Red Rattler Retreat (Warren, NSW)
Location: Warren, NSW
Getting there: 6.5 hours from Sydney
Sleeps: 3
Bedrooms: 1
The Property:
Red Rattler Retreat is a lovingly restored red rattler train carriage nestled within a large homestead garden on a farm seven kilometres from Warren. The garden is a haven for native birds as well as our own guinea fowl and peacocks, and includes a pool and tennis court.
This quirky farmstay features the original carriage (circa 1895) with converted bedroom, parlour and ensuite, plus a modern extension housing a simple kitchenette and stylish living/dining area.
Whilst reminiscent of a bygone era Red Rattler Retreat has modern conveniences including reverse cycle A/C, free-to-air TV, Nespresso coffee machine, BBQ and microwave. Wifi is available by arrangement and there is a large firepit which is almost constantly alight throughout winter.
There is a queen bed in the carriage bedroom plus a queen sofa bed in the living room. A single pullout mattress is available on request.
Pets are welcome, we have two very friendly golden retrievers who love company.
We provide a complimentary gourmet breakfast hamper and supply home grown eggs and bacon for DIY cooking if required.
About your local community:
Warren is a small country town on the Macquarie River, a little over an hour north west of Dubbo on the western plains. It services a large agricultural district where crops such as wheat, canola and cotton are grown, along with sheep and cattle.
There are a number of fantastic coffee and homewares shops, a Golf Club and RSL Club (both with restaurants), two supermarkets and an award winning library. There is a new Museum and Art Gallery, a Tourist Information Centre within the Window on the Wetlands Centre, and a large number of sporting facilities, including skatepark, splashpark and the Warren Showground Racecourse.
Warren is often referred to as the gateway to the marshes, as the Macquarie Marshes are a little more than an hour away. Also within the shire are the villages of Nevertire and Collie which both have excellent (and iconic) bush pubs.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
It depends! I love to wander in the large garden, listen to and view birdlife, or pull on my joggers and burn some energy walking or running around the surrounding paddocks (often much to the curiosity of grazing cattle). I also like hanging out with our golden retrievers Lily and Oscar, feeding pigs Stella, Daphne and Boris, or chatting to our free range chooks and guinea fowl. If it's close to 100 degrees (jokes, but it does have to be hot!) I'll hop in the pool or if I can find a partner I love to play tennis.
What is your favourite trip close by:
A trip to 'Burrima', in the Macquarie Marshes, a little over an hour from the Retreat. This is an area of the RAMSAR listed marshes that is open to the public and comprises two kilometres of boardwalk through the reedbeed, a perfect way to view an abundance of bird and aquatic life. Alternatively I do love to drive the 13kms to Nevertire where there is a great country pub, the BEST coffee and a beautiful homewares shop. Both of these drives afford views of crops and livestock that are particular to the western plains of NSW.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Walking boots and/or joggers, binoculars, book, tennis racquet, swimming cozzie, marshmallows (for firepit).
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
Over the years, when friends came to stay we would put them up in the renovated train carriage at the bottom of our garden. They always enjoyed the history of the carriage, wandering around the garden, meeting our many domestic animals, and being on a working farm. When we added a stylish living room and kitchenette they said we must open up to the public as it is such a beautiful and unique spot. So we did! Our three boys are now grown up and (kind of) left home and RRR has become a fun way to showcase our area to a wide variety of guests.
Email Audrey to book: weston@skymesh.com.au
Instagram: @redrattlerretreat
