Newcastle travel and lifestyle writer, photographer and blogger Sheridan Rhodes has found a new love.
Having spent years contributing to an array of publications such as Domain, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Signature Travel, Royal Auto and Jetstar, to name a few, Ms Rhodes has turned her attention to Morpeth.
Incorporating all her style and learned design techniques, together with the skills of property developer partner Tom Szecsodi as well as local tradesmen, she’s launched a luxe new accommodation in the historic township.
The River Haus is the result of 12 months of hard work, she told Newcastle Weekly.
“My husband and I have poured more than a year of blood, sweat and tears into reinventing this property.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved.”
The quintessential country cottage sits a stone’s throw from the Hunter River, overlooking the historic St James’ Anglican Church.
It is a short stroll to Morpeth’s heritage-listed main street and the township’s highly acclaimed Boydell’s Cellar Door and Restaurant.
Set behind a white picket fence, The River Haus can accommodate up to four guests and is designed with couples in mind.
Having searched tirelessly for unique fittings for the venue, Ms Rhodes hopes the home offers the perfect blend of vintage and antique treasures, together with luxury and curated comfort.
When she speaks of the increasingly-popular lower Hunter township, the experienced traveller can’t help but be nostalgic.
“We love Morpeth, Australia’s second oldest river port,” she said.
“This quaint river-side town offers old school pubs, local artisans, sandstone buildings, cafes, the historic Arnott Bakehouse and a rare timber truss road bridge which spans the Hunter River.
“You can take a carriage ride pulled by Clydesdales, shop at farm gates and taste award-winning small batch wines paired with a seasonal menu at Boydell’s housed in a restored 1850s slab timber building.”
“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.”
For more stories like this:
- Morpeth Bridge lights up
- Morpeth residents on right track
- Morpeth residents fed up with neglect
- Morpeth historic photos wanted
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