A Little Something New for Our Summerhouse Guests

Hi, it's Daniela here.

Now that Spring has officially arrived, we can happily offer guests a new “seasonal” farm experience.

Right now, the orchard is full of oranges, and the lavender bushes are ready to be cut, so we decided: why not let our guests have access to both areas? When you book the Summerhouse directly, you are now able to go into Euan's orchard and pick your own oranges as well as cut a bunch of lavender to take home.

Euan planted the orchard when we arrived back in 2012 and is growing six orange varieties; if we are lucky, there will be a 5-6-month supply. There's nothing quite like picking your fruit directly from the trees to enjoy.

Little Valley Summerhouse Our Orchard



Little Valley Farm Summerhouse Pick your own lavender

Guests can pick their own seasonal lavender

Extras that you can book in for your Summerhouse stays

Don’t forget about our other little extras that you can book in via our website to make your stay easier:

  • Grazing Box Medium - a lovely spread for guests who'd rather not cook, prepared by Laguna Village Providore, and I can pick it up and leave it in the fridge for you.

  • Grazing Box for 4 People -the bigger option, prepared by Laguna Village Providore and popped straight into the Summerhouse for you

  • Photoshoot with the Alpacas - a relaxed, one-hour photo session with the alpacas. Nothing is staged, as the alpacas and donkeys like to do their own thing, but still beautifully natural photos out on the paddocks.

  • A workshop in which you make your own alpaca dryer balls. This is a practical, casual two-hour workshop where you get to meet and feed the alpacas and use their fleece.

  • View direct-booking add-ons

Oh, and Our Christmas Trees

As you walk around the orchard, you'll come across our Christmas trees, and they are enormous. We planted them during the drought in 2017. In the years since, we've sold off the smaller ones as Christmas trees, but the large ones, which are now standing, are the long-term ones. We are, in fact, growing them for timber, with a view to using them in furniture-making in about ten years' time.

If you'd like to get a little potted Christmas tree for yourself, I've got some available… but I need to point out that they're only a couple of years old, so they're not quite in the "showroom" condition. Just let me know, and I'll send you a photo of the ones we have.

“Use code ‘LETSGO26’ to enjoy $100 off your Summerhouse stay when you book direct. Valid until 31 Dec 2026”
— Daniela


A Friend's Place Nearby, If You're Looking to Extend Your Stay

Mansion in the Mountains Yango House in Laguna

If you have fallen in love with the valley and want to explore a bit more, one of our friends owns a beautiful property in Laguna, about a 20-minute drive from our farm; it's known as Mansion in the Mountains or Yango Park House.

It's an old but grand sandstone house, ideal for families with five bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating as many as fourteen guests. It also has an interesting bit of history: Simon Townsend, best known for his TV programme Wonderworld, built it. Gen Xers will recall him and his dog Woodrow!

Talk to me about reserving this home also.

Mansion in the Mountains Yango House Laguna

Show On AirbnbHome in Laguna · ★5.0 · 5 bedrooms · 5 beds · 2 baths

Reserve your stay here or drop me an email with any queries.

RESERVE YOUR STAY HERE
Source: https://littlevalleyfarm.lodgify.com/en/overview

When UNIQLO came to the Little Valley Summerhouse

Last month, the crew from BOSS HUNTING and UNIQLO drove out to Little Valley Summerhouse, our off-grid, adults-only retreat here at Little Valley Farm in the Wollombi Valley, Hunter Valley, only 90 minutes from Sydney, to shoot part of their new UNIQLO : C Spring/Summer 2026 campaign.

I'll be honest, I didn't see it coming. You spend years building a place around the idea of going nowhere, slow mornings, no schedule, a hot tub that only wants to be lit and enjoyed, and then, one day, a fashion crew shows up, wanting exactly that. Turns out "on alpaca time" translates pretty well to a campaign shoot, and I’m pretty happy about this!

I won't pretend I know much about fashion these days, as I happily live in jeans covered in hay and dirt, but I do know what it looks like when someone falls for this place the same way our guests do. Watching it happen through someone else's eyes, the light over the pond, the quiet, the fog sitting low over the water in the morning, was honestly a lovely reminder of why we built the Summerhouse the way we did.


The Collection

The shoot is part of UNIQLO: C's Spring/Summer 2026 drop, all built around the same idea we live by out here and a weekend for guests that invites them to slow down. You can see the full story and beautiful campaign imagery, so jump on the Boss Hunting link below:

The UNIQLO : C Spring/Summer Collection Is Made For Slowing Down - Boss Hunting, in partnership with UNIQLO.

Photo credit Boss Hunting.

“It started out a little foggy in the morning and turned into a lovely sunny day at the Summerhouse, and I love what was captured through the lens. ”
— Daniela

Come See What They Saw

If a fashion crew thought this spot was worth the drive from Sydney, I reckon a weekend or even better, a long weekend- here is worth it too. Little Valley Summerhouse sleeps four adults across two bedrooms, runs completely off-grid on solar, and yes,  that's the same wood-fired Stoked hot tub over the pond that made the cut on camera.

Reserve your stay at littlevalleyfarm.com.au. Come find out for yourself why it stopped a fashion crew in their tracks.

Make sure to join in our Little Valley Farm insta also. Hope to see you soon. Daniela

reserve your stay here
Source: https://www.bosshunting.com.au/style/uniqlo-c-spring-summer-2026

Spring at Little Valley: Sculpture Festival, Shearing Season and New Arrivals

Spring is easily our favourite season at Little Valley Farm. The paddocks turn green again, the alpacas start losing their winter coats (whether they like it or not), and the whole valley gets busy with the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival. If you’re planning a spring visit, here’s what’s happening on the farm and in the village this September.

Shearing Season

Every spring, our alpacas get their annual haircut, and it’s one of the most fun and hard-working days on the farm calendar. It's definitely hard work for our shearer, and my job is to sort out the fleece on the day. Shearing keeps the alpaca herd cool and comfortable through the warmer months, and it’s also where a lot of our fibre for workshops and products comes from. If you’re staying at the Summerhouse during shearing week, you might catch the whole process in action down at the shearing shed.

This is Little Teddy Bo, it will be interesting to see what she looks like after shearing.

Meet the Donkeys

It’s been a big season for personalities on the farm. Little Monty the Irish Donkey continues to charm every guest who visits; Maisie Mae has settled in as an awesome mum to Monty, and Loxie Love is never far from the action. And of course, Honkey Hamlet is holding down the fort with his donkey charms also.

Sculpture Festival Season in the Valley

From 12–27 September, the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival brings art trails, installations, and a real buzz to the village. It’s the perfect excuse for a spring escape. Spend your days exploring sculptures and the Artisan Collective in Wollombi, then come home to the quiet of the farm, a soak in the wood-fired hot tub, and alpacas grazing just outside your window.

Seeing Wollombi By Euan Wilcox during the Sculpture Festival

During the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, Euan is running a two-morning photography workshop, Seeing Differently, at the Artisan Collective Barn at the Wollombi General Store. Held Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September, 10 am–12 pm, it's built for anyone with a camera, including a phone. Whether you're just starting out or feel stuck in a rut. Over the two mornings, you'll shoot, review, and edit among the sculptures themselves, then return at your own time to photograph the pieces under different lighting. bookings essential via the Wollombi General Store website. Read the full workshop details here.

More events to look out for in Wollombi Valley

The Long Weekend in October, plus the Wollombi General Store Artisan Garden Market, then the Wollombi Woodchop Weekend on 23rd October 2026.

Plan Your Spring Stay

Whether you’re here for the art, the animals, or just to slow down for a few days, spring is one of the best times to visit. Reserve your stay direct for the most up-to-date availability.

Little Valley Summerhouse by the pond

RESERE YOUR STAY HERE
Source: https://www.littlevalleyfarm.com.au/summerhouse

Winter at the Little Valley Summerhouse - Wollombi Valley's Adults-Only Alpaca Farm Retreat

Winter at the Little Valley Summerhouse

Winter in the Wollombi Valley brings a special kind of quiet.

Mornings are cold and still, with mist hanging low over the paddocks. The pond reflects the treeline perfectly. If you watch from the deck, you might spot wallaroos settling in the far paddock, moving slowly and calmly, just like the valley itself. We provide binoculars for a closer look at the wildlife, and a bird book to help you identify what you see and hear.

Little Valley Summerhouse in the afternoon with Stoked hot tub overlooking the pond

This is winter in the Hunter Valley when you leave the wineries behind and explore its quieter, wilder side.

The Summerhouse is perfect for this time of year.

Inside, the Cheminees Philippe fireplace keeps things warm and cozy. Outside, the Stoked wood-fired hot tub steams in the cool air. You can watch alpacas and donkeys grazing in the evening light. Everything moves at a relaxed pace. At night, you can look up at the stars, and you may see some satellites drift by.

Little Valley Summerhouse loungeroom with Cheminees Philippe fireplace

The Summerhouse can host up to four adults. It has a king bedroom, a queen bedroom, a full kitchen, and a spacious deck with views of the pond and alpaca paddocks. The beds feature alpaca textiles, including our alpaca duvet and throw, offering a warmth that makes cold mornings feel like a choice, not a challenge.

Wombats wander by at dusk, and the birdlife is always active and diverse. Winter truly is one of the best times to visit.

Book directly with us to enjoy exclusive benefits that you won't find on other sites. When you reserve at littlevalleyfarm.com.au, you'll get:

- The best available rates

- Early check-in from 11 am, so you have almost a whole extra day to enjoy your stay

- Access to special add-on experiences such as:

- Grazing Box for four for $140*, prepared by Laguna Village Providore and chilled in the fridge before you arrive. One box is perfect for four adults.

- Alpaca and donkey photo session – $220*. Spend an hour with the herd in a relaxed, natural setting on the farm. Learn more at littlevalleyfarm.com.au/photo-sessions.

Alpaca Dryer Ball Workshop with Daniela – $40* per person. Meet the alpacas, then spend two hours in the carriage shed making your own dryer balls from fleece straight from the herd. It’s a hands-on and rewarding experience.

SIP Wollombi Village Tasting and Transfer – $150*. Daniela will drive you to and from SIP Wollombi Village at Grays Inn for a private tasting. Available Thursday to Monday, 11 am to 3 pm. Please book in advance. *All prices mentioned above are subject to change, so visit our website for up-to-date prices.

Where is Little Valley Summerhouse? Little Valley Farm is in Laguna, in the Wollombi Valley, Lower Hunter Valley, NSW. It’s just 90 minutes from Sydney along the scenic Tourist Drive 33. The property is adults-only, off-grid, and fully solar powered.

Arrival and check-in are easy. Detailed directions are provided before your stay. When you arrive, you can drive right up to the Summerhouse, where you'll find private parking and your host, Daniela, to show you around and introduce you to the alpacas and donkeys.

