You can look forward to a garden, a playground and laundry facilities at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time.... Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free holiday home has laundry facilities and a garden. Other amenities include barbecues. The holiday home has 3 bedrooms and offers free WiFi and a sofa bed. A kitchen comes with a fridge and an oven, and guests will also find upscale touches, such as a private pool and a fireplace.
Air-conditioned accommodation at this holiday home offers private pools and fireplaces. Rooms open to balconies or patios. This accommodation is furnished with sofa beds, desks, dining tables and kitchen islands. Kitchens offer fridges, stovetops, microwaves and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers.
Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Smart televisions come with DVD players. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board.
Recreational amenities at the holiday home include an outdoor pool.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach loungers
Pool/Spa
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV
Stereo
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Fully-fenced
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total
Food and water bowls
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Things to do
Horseback riding nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available
Note from host: Please ensure you clean up after your pet.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Games, books and toys available.
Events
No events allowed
Maximum of 9 guests/visitors allowed.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Maximum of 9 guests/visitors allowed.
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 2325, PID-STRA-5797
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Property is also known as
'tara Lee' A Step Back In Time
'tara lee' A Step Back in Time.
'tara lee' A Step Back in Time..
'Tara Lee' A Step Back in Time...
'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... Cessnock
'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... Private vacation home
131898
About the area
Cessnock is home to this holiday home. Hunter Valley Gardens and Werakata State Conservation Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hunter Valley Wildlife Park and Binnorie Dairy. Ready for a night out? Consider Roche Estate and Bimbadgen Palmers Lane. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours and health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like horse riding nearby. Visit our Cessnock travel guide
Does 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time...?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... located?
This family-friendly Cessnock holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Werakata State Conservation Area, Oaks Golf Course and The Valley Brewhouse. Saddlers Creek Wines is 2.7 mi (4.4 km) away.
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'Tara-Lee': A Step Back in Time... Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Our stay was perfect in every way. We stayed over Christmas for a break from a busy year. The home had everything we needed. A well equipped and maintained property. A big tick for us was the pets policy. We always travel with our "pack" and Tara Lee did not disappoint. A secure yard is always a necessity when travelling with pets. We will be back.
Great location. Stayed with some old school friends and showed them the Hunter Valley Gardens and Xmas Lights Spectacular. We had such an amazing time. We were exhausted Saturday doing the gardens from midday and again at night. We had a sleep-in and spent Sunday visiting Sabors Desserts late in the morning then the Choclate and Fudge place next door to Sabor's. We were back at Tara Lee by 12.30 in the afternoon and just relaxed, talking and swimming in the spectacular pool. They were in awe of Tara Lee and the step back in time with beautiful furnishings etc. Congratulations to Karen and John as there was everything you could possibly need. We remembered around 6pm there was the complimentary bottle of wine and Chocolate still in the fridge. Thank you again for a wonderful stay.Cheryl and friends
CHERYL C.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Viviane
28 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful house with character and perfect for family weekend
Such a beautiful period home, true to the photos posted on the StayZ website!!!
Such a privilege to be amongst it's history.
Such wonderful and very helpful hosts!!!
Would love to stay there again and again!!!
Our family stayed her over the Christmas Holidays. Everyone loved the house. It was beautifully decorated with a classical antique vibe. Very spacious, multiple dining areas, big kitchen. The pool was amazing and the kids stayed it in most of the day.
The location is excellent, 5 minutes away from everything, shops, supermarkets, various churches.
The host is very responsive and very understanding.
Thank you for providing my family a 2022 Christmas we will never forget.
Long N.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
Caitlin L.
13 Jun 2021
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
Bit surprising
Location was great, check in easy.
However when we arrived, one of the beds appeared to have been slept in and there were dirty towels on the bathroom floor which hadn’t been cleaned.
I called the owner and left a message, who never responded.
We changed the sheets ourselves and attempted to tidy up the bathroom.
