The Gatehouse is a National Trust listed property located at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 115km west of Sydney and is accessible by road or rail. The Gatehouse is a self-contained sandstone railway cottage, now privately owned, providing self-catering accommodation for short breaks or longer.
In the mid 19th Century the NSW Government Railways undertook construction of a railway across the Blue Mountains to the western regions of NSW. The Gatehouse is one of twelve identical stone cottages built to house level-crossing gatekeepers and their families. The Gatehouse at Medlow Bath was built in 1867 and is a picturesque landmark in the district.
The Gatehouse is within an easy stroll to Medlow Bath railway station and the Hydro Majestic Hotel. Medlow Bath is situated midway between the famous lookouts, walks and tourist attractions of Katoomba and Blackheath.
Accommodation is for 1 - 4 people and includes: - 2 bedrooms (the master bedroom contains a double bed and the 2nd bedroom contains a single bed and a single size trundle bed) - Lounge room with open fire place - Kitchen - Dining room - Bathroom (featuring a heated floor and claw-foot hip bath)
The Gatehouse is equipped with cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, electric cooktop and oven, refrigerator, a sound system (Bluetooth, CD player and digital/FM radio), bedding (pillows, blankets and quilts), electric blankets, tablecloth, tea towels and firewood. Bed linen hire (sheets and pillowcases) and towels is available upon request for bookings made at least one week in advance.
Note: There is no WiFi or TV - just the thing to escape from the everyday.
Road Directions: From Sydney follow the M4 Motorway west to Katoomba/Blue Mountains. At the foot hills of the Blue Mountains the motorway become the Great Western Highway. Medlow Bath is the next township after Katoomba.
At Medlow Bath, do not follow the Great Western Highway over the railway tunnel. Instead continue straight ahead onto a side road. This side road is Station Steet. If you miss the exit for the side road, don't panic, turn left at the traffic lights and then right into Station Street.
Rail Service: Medlow Bath is a station on the Blue Mountains line. Timetables are available from the Transport NSW website.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Laundry
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-4517, 2780
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Medlow Bath
Located in Medlow Bath, this cottage is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Katoomba Scenic World and Blue Mountains National Park. Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Everglades Historic House & Gardens are also worth visiting. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as horse riding, rock climbing and ecotours in the area.
Campbell Rhododendron Gardens - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
Vipassana Meditation Centre - 8 min drive - 8.1 km
Getting around
Medlow Bath Station - 6 min walk
Western Sydney Intl. Airport (WSI) - 73 min drive
Restaurants
Victory Theatre Cafe - 5 min drive
The Carrington - 7 min drive
Blackheath Kebab House - 5 min drive
Megalong Valley Tea Rooms - 16 min drive
Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath on 27 Apr 2026 start from AU$190, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath?
Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Gatehouse, Medlow Bath located?
Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of Blackheath Golf Course, Keith Rowe Gallery and Six Foot Track Trailhead. Popes Glen Reserve and Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are also within 6 miles (10 km). Medlow Bath Station is 6 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Informative and friendly host and a beautiful historic property, which has been lovingly restored and maintained. However this property will not be for everyone - it was deliberately built close to the railway line so expect some train noise - that did not bother me at all but other people may be more sensitive.
We thoroughly enjoyed our short two night stay at “The Gatehouse”. The cottage was just as described, the host was easy to deal with. Overall the cottage was just what we needed. Would definitely stay again if we are the area.
Cosy beautiful little historic cottage. Loved the feel of stepping back in time with our day and age creature comforts. Relaxing by the fireplace with wine and tunes playing was lovely. Kitchen was modern and catered for our needs. Really loved thinking about the history of the cottage.
The weather was quite a mix, but home day was lovely and so many places to visit other days. The bathroom with heated floor was a real treat. I would have loved a bedside lamp so that I could read in bed. I also needed a sharp knife that wasn’t a bread knife.
Close to Govetts Leap and Evans heads and as we were both recovering we were able to find stunning walks that were manageable. Found a lovely coffee hideout at Blackheath. We enjoyed the high ceiling in the lounge and low in kitchen and especially the heated floor in bathroom. It was such a cosy respite.