Winter weekends fill up fast. Check availability and book directly with us. We would love to welcome you to the Summerhouse this winter. Come experience the magic, the calm, and the warmth of our valley- your little escape awaits.

Little Valley Summerhouse Laguna Wollombi Hunter Valley

The Little Valley Summerhouse overlooking the pond and the alpaca paddocks

The best little alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does the Little Valley Summerhouse sleep? We sleep four adults only. No children/infants/pets.

Where is the Summerhouse? We are located in Laguna, under 5 km from the Trading Post Laguna located in a hidden valley in Laguna. Wollombi Valley, the Hunter region.

What beds does the Summerhouse have? We have a king bed and the second bedroom has a queen bed.

How far from Sydney is the Little Valley Summerhouse? We are 90 mins from Sydney along the Tourist Drive 33. See more FAQs here.

Little Valley Summerhouse Stoked Hottub overlooking the pond and alpaca paddocks

Autumn at Little Valley Farm - A Weekend Away from Sydney Worth Bookmarking

There's a moment in autumn when the Wollombi Valley stops being just beautiful and starts being absurdly beautiful. The mornings are cool and still. The light turns golden by mid-afternoon. The alpacas are particularly unbothered about all of it, and I am usually covered in mud or hay or both.

If you've been thinking about escaping Sydney for a proper weekend away, not a resort, not a busy wine region, not somewhere with a queue for brunch, this might be the one.

90 Minutes from Sydney. Feels Like Another World.

Little Valley Farm sits in Laguna, Wollombi Valley in the lower Hunter region of NSW. It's 90 minutes from Sydney, about an hour from Newcastle and the Central Coast.  Genuinely close, but far enough that your phone can stay face-down for two or three days.

The valley is one of those places that doesn't shout. Wollombi is a small historic village with a pub, a general store and six art spaces/galleries…. and not much else in terms of tourism, which is exactly the point. In autumn, the surrounding bush and farmland settle into earthy reds, golds, and that particular soft grey-green of eucalypt in cool air. Its personally my favourite season.

The Summerhouse

The Little Valley Summerhouse is an architect-designed, off-grid farm stay, completely solar-powered, private, and set on the working alpaca farm. It sleeps four comfortably, and it's the kind of place you arrive at and immediately feel your shoulders drop.

Autumn is arguably the best season to be here. The mornings are crisp, the light through the valley is soft and low, and the evenings are cool enough to actually appreciate a fire. No traffic noise. No neighbours. Just the farm, the alpacas going about their business, and whatever you brought in the esky.

You can watch our short farm video to get a feel for the Summerhouse and the property in autumn, it's the most honest way to show you what a stay here actually looks and feels like.


What to Do on a Wollombi Valley Weekend

A stay at Little Valley Farm pairs well with everything the valley has to offer.

  • The Trading Post Laguna - the best cafe, wine bar and Friday night dinner in the valley and under 5 km from our place.

  • Wollombi Tavern - an institution. Cold beer, local colour, and a beer garden that's perfect in autumn.

  • Wollombi General Store and Artsian Collective - good coffee, local produce, and the kind of unhurried morning you came here for.

  • SIP Wollombi Village - the valley's cellar door collective inside the historic Grays Inn. Local wines, spirits, and producers in one spot. No need to travel to Pokolbin or Broken when you can taste the Hunter region here.

  • Galleries - The Forge, Roadside Gallery, Jodie Usher Gallery and the Artisan Collective to discover.

  • Yengo National Park - easy walking around the National Park. 30 mins from our place.

  • Wollombi village - genuinely one of the best-preserved heritage villages in NSW, worth a slow wander.

A Note on the Alpacas

They'll be here when you arrive. They'll probably watch you from the fence. They are not going to do anything dramatic, and somehow that's the most relaxing part.

If you'd like to learn more about alpaca ownership, the farm also runs monthly Introduction to Alpaca Workshops - but that's entirely optional. A weekend at the Summerhouse requires no agenda whatsoever.

Ready to Book?

Autumn/Winter fills up. The Summerhouse has one booking at a time, so if you're thinking about it, don't sit on it.

Check availability and book at littlevalleyfarm.com.au

Our Summerhouse and Lodgify: our direct booking partner

This is a little behind-the-scenes note for fellow accommodation hosts.

At Little Valley Summerhouse, we use Lodgify as our direct booking system. They recently showcased us on their socials, which was lovely. More importantly, it’s become our preferred partner for managing direct bookings.

Why use Lodgify for direct bookings?

Quite simply, it's easy to use.

Guest communication is clear and seamless, and it keeps bookings - and funds - closer to home rather than disappearing overseas via large OTAs such as Airbnb.

Using Lodgify also means we have a direct line of communication with our guests, including personal messages and phone numbers. Many people don’t realise that some OTAs use proxy mobile numbers, allowing them to read all SMS conversations alongside in-app messages. For us, having transparent, direct communication feels important.

What the setup is really like

There is a bit of time and effort involved in setting up Lodgify, but it’s no different from creating a listing on an OTA (online travel agency). Once it’s done, it’s done - and it works quietly in the background.

Lodgify provides everything needed to manage a short-term or vacation rental business in one place. This includes tools to:

• build a clean, professional website

• accept online bookings with credit card payments

• manage reservations from a single dashboard

Channel management and synchronisation

Their channel manager allows synchronisation with major platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Google Vacation Rentals, Vrbo / HomeAway, Expedia and others. This keeps availability and pricing aligned without constant manual updates.

