Villa Stella Cedars Mount View – Review

Villa Stella is an adults-only retreat nestled in the tranquil Hunter Valley. The luxurious private residence is one of five self-contained villas on the 38-hectare property. The planning is so thought out that you are left to feel you have the entire property to yourself and the only neighbours are the local kangaroos, who like to pop around for some morning sun.

Where is Villa Stella?

The property sits south of Pokolbin, a two-hour drive from Sydney or an hour's drive from Newcastle Airport. Mount View is a part of the Hunter Valley region and the villa shares its home with boutique wineries, cellar doors and award-winning restaurants. As you near the property, be sure to look out the window for sweeping views of the Broken Back Range.

What’s near Villa Stella?

The property is pretty secluded so you’re going to need to jump in a car – but our bet is that once you arrive, you may quickly work out that you don’t want to leave. Owner Gilbert Ponlot offers private car transfers making the trip to and from wine tastings both safe and convenient. Millbrook Estate and Peterson Wines are both around 15 minutes drive and the Hunter Valley Gardens, a 30 minute jaunt. If you’re looking for a more luxurious way to travel, scenic helicopter flights can be arranged to pick you up from your doorstep. 

Room types

Walking into Villa Stella feels like a big hug. With heated floors and a double sided fireplace, the cold Hunter air quickly becomes a thing of the past. The sustainably lead villa is full of luxe touches from the dual rain shower to the 1.8-metre terrazzo stone bath, comfortably fitting two. The 100-square metre villa also has a kitchen with state of the art appliances, a cosy living room and dining space. With plenty of comfortable corners, perhaps the most breathtaking feature is the skylight. A two-metre tailor-made window, remote controlled to provide uninterrupted stargazing views from the comfort of your king bed. 

Restaurants and bars

Bistro Molines is a 10 minute down the road. The chef hatted restaurant has a seasonal menu, tying local ingredients to French cuisine. Expect twice roasted duck with orange glaze and traditional creme brulee for dessert. If you’re looking to go a little further, a 45-minute trip will land you at Margan Wines. “The Ultimate Margan Experience” offers a three-hour wine tasting through the vineyards and kitchen garden followed by a taste of the winery's unreleased wines straight from the tank. Lunch is then served taking fresh produce such as radicchio, beetroot and mustard leaf from the garden with wines to match. If you’re wanting a night in, a private chef can also be arranged to provide a fine dining experience in your villa kitchen. 

Sustainability 

With features like the double-glazed windows ensuring the villa is well insulated all year round, air-conditioning powered by onsite renewables and the nightly electricity consumption powered by solar energy, the villa has been designed with a clear nod to sustainability. Native plants are grown around the home in an effort to retain and attract local bird species. 

Accessibility 

There’s a step-free entrance, modified doorways, sensor tapware and grab rails in the bathrooms. All powerpoints and light switches are also at an accessible height. 

Travel for work

While work is not recommended, we understand that sometimes emails can’t wait. There is limited phone service on the property, however, you can connect to the free wi-fi. There’s a table and daybed next to the fireplace, or if you prefer the outdoors, the sun lounge and coffee table also work as the perfect study nook.

Spa

The villa is surrounded by a large wrap around deck which leads to the outdoor spa. Slide into your bathrobe and relax outdoors as the sun sets over the mountains with the only noise the singing sounds of bellbirds in the gumtrees. 

What you need to know

Owners Christelle (Chardin) and Gilbert offer a personalised and highly customisable stay. Everything from an in-room massage, to locally made chocolate platters, a barbecue hamper or chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot can be ready upon check in.

SEE ALSO: 4 of the Best Wine Regions in NSW