Other than that the place was great
From the moment we stepped into Tara lee we were all amazed at how well preserved and renovated this beautiful old house was, it welcomed us with a charm like no other holiday stay has ever done before. The wine and Chocolates on arrival was a nice touch that made us all feel very special and welcome. The magnificent large rooms accommodated all our family very well and the house was equipped with everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. The kids loved swimming in the beautiful in ground swimming pool as my partner and I relaxed in the comfortable chairs around the pool. Even thou it was a short stay we felt like we stayed allot longer as we we’re totally relaxed in our surroundings, we will definitely be back for a longer stay in the future and we’d recommend this holiday stay to anyone looking at visiting the beautiful wine region. Thanks Karen and John for a wonderful experience
As soon as we opened the front door we couldn’t believe it. Wow was all we could say. Smelt gorgeous and looked fresh and super clean. A generous and thoughtful touch with the wine and chocolates left for us to enjoy (and we did, thankyou!) This property is in immaculate condition and we loved the decor and reading about its history. The pool was stunning and a real bonus in this hot weather. The kitchen was the best equipped holiday let kitchen we’ve ever seen. Best sleep I’ve had in ages, beds were so comfy and beautifully made with crisp, fresh linen and neighbourhood is extremely quite. This property is very close to everything we needed. A gorgeous home. We had a lovely time and we’ll certainly be back!
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Archival
8/10 Good
Michelle D.
12 Aug 2015
Comfortable Stay
A comfortable 2 night stay @ Tara-Lee. Property is close to the main street of Cessnock & walking distance to shopping, restaurants & pubs & a short drive to wineries & various other tourist attractions. I would recommend Tara-Lee to family, friends & clients for a group, family or couple stay & for those who like to holiday with their pooch. Property has all the comforts of home & is clean & well equipped for all, including the pooch. The back verandah, rear yard & pool area is safe & secure for children & dogs & is a very relaxing space. The Owners are a pleasure to deal with & have thought of everything, making your booking, check in & stay a breeze......... only draw back was our stay was not long enough. We hope to return for a longer stay @ Tara-Lee in the near future. Many Thanks...... Michelle, Gary, Susanne, Andrew, Nanette, Mike, Bella & Maya
Michelle D.
Verified
4/10 Poor
Helen M.
22 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Weekend with family and friends
The property was cute, neat, tidy and quirky. It was tricky to organise sleeping arrangements when not all persons are a couple. More single bed options would be handy. The house was lovely but due to floor plan, and thin walls, noise easily carried through each room which made sleeping for some problematic. It was also hard to fit everyone in one room for board games. Upon check in, the host was hostile and unprofessional as she changed check in and departure times the night before without warning and it differed to all previous communications. When we arrived, well after advertise check in time, they weren’t ready, we were made to wait outside for 40 minutes after a long drive, the host and cleaner continued to argue with me and made us feel very unwelcome. I had my 84 year old mother with me who just wanted to use the toilet and enter the property but we were told to go away. As she charges a premium, I was shocked and disgusted by her attitude, this situation could have been managed so much better and nicer. Her text messages were also rude, inappropriate and unhelpful. I had to ask for information about the key and entry details into the property as I was waiting on any communication from the host prior, there continued to be no communication except for argumentative texts from host upon arrival. She then continued to ‘punish’ us by texting me stating we had an earlier check out time just because she wanted to be nasty, this was confusing us once again as to what was the actual check out time. I personally think the host is in the wrong profession, she was so cranky, unorganised and commutations were inaccurate. We did however try our best not to let this ruin our holiday. But if you’re going to charge people through the roof for 2 nights accommodation there is a certain level of service expected.
The heritage-like property was clean, spacious, and so very well equipped. Large timber deck looking over the perfectly manicured greenery and a stunning sandstone pool. Cafes, restaurants, and shopping all about a 500m walk away. Highly accommodating owners just to top it off. Highly recommended.
We have family visiting from the UK so wanted to get out of the city for a few days. The property perfectly accommodated 4 adults and 2 little ones, we also brought the dog. The house had everything you can think of, the cleanliness was exceptional, beds comfortable and sheets so soft.
The kids enjoyed the pool, despite the rain. The location was perfect in terms of proximity into Cessnock and the wineries. Highly recommend.
Beautiful Home with everything you could ask for. Very nice and clean Pool.
Convenient location and our Puppy enjoyed the Garden.
Hope to return later in the Year
We had a wonderful time at Tara-Lee. The property is very well appointed, clean, beautifully furnished and the pool is fantastic. Check-in and communication with Karen was very easy and the chocolates and bottle of wine was a lovely touch.
Couldn't recommend Tara-Lee highly enough.
We loved our stay at "Tara-Lee". The property was just amazing. Very relaxing, Beautiful pool, great secure backyard for our puppies. The house has been beautifully restored and there was plenty of room for our family of 6 adults. Shops and Restaurants were just a 10 minute walk away. I would highly recommend this accommodation and will hopefully return when next in the Hunter Valley
Excellent property, beautifully restored and maintained in early C19 condition....was a pleasure staying there. We would definitely recommend it and return at any time with pleasure.
Lesley H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
15 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved the character and how spacious the home is with not taking away the coziness of the property