Our experience so far

If you’re thinking about setting up direct bookings for your own accommodation, this is a platform we genuinely enjoy using and feel comfortable recommending.

We’ve included our special Lodgify trial rate with 15% off below for anyone curious to explore it further.

Trial Lodgify with us here

Where is the Little Valley Summerhouse?

Little Valley Summerhouse is located in the Wollombi Valley, in the Lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales. It sits on our working alpaca farm, Little Valley Farm, surrounded by rolling paddocks, dams and bushland, with uninterrupted rural views.

We’re approximately:

• 90 minutes north of Sydney

• 1 hour from Newcastle

• 40 minutes from Pokolbin and the Hunter Valley wine region

This makes Little Valley Summerhouse an easy weekend escape for guests travelling from Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and regional NSW, while still feeling a world away once you arrive.

The Summerhouse itself is set privately by the pond, overlooking alpaca and donkey paddocks. It’s an off-grid stay, powered entirely by solar, and designed to sit lightly within the landscape. There’s no traffic noise, no neighbours in sight - just farm life, bird calls and wide open skies.

Wollombi Village is a short drive away and is one of the oldest villages in Australia, home to historic sandstone buildings, local pubs, cafes and small cellar doors. The area is known for its relaxed pace, scenic back roads and strong sense of place.

Little Valley Summerhouse suits couples, friends, or families (adults-only), looking for a quiet country stay in the Hunter Valley that feels personal, thoughtfully designed and genuinely connected to its surroundings.

Whether guests book direct through our website or discover us via trusted platforms, the experience remains the same: calm, rural and grounded in everyday farm life.

Trial Lodgify Here

The best little alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley.

Little Valley Farm - Frequently Asked Questions

“This FAQ answers common questions about our adults-only farm stay in Wollombi Valley and our monthly alpaca workshops near Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast.”
— Daniela


Where is Little Valley Farm located?

Little Valley Farm is located in Wollombi Valley in the Lower Hunter Valley, NSW, around 90 minutes from Sydney and just over an hour from the Central Coast and Newcastle. We’re tucked away in a hidden valley in Laguna, surrounded by paddocks, wildlife and rolling hills. We are 4.5 kms from The Trading Post Laguna (our local wine bar, cafe, restaurant, which we love).


What is the Little Valley Summerhouse?

The Little Valley Summerhouse is an architecturally designed, adults-only farm stay for couples or friends looking to slow down. It’s a relaxed, comfortable space to enjoy the farm, spend time outdoors, and step away from everyday noise.

Little Valley Farm

Is the Little Valley Summerhouse suitable for children or pets?

No. The Summerhouse is for adults only. We’re not set up for children, infants or pets.

No to pets, as this helps us keep the experience peaceful and protects the welfare of our alpacas, donkeys, and wildlife.

How many people can the Summerhouse sleep?

The Summerhouse sleeps four adults. It’s ideal for couples or a small group of friends wanting quiet time together.

Is Little Valley Farm off-grid?

Yes. The entire farm, including the Summerhouse, is fully off-grid and solar-powered. Living and hosting this way is part of how we farm and live sustainably.

Is there mobile reception or Wi-Fi?

There is no mobile reception at the farm, which many guests love.

The good news is the Summerhouse has reliable Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected if you need to, without constant phone interruptions.

What is included with the farm stay?

Your stay includes:

• Access to the wider farm

• A personal welcome and introduction to the alpacas and donkeys on check-in

• Firewood for the indoor fireplace

• Firewood for the outdoor hot tub

• Kitchen and basic pantry supplies so you can travel light

• A quiet, private setting overlooking paddocks and the pond

• Daniela’s personal recommendation of things to do in Wollombi Valley

• A welcome gift when you book direct

• Early check-in time from 11 am with check-out at 11 am 

Can guests explore the farm?

Yes. Guests are welcome to enjoy the wider farm areas. On arrival, we’ll introduce you to the alpacas and donkeys and explain where you’re welcome to wander so everyone stays safe and relaxed.

What is the minimum stay?

• Weekdays: one-night stays are available

• Weekends: minimum two-night stay

• Long weekends are minimum three-night stay

Is the drive suitable for standard cars?

Yes. Guests arrive in standard cars every week. The final kilometre is a dirt road, with one small steeper section. Confident drivers have no issues, but low or heavily modified vehicles are not recommended.

What makes Little Valley Farm different from other farm stays?

We live and work here full-time. Little Valley Farm has been home since 2012, and alpaca farming isn’t a side project for us; it’s what we do every day. Hosting is personal, relaxed and genuine, not a production line.

In 2023, we were recognised with Best Unique Stay for our original 1950s glamping train carriage, which remains part of our farm story. Today, our full focus is on the Little Valley Summerhouse.

Alpaca Workshops

Who are the alpaca workshops for?

Our alpaca workshops are designed for beginners and potential alpaca owners. You don’t need land yet, many people attend because they’re in the early thinking and planning stage.
They’re especially suited to people with small acreage or hobby farms.

Are the workshops hands-on?

Yes, but always supervised. Handling alpacas takes place in one of our pens and is done carefully and calmly, with animal welfare as the priority.

Is this a petting zoo experience?

No. We’re a working alpaca farm and an adult farmstay retreat. The workshops are practical, hands-on and focused on real farming knowledge, not entertainment.

