Frequently Asked Questions
About the Property
What does Berenbell mean?
The name Berenbell is derived from two Australian wildflowers, the beautifully perfumed Boronias and the brightly coloured and cheerful Christmas Bells.
Do you provide breakfast?
Yes, we provide a Continental style breakfast.
Do you have a swimming pool?
No
Do you have ovens in the accommodation?
No, the electric BBQ’s are hooded and can substitute for an oven. There is a microwave and 2 stove burner in each accommodation unit.
Is car parking available on site?
Yes, directly outside your accommodation.
Does the accommodation have fireplaces?
Yes. They are available for use from May through to October.
Are you pet friendly?
No
Do you have Wifi?
Yes, in all accommodation.
Do the one bedroom Cottages have baths?
Yes
What is your policy regarding children?
For the comfort of all of our guests, we do not take children under 12 years of age.
Rates & Cancellations
What is your Cancellation Policy?
We take a 50% deposit to secure your booking with balance owing on check-in. If cancelled inside 14 days of check-in, you will forfeit your deposit.
Is there a different tariff rate mid week?
No, however, bookings of more than 2 days are subject to negotiation.
Is there a different tariff rate for an extended stay beyond 2 nights?
Yes, Contact Us to find out more.
Can an extra person stay?
No. The maximum number of guests is 2 per our 1 bedroom Cottages and 4 guests per our 2 bedroom Lodges.
What if we can’t travel due to COVID-19
In the event of State or Federal Government restrictions with regard to COVID, our policy is to fully refund or accept a credit for any bookings where these restrictions would mean the guests are unable to travel. This policy only applies to bookings made directly with Berenbell Vineyard Retreat. Contact us to discuss your circumstances.
Things to see and do
Are there any transport facilities, i.e. buses?
No buses/trains as such, there are hire cars, shuttle buses, wine tour operators, taxis and Ubers.
Are there taxi services?
Yes
How far away are you from the Hunter Valley Gardens?
9.5 kms – 11 minutes driving time.
Do you have any suggestions for wine tours/restaurants?
Yes, our in-room compendium lists a number of wine tour operators and suggested restaurants.
Can we hire bicycles?
Yes, there are bicycle hire companies.
Do any restaurants have Courtesy buses?
Yes – Blaxland’s Inn has a Courtesy Bus which operates on weekends. To avoid disappointment, please arrange well in advance of your booking.
What else is there to do apart from wine tasting?
Hot Air ballooning, golf, Hunter Valley Zoo, bicycling, spa treatments and a selection of tourist attractions.
Where can I get a massage?
There are many spa options available close by which we have itemised in our compendium.
COVID-19
Is Berenbell Covid-19 Safe?
Yes, we are a registered COVID Safe Business.
What if we can’t travel due to COVID-19
In the event of State or Federal Government restrictions with regard to COVID, our policy is to fully refund or accept a credit for any bookings where these restrictions would mean the guests are unable to travel. This policy only applies to bookings made directly with Berenbell Vineyard Retreat. Contact us to discuss your circumstances.
Send us your question
Accommodation options
Happy Guests
Hubby & I enjoyed a relaxing weekend here to celebrate his birthday & unwind from a stressful year. Beautiful area, gorgeous cottage, & stunning views. We were treated to kangaroo visits at dusk & dawn. There was plenty of birdlife too. The cottage itself was spotlessly clean with a huge, comfy bed, & every amenity we needed (even an espresso machine). This retreat is in close proximity to wineries & restaurants with a bike/track nearby. Highly recommended!
Beautiful views and setting. We have stayed in the Hunter a lot and this would have to be one of the best views. The owners don’t skip a beat and the accommodation has everything you need, they are terrific hosts. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone wanting the perfect stay in the Hunter.
Easy to find location. Hosts were friendly and welcoming. Very well stocked with all the necessities. Breakfast provisions were more than substantial. Two bedrooms with ensuites. Kitchen lounge and dining table. Comfortable beds. Quiet for sleeping in. Fire all ready to go with air con. Outside electric bbq. Parking outside. Great views front and back.
Berenbell Vineyard Retreat is a fantastic place to stay when you’re visiting the Hunter Valley.
The 2 bedroom cabin had lots of space to stretch out.
The pot belly fireplace warmed the entire cabin.
The kitchen is well equipped and came well stocked with our breakfast.
The grounds are kept immaculate.
It’s an amazingly peaceful place to relax.
I’ll be staying there again.
Wow… highly recommend Berenbell Vineyard Retreat. It is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places to stay at the Hunter Valley. Located in Pokolbin, it was close to the various wineries and restaurants we chose to visit over our 4 day stay. The retreat accommodated our group of 5 couples perfectly. We each had the privacy of our own cottage, however, we could easily get together in one of the larger cottages or outdoor area for nibbles between wineries, pre-dinner drinks or a meal.
