Sunday, April 15, 2012

Review: Sweet Briar B&B, Clare Valley

The dam & the windmill out the back
Over Easter we were lucky enough to get away for three nights in the beautiful Clare Valley. Being surrounded by vineyards, bushland and serenity was just what the doctor ordered.

As it was a last minute decision to go away, we found ourselves taking the only accommodation available - a new B&B called Sweet Briar, just 3kms up the road from the Clare County Club. The reason it had remained vacant was the unusual lack of photos on their website so nobody was willing to book sight unseen. Except for my mother of course.

Well, the dive into the unknown worked out splendidly. Sweet Briar was fabulous.

The front of Sweet Briar
Nestled amongst its own vineyards (which the owners make wine from of course), we were treated to a large three bedroom home, which had a wrap around veranda along the front and side (in typical old South Australian style), spacious rooms, a little extra room off of our bedroom complete with bunks (but we just popped Ivy's portacot in there) and a large extension off the back which housed a second bathroom/laundry, and open lounge/dining area with combustion fireplace. 

It would be fair guess to say the owners also use the house, as the little extras were all thought of. There were condiments in the kitchen, napkins, soy sauce, plenty of cooking pots & pans, plus other handy items.

The view from the lounge
There was a dam out the back, so if you have young kids make sure you keep an eye on them, but it provides a beautiful view and there are plenty of walking tracks around the place to keep you exploring.

The B&B is also located right on the Riesling Trail, so bring your bike along & make the most of what the Clare Valley is renowned for.

As much as I carry on though, I'll let a few photos I took explain the rest for you.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for a great place to getaway with up to 3 couples (and a couple of kids), this is a great place to do it with some good wine, a roaring fire and a beautiful view.

To book or for more info visit http://www.stayz.com.au/108516
The view to one side of the house
The King size suite
The lounge area (TV is off to the left, dining to the right & two more big lounges are behind me)
Didn't get time to enjoy the big bath but did enjoy the space in the bathroom!
Another view of the lounge

 The second bedroom (which has the additional room off to the left of the bed)

The kitchen (small but perfectly country with every convenience except dishwasher)

Beautiful sunsets enjoyed from the veranda

A quirky little place to enjoy a red wine & a view of the vineyards

No comments: