Several years ago my wife and I enjoyed a fun stay at Mayfield vineyard in Orange. The cottages were delightfully located around a lake - and the vibe was super chilled.
This week came the news that after a change of ownership and 12 months of refurbishment Mayfield has once again opened its historic homestead and cottages for accommodation and wedding functions.
The historic Mayfield Homestead was purchased during the pandemic by the Eastham family, who have spent 12 months readying the property for visitors.
It is being billed as the perfect base from which to explore the many food and wine attractions of Orange and the rest of Central Western New South Wales.
In addition to the homestead, there are four cottages that offer a variety of accommodation options nestled within the vineyard and sprawling arboretum (that means a lot of trees).
The European history of Mayfield dates to 1815 when explorer William Charles Wentworth was granted Mayfield as acknowledgment of his earlier crossing of the Blue Mountains. In 1840, the property was transferred to local grazier, businessman and politician Thomas Icely.
Mayfield continued to prosper, passing through a number of families including William ‘Parson’ Tom after he discovered Australia’s first commercial gold strike in nearby Ophir in 1851.
The property now accommodates guests in a range of lovely buildings, including the main historic homestead and the oldest cottage, The Settlers Cottage, which was erected in 1886.
During the 1900s the property was owned and run by the famous Scottish biscuit makers, the Crawfords.
At their peak, they were the largest privately-owned biscuit manufacturer in Britain. The family ran sheep and set about creating a village atmosphere, building The School House (now the Mayfield Wines cellar door) to educate the workers’ children.
The Mayfield Homestead was inspired by famed Australian artist, author and architect Hardy Wilson, with construction beginning in 1906 and completed in 1910. He is recognised as one of the most outstanding architects of the 20th century and the Homestead is now listed by the National Trust.
This piece of Australian rural history boosts five (or up to seven) bedrooms, four bathrooms, formal dining room, three living areas, country kitchen and large outdoor dining areas.
The cellar door is just a stroll away, and the grounds, with vineyards, lakes and gardens are on your doorstep.
When James S.R. Crawford died, his widow Margaret remained at Mayfield. Margaret spent 65 years there and her everlasting gift to Mayfield was the arboretum with over 50 species of trees, many over 100 years old.
“We are particularly proud to be able to offer this luxury property to guests to enjoy,” says owner John Eastham.
“Mayfield is located in the midst of Orange’s idyllic cool-climate vineyards and allows us to offer a range of accommodation including The School House, The Rose Cottage, The Overseers Cottage, The Settlers Cottage, and The Garden Flat.”
Guests are able to book all the cottages for group functions and weddings in the gardens.
Further information can be found here: https://www.mayfieldvineyard.com.au/cottages/
Images: Kyle Ingram
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