If you are considering visiting the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW you may need to plan your travels well ahead of time. Such a popular getaway from Sydney for a weekend or a midweek break you will find out that popular accommodation is booked well in advance.
The Southern Highlands is where I grew up and where I still have family living there. You are probably wondering why I would want to book accommodation there.
When I was researching the Southern Highlands region for an article I came across Moss Vale accommodation that I had not heard of before. So intrigued with this small boutique hotel that had opened during Covid in late 2021 the only way to find out more is to stay a night. With 5 star ratings and a Booking.com rating of 9 already it was definitely one to check out.
That is just what I did and now I share with you the wonderful experience I had there. Even the history of The Nunnery shares a little bit of history with my childhood years.
Review of Old Nunnery Boutique Hotel Moss Vale
History of the Old Nunnery
The Old Nunnery Boutique Hotel was built in 1900 for the McCarthy’s – an English gentleman and his family. They called the property at 27 Arthur Street Moss Vale ‘The Bungalow’.
When you first arrive at The Old Nunnery your gaze drifts towards the impressive architectural style of the building with its wrap-around verandahs typical of buildings during the 1900s. But it is the magnificent example of the Oak Tree that takes front stage in the front garden that makes you stare in wonder. It is an Oak tree with a history and one that I found out is also on the National Heritage list. On the birth of the family’s first daughter Elizabeth McCarthy in 1909 they planted the oak to commemorate her birth. In 2022 that tree now stands at 113 years old!
Now, how did The Bungalow become The Nunnery?
Suzanne, the new owner filled me in on the details and interestingly enough The Nunnery links to my school days in Moss Vale.
Suzanne stated that Mr McCarthy sold The Bungalow to the Catholic Dominican Order in Moss Vale. I attended the Dominican School when SCEGGS, the school I attended in Moss Vale, closed down in 1974.
The Nuns who taught at the Dominican Convent as it was called lived in the school whilst the ‘elder’ nuns made their home at The Nunnery. Dominican Convent was sold to the Anglican Church and is now known as St Paul’s. The Nunnery unfortunately was left to its own devices and fell into disrepair until around 2006 when it was purchased by the previous owners. After some renovations, they opened a small B & B which they ran for 7 years.
Suzanne, who had recently returned from overseas, was looking for a challenge and purchased the property in December 2020, right in the middle of COVID. March 2021 saw Suzanne take up the reins and put her heart and soul into bringing this beautiful old dame back to life again. I marvel at what she has achieved in such a short time during such a difficult period in the world.
Accommodation at The Old Nunnery
There are four rooms available at the Old Nunnery all with an extra-large double bed:
- The Shangri-la Suite
- The Orchid Suite
- The Parisian Suite – my accommodation for the night
- The Renaissance Suite
As all the other rooms were booked for the night I was unable to view their stylish decor. The Parisian Suite as the name suggests took me back to a delightful hotel that I always stay in when I visit Paris that is located near the Louvre.
A lovely touch was freshly made brownies in the room which I thoroughly enjoyed with a cup of tea after checking in.
Each room comes with a very comfortable bed and quality linen. Tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and TV.
A complimentary full English breakfast is served in the morning in the sunny conservatory with a log fire for warmth in the chilly Moss Vale autumn and winters.
There are sitting areas to relax and catch up on your reading or to chat with other guests.
Suzanne has created calming outdoor courtyards to enjoy or you can relax on the verandah with views over the Oaktree and front gardens.
There is guest parking available on-site.
Would I stay here again?
Yes, I would and I did try to book a further two nights just recently but The Old Nunnery was fully booked. I would recommend booking as soon as you can confirm your travel plans.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my article on accommodation in Moss Vale staying at the unique Old Nunnery Boutique Hotel. If you stay there say hi to Suzanne and enjoy her warm hospitality. You will have a memorable stay.
Here is what others have said:
“Amazing venue with a host who is an exceptional leader in her chosen field of providing 5star boutique accommodation. Breakfast was cooked to perfection in a sunny, warm conservatory. Rooms had all the finishing touches along with fine china teacups to enjoy a nice cuppa. King size bed super comfortable.”
“The room was lovely with extra touches such as the fresh brownies. Everything was clean and the bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was freshly cooked and generous. Suzanne was very friendly and showed us through the B&B.”
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For your next staycation have you considered a visit to Canberra, the nation’s capital?
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