Idyllic Hunter Valley Escape

If you're looking for an idyllic Australian countryside retreat then you're in the right place!

Welcome to Corunna Station - situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley, NSW on the iconic Hermitage Road.

Only a stones throw away from some of the most reputable and award winning wineries in the country.

I was lucky enough to recently stay at this luxury property with my family and have access to two beautiful houses, The Homestead and The Cooks House.

Stepping on the Corunna Station is like stepping onto an iconic Australian cattle farm but without the cattle!

Instead luxury awaits you and despite it's traditional exterior, the interiors make this a truly 5 star experience. I wanted to learn more about this place - the inspiration behind it and the people that have made it come to life. I interviewed Angela and Gerard Kesby the owners and designers of this historic country estate who have kept Corunna Station in impeccable condition for all to enjoy!

Here are some of the beautiful features that also captured both my families and my imagination and curiosity for the Australian countryside.

1) What is the overall concept of Corunna Station?

A place for all ages to enjoy 21 st century conveniences on an historic sheep station, with wide open spaces, interesting walks and wildlife. You can book housing configurations to suit your numbers or book the whole estate for up to 22 guests. Each house is self catering so everyone gets their “space”. And now offering micro weddings with packages including accommodation, photography, celebrants etc.

2) Corunna Station is positioned at the gateway to the Hunter Valley at

the renowned and most prestigious road in Pokolbin, Hermitage Road. What is it about the Hunter Valley and in particular Hermitage Road that makes it so unique?

The Hunter Valley was one of Australia’s first wine regions beginning in the 1820’s- with pioneer vigneron families like Tyrrell’s, Drayton’s, Tulloch’s, still producing today. Hermitage Road is 11 kilometres long boasting cellar doors for all palates from small family producers like Wombat Crossing, and Tintilla to new guard winemakers like Andrew Thomas.

3) There is the convenience of having all the best of the best wineries at your doorstep at Corunna Station but you have also created a superb luxurious retreat that makes one never want to leave - can you tell us a little bit about the history of the property and how both yourself and Gerard Kesby came to manage the property?

Gerards parents Chris (French/Danish) and Vivienne Kesby (English) emigrated to Australia from Copenhagen in the late 1960’s and were very much in the hospitality trade operating Brisbane’s Airport concession and a 300 head wedding venue Moomba. Wanting a quieter life Chris embarked on many hours in a Cessna flying over the East coast in search of a farm- he sighted Corunna Station (then 3000 acres) but lost at auction. In a surprise twist he was at Australia House in London whilst on holiday and saw that the farm had come back on the market- so he kissed Vivienne and flew home to secure Corunna- this was in 1973. They enjoyed many happy years on the farm – entertaining their legions of friends and running cattle. When they passed withing 2 years of each other Gerard inherited the remaining 100 acres with all the historic buildings. For the last 14 years we have been restoring the houses and rehabilitating the dams and acreage.

And for those that love to snuggle up next to an open fire place - don't worry we have you covered! They have the most beautiful fireplaces here too

4) Corunna Station is such a versatile property - perfect for intimate getaways to weddings to small conferences can you tell us a bit more about the types of accommodations from The Cooks House to the Homestead to even the Country House - how do they differ from each other/what are their unique offerings?

From the young couples who book the Cooks House for a romantic weekend. To the young family staying at the Homestead, to the yoga retreat at the Country House. Or the 70th birthday bash across all three houses- we cater for all life stages. The Cooks House is a cute 2 bed 2 bath romantic cottage, the Homestead 3 bed 2 bath, is the old managers residence with lofty high ceilings and beautiful details- we love how back in the day everything was done with beauty and integrity in mind. The Country House is a grand 5 bed 3 bathroom house suited to larger groups and is the hub house when multiple houses are booked- the airconditioned Garden room is perfect for banquets, and small wedding receptions- seating 22. Or the covered deck is great for long brunches, recovery breakfasts also seating 22. It has an internal Jetmaster fire place as well as an outdoor fire pit.