How long is the alpaca workshop?

The workshop runs for half a day, but we keep it flexible so everyone’s questions are properly answered. Small groups allow us to take our time.

How many people attend each workshop?

Workshops are limited to around six people. We keep groups small so everyone can ask questions and get personal guidance.

How often do you run alpaca workshops?

Workshops are held once a month, with dates published on our website.

Bookings are essential due to limited availability.

Who runs the workshops?

The workshops are run by Daniela, who has been farming alpacas full-time since 2012. She’s deeply involved in day-to-day care, breeding, fleece and yarn production and management, and has a strong network of alpaca breeders across Australia.

Mentoring doesn’t stop after the workshop; advice is always shared openly, regardless of where people choose to buy their alpacas.

Farm Rules & Biosecurity

Why aren’t dogs/pets allowed at Little Valley Farm?

We are a working alpaca farm, and biosecurity is extremely important. Dogs can stress alpacas and pose a real risk to their safety and well-being. For this reason, dogs are not permitted on the property.

We are available by appointment only due to our bio-security policy. If you have any questions, please call or email us. We will try to respond within 24 hours.

Arriving by Electric Vehicle into Wollombi Valley

Travelling to the Little Valley Summerhouse in an electric vehicle is surprisingly easy, and a lovely way to arrive if you enjoy the journey as much as the stay.

The Trading Post Laguna Wollombi Valley

The Trading Post Laguna Photo Credit Euan Wilcox

This is where you charge your electric vehicle.

We have happily hosted many e-drivers over the years and have been asked a few times whether people can charge their vehicles here.

Little Valley Farm is a fully solar-powered farm in Wollombi Valley, Hunter Valley, but we don’t currently offer on-site EV charging. Instead, guests travelling by EV are well supported by nearby options in Laguna, just a few minutes down the road.


Where to charge your EV in Laguna?

The closest EV charging point is located at The Trading Post, Laguna, just 4.5km from Little Valley Farm. There is a Tesla charger available, and guests will need to bring their own charging adapters.

Charging here fits nicely into a relaxed arrival or mid-stay plan, especially as The Trading Post is a favourite local stop and just down the road.

They’re open from 8 am and do an incredible egg and bacon roll and coffee in the morning. On Friday nights, they host dinner, the only night of the week they do evening meals, and it’s well worth planning around if you’re staying with us then. It’s an easy place to eat, drink and unwind while your vehicle charges.

Also at the Trading Post, you’ll find the Laguna Village Providore, a small fruit shop where you can pick up fresh produce and a few snack essentials before heading back to the farm.

The drive to Little Valley summerhouse

Part of the appeal of staying here is the drive itself.

• From Sydney, it’s around 120km, roughly 90 minutes, depending on traffic

• From Newcastle, the drive is about one hour

• From the Central Coast, allow around one hour

Most guests travel via Tourist Drive 33, a scenic and winding stretch of road that takes you through bushland, valleys and historic villages. It’s a beautiful drive, particularly as you get closer to Wollombi Valley.

The farm is accessed via a maintained dirt road. Most vehicles are suitable; however, low-sport cars or heavily modified vehicles are not recommended. Confident drivers will find access easy.

A quiet place to arrive, in any season

The Little Valley summerhouse sleeps four adults and is designed to be comfortable year-round. Whether you’re arriving in summer with long evenings by the hottub, or in winter with crisp mornings and slow days indoors, the house works beautifully in every season.

Arriving by electric vehicle fits naturally with the pace here, slower travel, thoughtful stops, and a stay that’s about switching off rather than rushing through.

wollombi valley 2025 photo Euan wilcox

Wollombi Valley photo credit Euan WIlcox

Staying Local: Laguna, Wollombi Valley

If you feel like heading out, Wollombi Village is just a 10-minute drive from Little Valley Farm and well worth a visit. It’s small, historic and easy to wander at your own pace.

For something casual and nourishing, we highly recommend the Wollombi General Store. It’s a great spot for healthy food options, takeaway meals and coffee, and it also serves as the local post office. The building itself has a wonderful sense of history, with antiques to browse, seating both inside and outside, and plenty of space to relax. You’ll also find Noyce Brothers Wine nextdoor, with wine tasting available inside the beautifully restored building, and don’t miss the garden out the back, a lovely place to sit quietly for a while or enjoy a game of giant chess.

wollombi village photo Euan WIlcox

Wollombi Village photo credit Euan Wilcox

If you’re in the mood to sit down and relax a little longer, Myrtle & Stone is a beautiful café perched on the hill overlooking the village. You can sit inside or out on the veranda, enjoy good food, and take in the view across Wollombi.

For a late afternoon drink or something a little more lively, the Wollombi Tavern beer garden is a local favourite. It’s the perfect place for a cold beer and a relaxed end to the day before heading back to the farm.

Art Lovers

For art lovers, Wollombi Village also has a quiet, creative side worth exploring. Roadside Gallery is known for its rotating exhibitions and thoughtful, locally connected works. Nearby, The Forge, curious finds and antiques. Little Yengo Room offers a more intimate space to view art and objects inspired by the surrounding landscape. The village is also home to an Indigenous art museum, providing an opportunity to engage with First Nations art and stories connected to this region. Each space is small, considered, and well-suited to a gentle wander rather than a rushed visit.

What’s the best way to book the Summerhouse?

Book direct for the best rates and an 11 am early check-in so that you can make the most of your first day.

