Meander 10 minutes south of Armidale on Dangarsleigh Road and you’ll arrive at a long, tree-lined driveway whose reverence hints at the grand residence atop the hill.
The 100-year-old homestead emerges from the trees as you follow the circular driveway up to the stately porte cochere and step out onto a wide, romantic balcony. A sprawling lawn is laid out in front like a welcome mat, framed by immaculate heritage gardens offering glimpses of the grape vines beyond.
Welcome to Petersons Guesthouse and Winery.
Originally a private home called Palmerston, the property was purchased by Petersons Wines for its cool-climate grape growing prospects. The family owned business facilitated the transformation of the house into a luxurious, seven-room bed and breakfast that perfectly encapsulates the romance of yesteryear.
Every room is unique, filled with antique furniture plus all the comforts of a modern hotel suite. Some have claw-foot bathtubs, others are adorned in ornate wallpaper or feature their own entry foyer, or perhaps a leather love seat under the window.
Every room is generously sized, with a huge comfy bed, an ensuite with a heated floor, fluffy bathrobes and plush carpet.
You’ll feel a little like a lord or lady of the English gentry as you stroll over to the enormous original windows, pull aside the lavish vintage drapes and gaze out at the pristine gardens glittering with morning dew.
Make no mistake about it, Petersons has country grandeur in bucket-loads.
Pass the afternoon at the cellar door sampling the brand’s range of wines, which includes semillon, sauvignon blanc, riesling, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir, then watch the sunset over the valley from a table on the front lawn before making your way to the more formal of the two dining rooms for a two- or three-course set menu dinner.
The staff are friendly and approachable and will help you select the best Petersons drop to accompany the menu, which changes daily. The food is wholesome and unpretentious, in generous country-sized portions.
Then, if you fancy a nightcap, help yourself to a glass of port in the grand entrance hall and cosy in on an antique couch beside the roaring open fire.
Breakfast is included in the tariff and is taken in the second dining room, where the morning light glows golden through the huge and plentiful windows overlooking the garden.
With so much to offer road-weary travellers and romance-starved city dwellers, Petersons Guesthouse and Winery is the perfect place to recharge your batteries in the cool country air, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city lights.
Petersons Guesthouse and Winery is located at 345 Dangarsleigh Rd, Armidale, NSW.