It was Cosy with the log fire and oil heaters if needed. Kitchen was great and the bathroom was lovely with its underfloor heating. Didn’t get the chance to use the stand alone bath… will next time. It was lovely to be able to stay in a historic stone cottage with so much history.
What a wonderful little getaway this was! My husband and I adored this little cottage and had a beautiful and peaceful stay. While you are right on the tracks this may be annoying to some, but we got excited each time a train came through and ran like children to the window! The bathroom was wonderful the clawfoot tub has my heart, and the underfloor heating was a life saver! We are so happy to of gotten to stay in this quant and beautiful building
Perfect stay for the week with my family. Love the old school charm, and being able to have a fire in January thanks to the mountains weather…34 and sunny one day, 13 and rainy the next. Easy access to all the local tourist stuff and lots of awesome hikes within a few minutes drive. Highly recommend!!! And yes there are trains, and trucks, but the positives far outweigh any negatives.
Lovely old, historic property with beautiful garden. Be aware of the trains being close, we loved it! Central to so much in the mountains and beyond and 5minute walk to all the Hydro Majestic has to offer. Wendy was helpful and easy to communicate with along with thinking of little touches like leaving heaters on for our arrival. Especially loved the fire, bath and no tv!
This rare piece of history made for an amazing place to spend some time. It is a great reflection of the era that it was built, and like staying in a living museum. No TV or Wi-Fi meant more reading, which was lovely.
There was obvious traffic and train noise, but that's why it was built there in the first place, all those years ago.
Very special indeed.
It was a destination wish list, as my wife's great grandmother was the Gatekeeper for 20+ years from 1882. There were eleven children in the family, so we're not sure where they slept.
The cottage building appears to be original, but the interior has been updated, but sympatheticly, with some modern additions like electricity and plumbing. Make sure you read the local historical books suppled. The nightime goods trains would be an acquired experience.
Overall we enjoyed the two days.
Peter L.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Leonie O.
2 June 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
1800’s Gatehouse
Quaint and effort made to blend the authentic with the modern. Trains as neighbours were fun although some may describe it otherwise.
The place was quite dusty. Plenty of heaters. Some local knowledge, info, brochures etc could be helpful.
Info re the house would be both interesting and helpful. Couldn’t get front door opened.
Appreciated amount of wood left as it was rainy and foggy whole time we were there.
Arrival instructions that include dirt road and no through road sign would be helpful.
So much potential. We did though enjoy our short stay.
Leonie O.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 June 2024
Thank you for your feedback. The quirk and trick with the front door lock (to be expected with a 157 year old property) is explained in the information sheet. A quick phone call could have resolved the matter. Also there are local guide books in the bookcase.
The Gatehouse was one of the highlights of our trip to the Blue Mountains. It was an absolute privilege to be able to step back in time, whilst enjoying the comforts of modern day living. The garden is beautiful and the Gatehouse is simply stunning inside and out. It was cosy, inviting and the decor just added to the authenticity. The luxurious bath was an unexpected treat after a day of exploring. We couldn't have asked for a more convenient location - close to a bustling town center with interesting little shops and a variety of dining options, as well as scenic activities. Wendy is the perfect host. She prepared the Gatehouse beautifully for our stay. She was considerate enough to put heaters on and had firewood ready for us. Everything you could possibly need / want for a comfortable stay has been provided. The Gatehouse has to be experienced to be believed and we hope to return in future.
Difficult to find the words to explain how much I enjoyed our tiny 2 night stay at the Gatehouse cottage. I have watched the cottage since I was a child, then it sold in the 1970s, and again a few decades later. And to find that now I can enjoy it fully occasionally is magic. Each trip across the mountains we would drive up and inspect it, even the bathroom extension. And now it is presented with all convenient inclusions, even in winter. Perfect sunshiny days and chilly nights in front of the fire. The cottage is central, and the towns and sights seem closer together now, or am I old?! Yep, and can't wait to bring the grandkids up for a weekend of history and snugness. Thank you so very much for opening it up to be enjoyed by all. Loved every minute of our stay.
Loved the old-world feel, thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Gatehouse. Soaking in the bathtub and a cosy fireplace, what more could we want. Host very responsive and helpful. Thanks Wendy