Hilltop Hideaway, Firepit, Starry Nights & Privacy

I’m sorry I couldn’t accommodate your initial request to book outside Vrbo to save on booking fees. Tahoma is a 1970s cedar cottage offering an authentic rural stay, with the character and quirks that come with it. My late husband and I renovated the interior around seven years ago, incorporating handmade leadlighting and an upcycled bathroom vanity. Most of the artwork is original, and several furniture pieces, including the tree burl coffee table, are handmade. We were proud of our work, although I appreciate some people feel more comfortable in a newer build. I’m unclear which features you believe the photographs misrepresented. During a recent listing update, I inadvertently omitted the full bathroom photograph; this has now been restored. The vanity is an old television stand I upcycled and converted myself—something I’m proud to show, not hide. It complements the cottage’s character, and many guests appreciate the creativity. The dining table was added following guest suggestions, with restored chairs and additional plastic seating available. The listing’s “Negatives of a Stay at Tahoma” section explains the realities of the rural setting so guests can decide whether it suits them. We rely on tank water and conserve it when cleaning. Rural dust is unavoidable; the window streaks photographed appear briefly in direct afternoon sunlight despite cleaning with 'smear free' products. The house rules disclose sheds and stored materials in designated areas away from and out of sight of the cottage, and ask guests not to enter those areas. Your close-up photographs show approximately 10 square metres of seedling trays and project materials on a 150-acre property. The baths are retained for future ponds or aquaponics. These images do not represent the cottage’s immediate surroundings or demonstrate harm to wildlife or the environment. Most of Tahoma remains undisturbed and unfarmed, providing a haven for abundant wildlife. The small missing door pane had a temporary cover, and the glass has since been replaced. The front door has a keypad lock, and a separate lockable screen door was available throughout your stay. There is a cupboard stocked with glasses. I agree that the two you photographed needed retiring, and they have since been removed. Over seven years, our guestbooks have filled with drawings, poems and thoughtful accounts of stays at Tahoma. I recognise that your experience was different, but it is important to correct the impression created by your photographs and review. When I checked in and offered fresh linen, you replied, “We are all good.” No cleanliness or maintenance concerns were raised in that exchange. I first learned of your concerns a few hours after departure, when you sent your complaints and accusations and questioned the amount paid.

Thank you for your stay. I enjoyed hosting you and was happy to accommodate your dog and assist with some extras for your father's birthday celebration. Tahoma offers a peaceful and authentic country escape, and we always aim to provide a warm and enjoyable experience for our guests. Thank you for your Review and best wishes for the future.

So glad you enjoyed your stay! I closed my eyes and visualised your description and saw a run down unloved place which our little cottage is not. So just to respond. 1. Soap dispensers all functional. The pump function needed replacing. 2.. There are fly screens on all the bedroom and two of the living room windows. There is a little tear in one. 3. A piece of decorative wood along the bottom of the servery comes lose when kicked which exposes the nails, I have been hammering it back in but the darn thing won’t behave so have had to use some screws. All fixed. 4. The living room lights work, globe hasn’t been replaced in a year. Still working. Maybe didn’t find switch ? 5. No mould on bathroom window. 6. Every surface is wiped down between guests, although this is the country so dust can settle as quickly as you turn around. ( facts lol). Cheers !

So wonderful you enjoyed your stay! It’s a little secret hideaway but close enough to Mudgee to make it perfect for touring around. Just a clarification on access, any front wheel drive or SUV type vehicle can navigate the hill ( doesn’t particularly need a 4WD) I drive an Audi Q3 for example :) Taking your suggestion of shower curtain on board though will look into it! Thankyou ! 💫 cheers and thanks for the great review !

Thanks for being lovely guests Damon, glad you enjoyed your stay. Yes, there is a reason I don't take instant bookings, always worried someone will turn up in a sports car! SUV (or better) required. Although I did have a recent guest who turned up in a mercedes and they drove the hill! couldn't believe it (eek) !

In response to Zac’s review and rating for his New Years Eve stay:- 1. Access - Before approving each booking I ask the type of vehicle a guest is bringing as I did with Zac. He told me he had a vehicle that was ‘not’ suitable and assured me he could leave it at front gate. The road is fine for average drivers with a 4WD, AWD, SUV or similar as travelled by hundreds of our other guests, over many years, with no complaints. 2. Off-limit Areas. On our 160 acre property, areas where there are building materials, tools, cottages and a caravan are in private, out of view areas we are working on. They are not in view of the cottage and so do not impact our guests stay. Guests are not allowed in these work/Reno areas in accordance with our house rules. 3. Yes, the lovely 3rd bedroom with the big window and view is off front veranda as advertised. It does get hot in summer but up till now fans have been enough for guests. I am unsure why guest slept on sofa when there were two bedrooms within air conditioned cottage. I’ve taken this as an improvement suggestion and ordered an A/C for this outer room which will be installed in the next week.

Thanks for the lovely review James. You are welcome back anytime, wonderful guests!