Get away from it all and experience the simple beauty of this rustic barn in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy a variety of animals on the host's acreage, or explore the Hunter Valley or nearby Watagans. Sustainable building design ensures low footprint living. Features include natural insulation of earth walls, a woodfire stove, and a modern odourless composting toilet barely distinguishable from regular toilets. Dogs welcome to stay in an adjoining fenced area approx 100 sq m. but not inside the barn. The barn is spacious, warm and inviting with a queen bed, queen sofa bed, 2 single beds, separate bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette and open plan living and dining area. The barn has two levels. Everything needed for a couple (or even 4 people) is located downstairs at ground level, and there is additional bedroom space upstairs with a further 2 single beds. The staircase is steep, so the upstairs bedroom may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. A lovely cozy fireplace keeps the barn warm in winter. There is also a firepit outside, a pool, and an outdoor dining area that is available by arrangement on request.

I'm an engineer with a PhD in decentralised urban water management. I work at the local water utility – from home or at the office in Newcastle. Our barn applies sustainable water management principles in rainwater harvesting, water purification, greywater reuse and a composting toilet. I've lived all around Australia and in 4 other countries. My 7 years living outside Australia focused on humanitarian development, water and sanitation projects.

The barn is situated on a 27 acre farm in the foothills of the Watagans. There are plenty of bush walks nearby, including the Great North Walk, Hunter and Maclean Lookouts. There are lots of domesticated animals on the property as well as wild kangaroos, native birds, and even the occasional echidna or wombat if you're lucky. The nearest shops, restaurants, etc are a short 15min drive away in Cessnock. The Hunter Valley vineyards and wineries are a further short drive past Cessnock.