MEDIA REVIEWS
Shire Scout
– July 2024
Your Guide To The Perfect Weekend In Kangaroo Valley
“So you’ve booked a weekend stay at the beautiful barranca, but how should you make the most of it? The good news is, the Kangaroo Valley and its surrounding hamlets and towns are filled with one-of-a-kind experiences, tasty bites and must-try wines. Even the property itself offers a wealth of things to do.
Make the most of your weekend with our list of the best things to do in the Kangaroo Valley during your stay at barranca…”
Australian Traveller
– July 2024
17 of the best places to stay in the Kangaroo Valley
“The aesthetically rich villas are made from a mosaic of native Australian timbers and upcycled sandstone and provide the perfect place to kick back after a day hiking to nearby Fitzroy Falls or exploring the rolling farmland. Nobody ever stumbles across this Kangaroo Valley accommodation, which makes it feel like a secluded oasis…”
Urban List
– February 2024
The Best Airbnbs In Jervis Bay For A Sweet Beach Holiday
“Jervis Bay is a favourite beach-meets-nature escape for busy Sydneysiders looking to swap the hustle and bustle for clean air and ocean swims in the summertime. Whether you’re after direct beach access, ample outdoor areas for barbecues under the stars, or cosy cabins surrounded by towering gums, Jervis Bay has it all. If you’re searching for a spot to stay at Jervis Bay this season, keep scrolling for Urban List’s favourite Airbnbs….”
Urban List
– January 2024
The Best Airbnbs In NSW To Book In 2024
“This tiny home is perfect for couples looking to soak up the serenity of Jervis Bay’s beautiful bushland. Located on a former native wildflower farm (the same property as Marlu House, above), The Hideaway is tucked into nature but has all the mod-cons needed for a luxurious beach holiday.
Inside you’ll find air-con, Wi-Fi, a smart TV, a cooktop, a dishwasher, an oven, and a microwave. All this, alongside a king-size bed, an outdoor fire pit, and an outdoor shower. Essentially, a pint-sized slice of heaven made for summer escapes…”
Out In Canberra
– November 2023
Escape To Barranca Retreats’ Private World At This Secluded Jervis Bay Hideaway
“Secluded by lush forest, although close enough to wander down to the crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay, Barranca’s newest addition to their Kangaroo Valley holiday properties is this Jervis Bay hideaway.
Luxury accommodation with awe-inspiring views, Marlu House is nestled within 20 acres of private native Australian bushland, comprising of a five-bedroom home…”
Australian Traveller
– October 2023
Is this Kangaroo Valley’s most idyllic hideaway?
“Spend the night at Barranca in Kangaroo Valley and learn a lesson in off-grid opulence.
Why did it take me so long to head to Kangaroo Valley? I’d heard about the picturesque country village a mere two hours from Sydney, sure. But being from Melbourne has historically meant that the charms of a beach holiday are much more deserving of my hard-earned annual leave. Rarely had I road-tripped out of the city for anything other than a famed stretch…”
bellamumma
– January 2022
“One of our favourite places to stay!”
“barranca is an exclusive retreat offering luxury accommodation for the discerning traveller. Set on 1,000 acres in a rural paradise framed by an amazing amphitheatre of sandstone escarpments that enclose a lush river valley, rich and diverse with wildlife and glorious temperate rainforests, barranca is geared towards rest and relaxation in an eco-luxe environment. One of our favourite places to stay, scroll to explore more…”
Broadsheet
– November 2021
Best Accommodation in New South Wales
“The delightful village of Kangaroo Valley is just down the way, the 80m-high Fitzroy Fitzroy Falls are up the nearby mountain, but you might struggle to venture far from your villa in its own natural paradise.
Two hours from Sydney via Bowral – on acres of farmland surrounded by towering sandstone walls, covered with a thick blanket of trees – sit four luxury villas. Built from native Australian timbres and up-cycled heritage sandstone, they blend seamlessly into the highland backdrop and are spaced far enough apart you won’t notice your neighbours.”
Australian Architecture Escape
– May 2021
“Escape to the private world of barranca Kangaroo Valley, where rolling farmland and open skies set within one of the most picturesque valleys in Australia, welcomes you. Framed by undisturbed bush and sweeping views of the breathtaking escarpment, barranca’s villas are luxury redefined.”
