Perched On The Water's Edge

Sun Herald

Sunday November 11, 2007

Hannah Edwards

Hannah Edwards indulges in luxury at Little Wobby.

A serene mermaid, beautifully carved out of wood, is watching over us from the top-floor deck as we loll about on lounge chairs, indulge in delicious food and lap up the watery views of the Hawkesbury River.

There's not much else to do considering we are well and truly landlocked in the Glasshouse, a flash boat-access-only mansion perched on the water's edge at Little Wobby.

It's our home for the weekend, all six luxurious levels of it.

It has plenty of wow factor thanks to the combination of a stunning waterfront location and striking contemporary architecture set against dense bush and Hawkesbury sandstone. There's a plunge pool, a sound system that is integrated through the entire house (soothing music is playing when we arrive), and limestone floors in the main living area that stay cool underfoot even when the sun is blazing outside.

There is even a gym (on the same level as the wine cellar) for those feeling guilty about indulging a little too much.

All of these special features are spread over the many levels, meaning we spent the first half-hour after arriving gasping at the luxurious features of the accommodation and getting lost.

While huge, the towering mansion has been sympathetically built against a bushy sandstone cliff and the colour scheme of navy blue and natural timbers blends in nicely. No expense has been spared in creating the luxurious home.

We spot the house long before we arrive as it's lit up like a Christmas tree, its reflection shimmering on the water. It's a good idea to take plenty of your favourite books, CDs and DVDs. We didn't and I felt a little bit restless at times considering there are no places to go for a walk and the chop on the water meant it was too rough to go for a paddle.

Our one attempt to try out the kayaks and paddle across to Dangar Island was foiled when a strong wind whipped up just moments after setting off. I slipped over on the algae-clad ramp trying to pull in a kayak and the effort was called off. We went for a swim in the small plunge pool instead.

That evening I tried out the spa built into a corner of the massive master bedroom. That bedroom, by the way, takes up the entire top floor of the house, gazing out at the twinkling lights on Dangar Island a short way across the water. That night we leave the blinds open and wake the next morning to stunning water views and sparkling sunshine.

The late checkout on Sunday of 3pm was a nice inclusion in the weekend package and meant we felt like we had had a full weekend away.

TRIP NOTES

Address: Little Wobby, Hawkesbury River.

Bookings: Phone 0401308888 or email info@hawkesburyriver.com.

Rates: For two adults, pay $1190 a weekend; $1090 for three nights midweek; and $1640 for one week.

VERDICT

Why you'd go: For a taste of decadent waterfront luxury.

Why you wouldn't: You prefer rustic holiday cottages.

Verdict: A stunning low-maintenance mansion in an idyllic setting.

FIND TIME TO

? Relax. There aren't really many other options thanks to the property's water-access-only location. And unless you are a very keen bushwalker happy to battle thick scrub, there aren't really any options to leave the house.

? Eat sumptuously thanks to the catering hamper that can be ordered in advance and put in the fridge before your arrival. We feasted on gourmet pies, an array of fresh vegetables, lemon tart, chocolate brownies and bacon and eggs.

© 2007 Sun Herald

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