The Homestead is everything and more you could expect from a traditional Australian cattle farm! Don't just take my word for it - step inside via this video too!

5) We were lucky enough to spend 3 days on the property and we must say the attention to detail from the sherry upon arrival, complimentary bottle of wine to the immaculate condition of the accommodation - it shows that at Corunna Station you go the extra mile to make sure guests are comfortable and experience luxury in the Australian countryside - how do you strike that fine balance between country homestay and luxury getaway? How did you go about creating such anauthentic home stay experience with the combination of such decadent luxuries?

Thank you for noticing! We do put a lot of effort into guests’ comfort- it is how we thank guests for choosing Corunna Station. There is nothing more depressing to us than staying at a holiday home that has no “mummy and daddy” we make sure to spend nights in each house regularly to make sure that everything is working correctly. It really comes down to simple good values- it’s not all about money. We have valuable family heirlooms in each house- guests are respectful and it’s great to see them in use as opposed to being locked up with the best china

The wide open spaces makes it an incredible destination for the entire family

6) Let’s talk about the interiors - the exteriors are in keeping with the authentic farm experience, especially the Cook’s House that has still the original charm and character yet as soon as you enter the house you are transported to complete luxury with the exquisite curated interiors, vintage elements, and family pieces that all add a touch of charm and sophistication. Can you tell us a more about the interior design aesthetic of both the Cook’s House and the Homestead and your inspiration behind them?

The design aesthetic is very simple – basically all white interiors – allowing the views to be the star. We spent a few years shuffling pieces of furniture between the houses till they found their “home”. They say that using all the things you love will work- and we love antiques, Danish mid-century, rustic and interesting. When its right its right -every piece gets noticed after much adding and deleting- it’s a fun process- well for me- not so much my husband!

We were welcomed with this beautiful bottle of sherry too

7) It is true, Corunna Station offers the ideal dose of charm and history, with modern comforts - is there a particular time of the year that you’d say the farm is best to stay at or does all year round offer the ultimate farm stay experience?

The Hunter experiences all 4 seasons so it’s wonderful in winter to be cosy by the fire, autumn and spring are lovely perhaps the best times- Summer can be hot but there are many concerts and events happening, it’s also peak wedding season

Fully equipped kitchen too!

8) Finally the kangaroos, there are so many of these majestic animals on the property and although you should never approach one in the wild they seem so friendly and sweet - did the property always host so many kangaroos and how do you go about encouraging them onto the property and do you have a favourite kangaroo?

The roos are such a treat – Gerard keeps the paddocks around the houses well mown and the roos seem to love the new shoots. They are relatively unfazed by visitors – if you slow down whilst driving they are generally not disturbed. And if walking near them give them a wide distance so they feel safe. I never get tired of seeing them- the best is when

the baby joeys first pop out of the pouch they are totally unused to their spring like legs and go bouncing off wildly- it’s such a sweet sight. We have a mother and joey that always seem to be in the same place under one of the sheds.

The bathrooms too have impeccable style and all the luxuries!

9) What are three things about Corunna Station that guests may not know but should know? Something they would only discover if they visited :)

Photos can’t accurately capture the sunsets especially in Autum and Winter – they are magnificent- best captured in your heart rather than a camera. There are many walking tracks if you follow fence lines and gates- there is a beautiful billabong near the Homestead- marked by a copse of she oaks. There is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife if you have eyes to see them.

The attention to detail throughout the entire homestead is amazing

And for those wondering - yes they have a full laundry and its also super stylish too

The second house we stayed in is called The Cook's House and as the name suggests - it' was where the cooks once resided - today it has been renovated into luxurious quarters and it's truly like stepping into a vogue magazine!

Beautiful big outdoor sitting area

Inside is literally my dream house!

The bedrooms are spacious and also beautifully presented!

Also you can configure the bedding to your needs too

It's the perfect family get away location!

10) Also between airbnb, your direct website and social media - how best can people learn more about your property and ideally book?

Bookings can be made directly by emailing your dates, numbers and requirements to info@corunnastation.com.au or DM @corunnastationhuntervalley