Our cottage (and the property) is spacious and has a beautiful outlook. We enjoyed the morning and afternoon vistas as we sat on the verandah with a cuppa or glass of wine, listening to the birds and watching the wildlife. The cottage is very clean and had everything that we needed, including breakfast provisions, a Nespresso machine and cooking facilities. The pot belly fire is perfect for winter and the bed is very comfortable.
Thank you Suzie and Ken. We had the best stay and look forward to returning very soon.
Berenbell Vineyard retreat was an excellent place to stay for our large group of friends.
We were all together but at the same time had our privacy in the beautiful 1 and 2 bedroom cottages.
Cottages were fantastic, the wood fire great for the colder wintery nights and our hosts Ken & Suzie made sure each room was equipped with bread, milk, eggs, juice, cereals and muffins.
Scenery around Berenbell was magnificent, beautiful sunsets and lovely morning walks.
A great place to stay whether you’re there for the wineries or just to relax.
Thanks, we’ll be back.
We recently had the pleasure of staying at Berenbell, which was a real highlight of our trip to the Hunter Valley. We have stayed before, (it is becoming our home away from home), only this time we were travelling with four other couples, all of which loved having the privacy of their own cottage to retire to at the end of the day.
The property, views, and outlook at Berenbell are amazing, gorgeous, quiet, tranquil, and spacious, you feel instantly relaxed as you arrive and take it all in, and yet, you are only a few minutes’ walk to cellar doors and restaurants.
Each cottage is meticulously positioned offering you complete privacy, but close enough to each other so you don’t feel isolated. They are a great size, well-appointed with a generous bathroom, pot belly fireplace, and a comfortable bed making for a sound night’s sleep. The continental breakfast provisions left in your cottage are more than enough for your stay, and enjoying them at your leisure is a bonus if you like to sleep in. To explore the region, or sit and relax outside your cottage watching the kangaroos and birds, (or playing with Ginger, their beautiful friendly dog), will be the hardest decision you will need to make during your stay.
The warm friendly welcome, local knowledge, and hospitality shared by owners Ken and Suzie is a real point of differentiation for Berenbell. Having the property owners living on-site is becoming a thing of the past, and being met at your cottage and given the key, (instead of receiving a text message and pin code), feels personal, welcoming and reassuring. Two more well suited, genuine, and lovely hosts in the Hunter Valley you could not hope to find.
We can’t wait for our next trip back to Berenbell soon, where we definitely plan to linger much longer.
We have been returning to Berenbell for 7 years now. We love it! We have stayed in all 3 cottages and they all have stunning views of the Brokenback Mountains, are peaceful and homely. When we stay we feel like we have our own home away from home in the country. The location is perfect with a couple of restaurants in walking distance or staying in for the evening watching the sunset in front of the cosy fire on a winter’s evening with some locally produced cheese and wine. In warmer weather or on a sunny winter’s day you can sit comfortably outside and enjoy the gorgeous view. We particularly love the morning kangaroos, hot air balloons, orange sunsets over the mountains or the mists. Ken and Susie are wonderful hosts who provide everything you need for a delicious breakfast and ensure the cottages are extremely comfortable. They are there if you need them yet leave their visitors to enjoy this beautiful place. Thank you Susie and Ken for always being so welcoming, kind and thoughtful and having such a fabulous place for a relaxing get away that we want to keep coming back to.
We were so excited to venture to the Hunter Valley for our recent holiday. Berenbell Vineyard Retreat was the perfect destination!
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by Suzie and Ken and felt instantly relaxed. Suzie and Ken were able to share their local knowledge, which was incredibly helpful.
Berenbell Vineyard Retreat is set amongst beautiful vineyards, rolling hills, some local wildfire and is an incredibly peaceful location.. Wineries surround Berenbell, making a day of ‘wine on foot’ an absolute treat. A fantastic location and very convenient.
Our cottage was well appointed, private and the grounds are beautifully maintained. The fireplace made our stay all the more cosy. We very much look forward to our next visit, which we are sure will be soon!
Thank you Ken & Suzie for such a wonderful stay at Berenbell! From the moment we arrived you were so welcoming & generous.
The accommodation was absolutely delightful! We felt so excited to be able to enjoy the incredible view, peace & relaxation in this tranquil place. Nothing was too much trouble when we requested anything.
Today we arrived home & found more eggs & supplies for breakfast…..which really makes you feel so special & looked after.
We will definitely recommend this getaway to all if our friends & family. We will absolutely come back to stay again.