Third-party platforms can add $250–$300 in fees per weekend, and much of that money heads offshore. When you book direct with a host, those dollars stay here in Australia and help support the local community. It's a simple choice that makes a real difference, and you get to enjoy a unique piece of Australia.

book summerhouse here

Make 2026 the Year You Finally Take That Farmstay Break

Your Little Valley Summerhouse guide to maximising public holidays and annual leave

If you’ve already started daydreaming about slower weekends, quiet breakfasts, and a few days where your phone isn’t dinging at you, this is your sign to start planning your 2026 getaways. The good news? Next year is full of generous public holiday runs, and if you play it right, a handful of annual leave days can turn into proper holidays.

And if you’re going to escape, you may as well do it somewhere that actually feels like an escape. The Little Valley Summerhouse sleeps up to four adults and sits right by the pond, looking across the alpaca and donkey paddocks. Euan (my hubbie) built it, and it runs entirely on solar (actually, the whole farm is solar-powered), and it has that rare “arrive, exhale, stay awhile” feel.

To help you time your getaway, here’s your friendly cheat sheet for turning a few annual leave days into long, glorious breaks.

This is Big Teddy Bo Alpaca before shearing!

Your 2026 “Take a Few Days, Get a Lot More” Guide

January Long Break (January 24–February 1)

Take 4 days of annual leave and turn it into 9 days off.

  • Jan 24–25: Weekend

  • Jan 26: Public holiday

  • Jan 27–30: Annual leave

  • Jan 31–Feb 1: Weekend

Early in the year is perfect for a warm-weather visit and long evenings on the deck, the occasional alpaca side-eye, and easy, relaxing days. The Stoked hot tub can be used as a plunge pool to cool down in and at night, stoke it up!

Little Valley Summerhouse photo credit Euan Wilcox

Easter + Autumn Magic (March 28–April 12)

Take 8 days of annual leave and unlock 16 days away.

  • Mar 28–29: Weekend

  • Mar 30–Apr 2: Annual leave

  • Apr 3: Good Friday

  • Apr 4–5: Weekend

  • Apr 6: Easter Monday

  • Apr 7–10: Annual leave

  • Apr 11–12: Weekend

Autumn/Winter Summerhouse

Autumn at Little Valley Farm is one of the best times to visit. The light softens, the paddocks glow, and the whole valley feels settled and calm.


King’s Birthday Escape (June 6–14)

Take 4 days of annual leave for 9 wintery days off.

  • Jun 6–7: Weekend

  • Jun 8: Public holiday

  • Jun 9–12: Annual leave

  • Jun 13–14: Weekend

Cool nights, fires going, and the hot tub steaming away under the stars, it’s one of the coziest times to stay.

The entire farm turns a beautiful red-orange thanks to the autumn leaves. It’s a photographer’s delight to capture the farm in these colours.

Autumn Hunter Valley Little Valley Summerhouse farmstay

Little Valley Farm Autumn/Winter photo credit Euan Wilcox

Labour Day Spring Break (October 3–11)

Take 4 days of annual leave and score 9 days off.

  • Oct 3–4: Weekend

  • Oct 5: Public holiday

  • Oct 6–9: Annual leave

  • Oct 10–11: Weekend

Spring usually brings cria season, so there’s a decent chance you’ll spot a curious little face peeking around its mum in the paddock.

Christmas–New Year Mega Break (December 19–January 3)

Take 7 days of annual leave and enjoy 16 days off.

  • Dec 19–20: Weekend

  • Dec 21–24: Annual leave

  • Dec 25: Christmas Day

  • Dec 26–27: Weekend

  • Dec 28: Boxing Day public holiday

  • Dec 29–31: Annual leave

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Jan 2–3: Weekend

This is the big one, a chance to slow right down, reflect on the year, and start 2027 feeling human again.

Why Plan Ahead?

The Summerhouse books out quickly, especially when public holidays line up like this. If you’ve spotted a run that suits your style, a long weekend, a cheeky mid-year break, or the mega Christmas stretch that is worth locking it in early.

Pack a good book, bring your favourite people, and enjoy a slice of the valley at your own pace

Make 2026 the Year You Finally Take That Farmstay Break

summerhouse calendar

Summerhouse with friends

Little Valley Farm’s Summerhouse is an adults-only retreat in Wollombi Valley, NSW, about 90 minutes north of Sydney and around an hour from Newcastle, making it a convenient country escape.

About Daniela Riccio

Daniela Riccio is the co-founder of Little Valley Farm, a boutique alpaca farm and farm-stay located in Wollombi Valley in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Established in 2012, the farm is home to a small herd of alpacas and donkeys and focuses on sustainable living, animal care and practical education for small-acreage and hobby farmers.

Daniela works hands-on with alpacas every day and shares real-world experience through workshops, mentoring and writing, based on life on the farm rather than theory. Little Valley Farm is located around 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from Newcastle, making it a well-known alpaca farm and country retreat in the Hunter Valley.

A Little December Breather at the Summerhouse

December always sneaks up, doesn’t it? One minute you’re packing away the winter chores, and the next you’re wondering how it’s already time for Christmas lists, end-of-year catch-ups, and that familiar “where did the year go?” feeling.

If you’re craving a quick reset before the chaos begins, the Summerhouse at Little Valley Farm is one of those easy escapes that works beautifully as a one-night stay. December is filling fast, but there are still a few nights open for anyone wanting to exhale, switch off, and wake up somewhere peaceful.

