is so roomy and deep, perfect for adults to spend the evening gazing up at the stars, or into each other's eyes. Light the wood-fired hot tub in the afternoon and it's ready by evening. Listen to the wood fire crackle as you sit under a blanket of warm water for hours. Best enjoyed with a glass of wine in hand.
Considered, not decorated
The cabin was built by Aaron and his brother Josiah over a period of four years, with Michelle adding interior flair towards the end. Pepperbark was made slow and steady in the midst of daily life and keeping our day jobs. The place was designed off our own likes, evolved with many changes over time, and as such it owns a certain flavour. We would call it considered and minimalistic-but-still-warm. Others have described the feeling here as 'unpretentious luxury', and we think that sums it up perfectly.
Rural, not remote
The cabin is quiet. With double-glazed windows and full insulation, you'll struggle to hear anything but your own thoughts. Step outside or open a window to hear the sounds of native birds warbling and leaves rustling in a gentle breeze. Occasionally you'll hear sounds of human existence in the distance - a reminder that you're secluded but not isolated. There's reliable mobile signal and WiFi via Starlink so while the cabin runs on off-grid power, you aren't forced to be offline. Pepperbark is country enough to feel rural, yet close enough to drive only a few minutes down the road to fetch supplies.
Not just a weekender
We take single night bookings from Sunday to Thursday. Convenient for a birthday, or for celebrating your anniversary on the actual day.
Hosted by Michelle & Aaron
Pepperbark is tucked away in a bushy spot on our working sheep farm. A separate driveway with full access year round for two-wheel drives - we figured you don't need to go off road to experience a country escape. As we live on the farm, we're easy to reach if you need us, but otherwise you won't hear from us at all. It is a private retreat and we take one booking at a time - there will be no other guests and no visitors. Just the one cabin to be enjoyed at your pace for the whole time.