Weekend Australian Magazine
– May 2021
#1 Hot Place To Stay In NSW
“The delightful village of Kangaroo Valley is just down the way, the 80m-high Fitzroy Fitzroy Falls are up the nearby mountain, but you might struggle to venture far from your villa in its own natural paradise.
On a 400ha farm in a hidden valley two hours from Sydney, the four luxe villas are arrayed before a dramatic sandstone escarpment…”
Domain
– April 2021
“With access to bushwalks and swimming in the creek, only overlooked by river gums and staghorns, Barranca invites a relaxing stay that is less action-packed and more about appreciating tranquillity. Set on 405 hectares, guests have more than enough space to soak it all in.
In 2021, Barranca is giving back to Defence Force veterans through the Equine Therapy Program – a collaboration with The Cedars Shire Horse Stud and Flying Change Leadership. This program aims to connect with horses as a way to tune into empathy and body language.”
Boss Hunting
– February 2021
“Located on 400 of the valley’s finest hectares, Barranca is home to two luxurious two-bedroom villas, and two four-bedroom villas, each replete with MCM House furniture, spacious bathrooms, a fire-pit, a BBQ, and of course Wi-Fi for those who have trouble disconnecting (although with views like these, it’s easy to forget you even own a phone).
Once you’ve settled in, it’s just a matter of deciding how much or little you’d like to do. It’s very easy to do not much at all, and just take in the surrounds, sitting by the fire-pit with a glass of wine in hand, and get an in-villa massage to round out the day. For the more adventurous, you can go for a swim in the creek at the bottom of the property or explore the stunning Kangaroo Valley region.”
Good Weekend Magazine
– November 2020
“Designed by Sydney’s Grove Architects, there are two two-bedroom and two four-bedroom villas, each with an exterior rawness that fits into the dramatic surrounds of pleated escarpments, native bushland and burbling streams. The Australian timbers and upcycled-heritage sandstone speak to sustainability, while huge windows and decks blur the line between outside and inside.
The villas are as impressive as the surrounding landscape, frequented by kangaroos and wallabies and busy with birdlife. Cosy up fireside in the spacious lounge and dining area, create a feast in the kitchen with breakfast goodies supplied, and roast marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit…”
Broadsheet
– November 2020
“Excitement starts to build about 30 minutes before you pull up at Barranca. Winding along the one road in, you gradually realise just how beautiful the place you’re about to arrive at must be. Then, right when you think the Shoalhaven surroundings couldn’t impress you more, you get to your temporary home in the dreamy depths of the valley and walk into your bedroom. The view from the enormous north-facing glass wall is pretty impressive…”
Wallpaper
– October 2020
“Barranca is splendid isolation at its purist, offering guests a rural recharge at their own pace. Take in the morning feed up with the farm’s four-legged residents, including Australia’s biggest horse, or opt for an in-room massage to rival any city spa.
Bush walks are a-plenty, and a swim in the property’s river gum lined, freshwater creek, complete with natural rock pools should not be missed, nor should Barranca’s equine programme.”
The Weekend Australian
– October 2020
“About 15 minutes’ drive north of Kangaroo Valley township, a narrow road takes us to Barranca Luxury Villas, four architect-designed timber and glass hideaways arrayed before a dramatic sandstone mountain range. Open the front door and the view fills the space through floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe us in winter sun.
We’re in Willow, a four-bedroom villa with a proper kitchen, two grand bathrooms, a sprawling lounge set around a fireplace that has been set for the night, and a large dining area. It’s stylish in a rustic-luxe way and instantly welcoming. Fling open the glass doors to an outdoor terrace with a lounge, barbecue and fire pit; with a fire blazing and a glass of local red, this is the spot to watch the light show on the mountains at sunset. Two king beds at either end of your villa take in the view and you’ll want to go to sleep with the drapes open: a broad sweep of night sky is visible from your pillow and it gets properly dark here.”
Financial Review
– July 2020
“I’m already feeling grounded following the two-hour drive from Sydney. I get a crackling blaze going in the living room fireplace and watch the sun set over the escarpment, before submitting to a reviving in-villa massage from a local therapist.
Ensconced in warmth and comfort on a frosty country night, I quickly abandon my plans to head into the village of Kangaroo Valley for dinner at the local pub. Availing myself of the local cheeses, free-range eggs and sourdough loaf provided in the kitchen, I make an impromptu supper of boiled eggs and grilled cheese soldiers, which I devour by the fire before falling into a blissfully slient slumber.”