A luxe picture-perfect cottage at the heart of a historic river port town
Found in the Lower Hunter village of Morpeth, The River Haus is a luxurious sojourn melding old and new – just over two hours’ drive north of Sydney.
The River Haus is Morpeth’s newest holiday property. Set behind a white picket fence, it’s a stone’s throw from the mighty Hunter River and overlooks the historic St James Anglican Church. Stroll to Morpeth’s heritage-listed main street, picnic on the river bank and dine at the lauded Boydell’s Cellar Door and Restaurant (a mere 50 metres from the back gate).
This quintessential country cottage has everything needed for a luxe stay in the Lower Hunter, accommodating up to four guests. Designed with couples in mind, it’s where vintage and antique treasures meet luxury and curated comfort.
Inside the River Haus feels like a home away from home. There’s a fully equipped farmhouse kitchen with Butler’s sink, Nespresso coffee machine (with 36th Parallel biodegradable pods), Bosch dishwasher and stove, Smeg kettle and toaster, leather lounge, ducted air conditioning, 65cm Smart TV and JBL sound bar.
Sheriden Rhodes, a travel writer, and Tom Szecsodi, a property developer, are the owners of the River Haus. The couple live in nearby Newcastle and are regular visitors to the charming township of Morpeth. Working alongside local tradesmen, Tom put in 12 months of blood, sweat and tears to transform the old house into the eye catching cottage it is today. Sheriden meanwhile was charged with styling the property, searching tirelessly for antique and vintage treasures fitting of the property’s river port setting.
“We hope guests staying at the River Haus feel refreshed taking walks down country lanes, breathing in fresh air, sleeping on cotton sheets and waking to bird song and the peal of church bells. We also hope our new venture sheds light on Morpeth’s storied past and its significant role in the development of the Hunter and the fledgling colony.”
Morpeth, NSW
