Home Away From Home: River Ranch in Mudgee is a picturesque rural retreat

Set among the peaceful privacy of the quintessential Australian countryside, there’s a structure perched on a grassy knoll, surrounded by rolling hills, friendly wildlife, and a free-flowing river.

It’s the River Ranch Mudgee – a rare rural escape 261 kilometres northwest of Sydney, tempting guests to switch off, press pause, and blissfully immerse themselves in nature.

Created by husband and wife duo Jarrod Kelly and Ashleigh Sword along with Ashleigh’s mother, Laurie Sword, this same creative trio of self-described “business-minded farm rookies” are also responsible for bringing Mudgee’s beloved Black Rose Cottage to life.

“The Rose had been booked out since we opened its doors to guests in 2018 and, while it was proving to be a great investment, we never felt that it offered the true country getaway,” says Ashleigh Sword. “We found ourselves still longing for land, views, and a whole lot more nature.”

And so the search for their next home-stay project began, leading them to stumble upon a picturesque property with a big, old barn-style house just screaming for a makeover next to a river.

“Although the house seemed like it was never quite finished, and very tired in many ways, from the moment we stepped inside we felt complete privacy and immediate zen,” Sword says. “There were unique views from every room, and we could even hear the river running while standing on the balcony.”

After signing on the dotted line, eight months of renovations followed and required a healthy dose of gumption. Once the dust had settled, the result was a fanciful farmhouse that flourishes in its rural setting.

“We designed the Ranch to have a wide open layout, exposed timbers, external decorative shutters, barn lights, and a focus on the restored, red cedar barn doors that were original to the property,” Sword says.

“I love how you can kick open the barn doors on a sunny morning, and gaze out to the nearby horses from the dining table – it’s like nothing I have ever experienced before.”

There’s a perfect blend of feminine features with masculine touches; from the soft, gumtree-green cabinetry in the kitchen to the oversized log fire in the living space.

“We love finding the balance between certain things; like the mix of rugged pieces, such as skulls and animal hides, harmonising with high-end finishes, such as the ceramic butler sink and brass tapware,” Sword says.

There are also eclectic corners filled with fascinating finds, adding yet another delightful layer to the Ranch.

Not to be outshone, the property’s scenic surrounds come with their own magic, offering guests the chance to reconnect with nature.

“The river is truly unmatched; you can make a small campfire in winter, float in the icy water in summer, or picnic in the dappled light, no matter the season,” Sword says. “The Milky Way also runs right over the top of the property, and the large verandahs that wrap around the property means you have endless options to stargaze at night – it’s truly enchanting.”

Given the serenity the River Ranch presents, guests would be forgiven for not wanting to leave its grounds, but should they have an inkling to explore a little further, the magic of Mudgee awaits them. “Mudgee is filled with old-world charm, the wine is world-leading, and amazing foodie experiences are popping up more and more,” Sword says.

While in Mudgee…

Wander your way through wineries

With more than 40 cellar doors, each with their own distinctive story, wine offerings, and scenic spots to sit, swirl, and tipple, it’s a worthwhile experience to wander your way through Mudgee’s wineries, such as Gilbert Family Wines, spread across the region.

Go on a foodie tour

From casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants, Mudgee’s foodie scene is certainly ever-growing. Book a table at Pipeclay Pumphouse, where the menu follows the paddock-to-plate philosophy, with views overlooking the vineyard.

Get a glimpse of yesteryear

Spend a morning exploring the historic main streets of Mudgee, where heritage buildings including the local library, post office, and Regent Theatre building can be found. A visit to the nearby 19th-century gold rush town of Gulgong is also a must.

Take a hike along The Drip track

To inspect nature at its best, tackle the The Drip track, an easy 2.8-kilometre walk that meanders alongside the Goulburn River to the Great Dripping Wall. Consider packing a picnic lunch to make the hike all the more special.