Thank you so much.
This was the perfect spot for a weekend away in the Hunter. A quiet location but still not far from all the attractions.
The cottage we stayed in was extremely comfortable and very well-appointed – we couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Hosts Ken and Suzie were very helpful and friendly without being in the slightest bit obtrusive.
Susie & Ken, the owners & hosts warmly welcomed us & happily ensured all our needs were met throughout our stay.
We enjoyed the uniqueness & tranquility of staying amidst the picturesque vineyards in a cosy & well appointed cottage, of which the Surrounding gardens ensured our privacy.
Suzie was very helpful from the time we made the booking until we left. She was always available if we had any questions and check in and check out were super easy.
It is an amazing place with incredible views over the Hunter.
Would definitely recommend anyone to stay here!
What a gorgeous place to stay. The owners were very lovely and accommodating. The outlook is amazing with 180 degree unfettered views of mountains and vineyards. The ammenities were very clean. The cabin is set privately away from other guests so you feel like you’re the only ones there. Would highly recommend and we will be coming back next time we are in the Hunter Valley.
Lovely, clean, spacious 2 bed cottage (duplex). Only 3 other cottages on site. Great outlook and handy to lots of vineyards. Can even walk to Thomas Wines and Estate Tuscany restaurant. Plenty for a continental breakfast, including fresh eggs.
The balloons were out this weekend too! Sunrise, sunset and kangaroos provided a beautiful backdrop and excitement for our English visitors.
Suzie and Ken also suggested sites to visit for a good view and even sculptures.
The first thing we noticed was how peaceful and quiet this location was. This was due to being down the end of a no exit road as well as being in the ‘country’ but so close and convenient to everywhere. We stayed in one of the 3 one bedroom cottages. Clean, tidy and had everything needed.
Kangaroos in the morning, hot air ballooning came by early..very spectacular!
Would definitely stay again!
Berenbell Vineyard Retreat was everything we wanted for our escape to the Hunter. A great location, Beautiful property, amazing sunsets and perfect little cottages. Ken and Suzie were amazing hosts, great with communication and so friendly. We will certainly be looking to book again.
I can’t rave enough about how incredible my stay here was with my partner. The owners were extremely welcoming and went beyond to make it a warm stay. Would 100% recommend to everyone and will be coming back here next time I come to the Hunter. Really impressed!
This property is absolutely gorgeous. We spent just a weekend but it definitely impressed. We felt very spoilt by the owners: excellent hospitality, great service, care of details.
The cottage was spotless, fridge full of goodies, they provide all you need.
In the morning (very early though) we had kangaroos having a little wrestle on the lawn in front of the porch.
Private electric barbecue (that either was very clean or we were the first ones to ever used it!!) enjoying the sunset colours.
If you’re after a romantic and peaceful gateway this is the place. We will definitely be back!
This is the second time we’ve been back to Berenbell Vineyard Retreat and I think it’ll be the only place we will ever stay at! The owners are absolutely lovely and the location and rooms are perfect. It feels like you’re in the middle of no where with how it is set out and has such a cosy feel to it! It is so well kept and has such a homey feel and look to it, we absolutely love it.
We had the most incredible stay at Berenbell. The Lodge is fantastic, spread over two spacious floors. Comfy beds and a great living room area perfect for wine and cheese after a long day at the wineries. The location is stunning and there are outdoor tables that allow you to eat your breakfast in the sun overlooking the vineyards and hills. Very close to all our favourite vineyards too, so you could walk between a fair few if you don’t have any other transport.
Most noteworthy though is the fantastic welcome we got by the lovely hosts. They went over and beyond to make us feel welcome and to tell us about the Valley. There was a complimentary bottle of wine waiting for us in the fridge on arrival and a bit of breakfast for the morning. When the hosts learned we were going to spend the second morning there for brekky they treated us to sparkling wine and more orange juice so that we could make mimosas.
Extra bonus is the cute doggo Ginger who lives on the grounds. She is super friendly but likes to keep her distance.
Can’t really see us staying anywhere else in the valley after visiting Berenbell.
We’ll be back!
Beautiful location and views. Hosts were very kind and hospitable, providing complimentary home made hot cross buns for our Easter weekend, fresh eggs, and a bottle of wine. The place was clean and cosy, and had everything we needed for our stay. We will definitely be back again!
Berenbell Vineyard is absolutely amazing. It was peaceful and beautiful and the accommodation was so clean, comfortable and cosy. We loved that it was cold so we could use the fireplace. We had a great time and would definitely stay at Berenbell again.
Fresh blueberry muffins daily. Beautifully comfortable beds, warm toasty fire place. Hosts are amazing and so accommodating.