View from across the pond looking towards to the Summerhouse. Photo credit Euan Wilcox

Set beside the pond with the bush wrapping around you, the Summerhouse has that quiet, steadying energy people look for at this time of year. The Stoked hot tub’s always a favourite, warm at night, cool during the day, and you’ll have alpacas and donkeys grazing nearby as your unofficial welcoming committee.

If you like to choose the exact night that suits your plans, it’s best to book directly. One-night stays are open through December, and January 2026 has its own little window of availability as well.

It’s a lovely time to be in the Hunter Valley: warm evenings, long days, and that relaxed holiday rhythm that settles over the valley once the calendar flips.


Our Summerhouse sleeps up to four adults only, with one king bedroom and one queen bedroom, plus a full kitchen, a fireplace (for Winter), and plenty of spots to sit with a drink and listen to the frogs around the pond.

If you’re thinking about squeezing in a quick getaway, whether it’s a pre-Christmas breather or a slow start to the new year, now’s the time to lock it in.


Book direct for the best rate and the widest choice of dates.



Summerhouse deck overlooking the pond.

Australia Day Long weekend in the Hunter Valley

PS: Don't forget the long weekend coming up at the end of January, book for three nights for total relaxation and immersion.

Book the summerhouse
Source: https://www.littlevalleyfarm.com.au/summerhouse

Slow down this Christmas and spend the holidays in Wollombi Valley

If you’ve been craving a quieter kind of festive season, Wollombi Valley might be precisely what your head and heart need. Tucked in the southern end of Hunter Valley wine country, this little pocket of bushland offers the kind of Christmas where the soundtrack is birdsong, the neighbours are friendly, and you can finally breathe a bit deeper.

Christmas and New Year in the Bush: Slow Down, Stay Close, and Soak Up Wollombi Valley

huntervalley accommodation

Friend time at the Summerhouse

Visitors can choose from all sorts of stays, from camping under the stars, family-friendly cottages, romantic hideaways, and nature stays where you wake up to nothing but trees, hills and the occasional curious wallaroo. It’s the perfect valley to switch gears, settle in, and enjoy the holidays at a slower pace.

For anyone who likes their New Year’s Eve with a spark (literally), the Wollombi Tavern hosts its much-loved fireworks night. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly evening that brings locals and visitors together on the big grassy paddock out the back. Kids run around, grown-ups exhale, and everyone gets a dose of simple country fun.

Across the valley, you can wander through the historic village of Wollombi, circa 1830 and still proudly holding onto its heritage, or head down the road to Laguna, home to the iconic Trading Post. Good food, great coffee, and the kind of people who’ll remember your name if you pop in twice.

A Stay Made for Long Chats and Lazy Mornings

One standout option is the Little Valley Summerhouse, which sleeps four adults and sits in its own quiet pocket of bushland. It’s the kind of place you book for a friend’s escape or a family catch-up. Somewhere you can settle in, pour a drink, and watch the scenery do its thing. The deck looks out over the pond and across to the alpaca and donkey paddocks, so there’s always something cute wandering by. You’re only 5 km from the Trading Post and about ten minutes from Wollombi Village, but it feels far enough away that city life slips off your shoulders without you even noticing.

huntervalley farmstay

Little Valley Summerhouse Photo credit Euan Wilcox

Easy to Reach, Hard to Leave

Wollombi Valley sits an easy 90 minutes from Sydney, about an hour from the Central Coast, and an hour from Newcastle. Close enough for a spontaneous getaway, far enough to feel like you’ve stepped into your own quiet corner of the world.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute escape or setting up a new holiday tradition, Wollombi Valley is a gentle reminder that Christmas doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the best gift is a few days in the bush, where time slows down and life feels easy again.

For more information, story requests, images or interview opportunities, please get in touch with Daniela.

Book the adults only Summerhouse here

The Little Valley Alpacas just after this September ‘25 shear

A soak by the summerhouse pond

Say hello to our brand new Stoked Hottub.

By day, the pond glistens. At night, the stars arrive. Always, the frogs are singing.

In the middle of it all sits our wood-fired hot tub by Stoked Stainless. It’s simple and honest: fill, stoke, soak. Daytime is for warm water and sunshine on your shoulders. After dark, it’s steam, sky, and a whole galaxy reflected on the water. No rush. Just the slow rhythm of the valley and the frogs keeping time.

This is everyday life out here at the summerhouse in the beautiful, remote, utterly wild Wollombi Valley.

Nothing fancy, nothing forced. Just a quiet place to breathe.

Thanks, @stokedstainless and Huubie Euan Wilcox, for building the entire summerhouse.

Join us on Little Valley Farm Instagram for more instant updates.

Book the adults-only summerhouse here

Where is Wollombi Valley? The Lower Hunter Valley. Along the Tourist Drive 33 from Peats Ridge, Mangrove Mountain, Bucketty and straight into Laguna, where The Trading Post Laguna is.

The Trading Post is a great place to stop for lunch, coffee and a wander around this iconic bar, cafe, and restaurant.

Where is Little Valley Farm? In Laguna, Wollombi Valley and only 90 minutes from Sydney. The farmstay is for adults only. The farm is available by appointment only and is situated in a secluded valley.

Follow us on our social media for updates on our annual open days and sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay informed about special events.

Frequently Asked Questions? Read more here.

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The Other Hunter Valley: Discovering Wollombi Valley

If you’ve only ever explored the vineyards of Pokolbin, you might be surprised to learn there's another side to the Hunter Valley. Slower, greener, and full of character. It's a small yet historic village for those who want to escape the crowds. Welcome to Wollombi Valley.

In this short video, we share a few beautiful moments captured this week. Rolling paddocks, misty mornings, and the calm that only comes with getting truly off the beaten track.

Let’s answer a few common questions about this peaceful little pocket of NSW...

Where is Wollombi Valley?

Wollombi is tucked into the southern end of the Hunter Valley, about 90 minutes from Sydney and just under an hour from Pokolbin. It’s where the wine region meets the bush. Think historic, quiet, and rich in charm. You’ll pass sandstone cottages, working farms, and winding country roads, that sometimes have cows, roos, water ducks and of course wombats passing by and where time slows.

Where can I stay in Wollombi Valley?

If you're after something a bit different to your standard wine country accommodation, Little Valley Farm’s summerhouse is a great base for those discerning travellers. It’s a fully off-grid, architecturally designed home by the pond, and has alpacas and donkeys wandering just beyond the deck. There are also a few boutique stays and farmhouses scattered through the valley. No resorts here, just peace and space.

How is Wollombi different from Pokolbin wine country?

It’s less commercial, more relaxed, and feels like a real (small) country town. You’ll still find great wine, Noyce Brothers in the village is worth a stop, but instead of big-name cellar doors, you’ll meet winemakers in boots also at Undercliff Vineyard. The village itself has a fantastic little general store, a classic pub, an art gallery and long weekend markets are held three times a year. You come to Wollombi to exhale.

@wollombigenearlstore

@The Trading Post Laguna

Hit play on the video below and see it for yourself. If you’re ready to slow down and try the other side of the Hunter, we’re always happy to welcome you here.

See the summerhouse here.

Video credit Instagram @wollombivalley

A Country Escape: The Country Digest Visits Our Summerhouse

We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming The Country Digest back to Little Valley Farm this week, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the beautiful video they created after staying in our summerhouse.

If you've ever wondered what a stay here really feels like.... from sipping wine on the deck to watching the alpacas wander past at sunset than this little video captures it all. It's real, calm, and exactly what we hoped this space would become: a place to slow down and just… be.

Have a watch below. And if you're dreaming of a getaway like this, don't forget that our summerhouse is available for direct bookings for up to four adults. Spring dates are filling fast.

Where is Little Valley summerhouse located?

The farm is situated 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast. It is nestled in its own valley within the less-explored area of the Hunter Valley, known as Wollombi Valley.

Little Valley Farm is a working alpaca farm that features a cabin accommodating up to four adults only. Read more about the summerhouse here.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLmPe5Ozhxc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

18 Of The Best Farm Stays In NSW To Book For A Country Escape Urban List Sydney

Well, this was a pleasant surprise this morning when we woke up to be nominated along with all the other wonderful farm stays across NSW. Thank you to Urban List Sydney.

Urban List Sydney Little Valley summerhouse wollombi

18 Of The Best Farm Stays In NSW To Book For A Country Escape Urban List Sydney

By: Jessica Best and Sammy Preston

17th June 2025 Urban List Sydney

18 Of The Best Farm Stays In NSW To Book For A Country Escape

Located about 90 minutes north of Sydney, this charming farm brings together two great concepts: getting off the grid and alpacas. Little Valley Farm is all about getting in touch with your surroundings and minimizing your environmental footprint. 

The summerhouse is an architecturally-designed masterpiece overlooking a peaceful pond. Inside, nearly every piece of furniture has been created by hand from the entire kitchen cabinetry to the bespoke bed frames, bed heads, and side tables. 

read the full Urban List Sydney article here

Hunter Hunter Unwind off-grid at Little Valley ‘Summerhouse’ – the Hunter’s wild-side escape

In the media

Despite its proximity to the Hunter Valley, the region of Wollombi feels like a world away from the well-trodden wine roads of Lovedale and Pokolbin. With its quaint villages, lush country views, and country pubs, Wollombi also has a long list of gorgeous accommodation, and Little Valley ‘Summerhouse’ is one of the highlights.

An adults only retreat imagined for those with a love for great design and the great outdoors, this boutique escape offers something rare: utter tranquility without sacrificing style.

The Summerhouse is the result of a two-year passion project by architect Matt Elkan and owner-builder Euan Wilcox. Drawing inspiration from the region’s historic timber huts, the home blends raw beauty with modern comfort.

At its heart is an open breezeway that spills into panoramic views of a private pond where native wildlife causally pass. It’s laid-back luxury with a dash of wallaroo.

The 50-acre working alpaca farm sets the scene, with miniature donkeys and vibrant seasonal foliage offering constant reminders you’re far from the city buzz. Think slow mornings with coffee in hand, barefoot walks through native bushland, and dinners under a canopy of stars.

Inside, natural light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows, warming polished concrete floors in winter and opening up to summer breezes when it heats up. The home is entirely off-grid—powered by solar and designed for low impact—but that doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out. From a French cast-iron fireplace to soft alpaca wool duvets, every detail is crafted for comfort.

An adults only retreat imagined for those with a love for great design and the great outdoors, this boutique escape offers something rare: utter tranquility without sacrificing style.

Read the full article on Hunter Hunter here with more images of the summerhouse

Photo credit: Milou Hofman Photography

Written by Hunter Valley Editor

04 May 2025

Source: https://www.hunterhunter.com.au/hunter-valley/accommodation/little-valley-summerhouse/