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A Homestead Full Of History
With our summer 2024 shoot wrapped recently, the Mountain Designs team kicked back for some well-earned rest. But adventurers can't sit still for too long, so even while relaxing thoughts soon turned to the outdoors, with each member reminiscing about their favourite shoot locations over the years. One of the crew kept it current, recalling just six months ago our winter 2024 shoot in Jindabyne in New South Wales. While each of us called out the different elements we thought were the best part of that trip, we all agreed upon one thing - that the back story to one of the locations was incredibly special and that we were super lucky to have been able to visit. That location was Old Cobbin Homestead and that back story is one of real Australian history.
A Historic Stay With Real Australian History
Old Cobbin Homestead sits on an idyllic 55-acre sheep and cattle property in Moonbah, just minutes from Jindabyne in New South Wales high country. The homestead has forever been a place of hospitality and history, built from stone in 1864 for James Thompson - a respected drover in the region - and his wife and nine children. Famous Australian bush poet A. B. 'Banjo' Paterson was among its known visitors, while Jack Riley, aka The Man From Snowy River, was employed by Mr Thompson. Cobbin Creek, which runs through the property, served as a traditional travel route for the local Ngarigo people. The property itself remained in the same family for seven generations.
Old Cobbin Homestead is rich in colonial character and rustic charm. The building showcases many original features, including timber windows and doors, thick granite stone walls and chimneys, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and traditional fireplaces. Originally, the homestead boasted a shingle roof with dormer windows and an attic space for servants, accessible by an external staircase. The farmland grounds are delightful, and you can wander the private gardens, surrounding paddocks and creek frontage for hours. Keep an eye out for the old sulky in the 100-year-old orchard, the tree swing and the two mountain horses that wander the property.
The Old Cobbin Homestead (left), and the two mountain horses that call it home (right). (Images courtesy of Old Cobbin Homestead & Matt Horspool)
Moonbah In The Mountains
Moonbah, nestled in the heart of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, is located approximately halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, and just a 2-hour drive inland from Merimbula on the South Coast. This peaceful spot serves as the ideal base for exploring the nearby town of Jindabyne. Only minutes away, Jindy as its affectionately known, offers up a vibrant selection of restaurants and pubs. In winter, it's an easy drive for the powder hounds to the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher.
Summer brings its own set of adventures, with world-class hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing for trout in the Thredbo River all on your doorstep. There are scenic trail rides and lessons at the Thredbo Valley Horse Riding School (open from spring through autumn) and the region is also home to a variety of festivals and markets year-round. Don't miss a visit to the Wildbrumby Distillery for a relaxed lunch and schnapps tasting, or enjoy a delicious dinner at Crackenback Farm Restaurant, nestled in the stunning Crackenback Valley, just a short drive away.
Spend hours wandering the paddocks (left) of an 1800s homestead (right). (Images courtesy of Old Cobbin Homestead & Matt Horspool)
Amenities Aplenty
The restoration of Old Cobbin Homestead has been meticulously executed, with attention to every detail combined with a retained warmth and care (thanks to Gavin and Bliss, the property owners and hosts). Two bedrooms sleep up to six guests: there's a great big king-sized bed in the large master bedroom, while the second bedroom has a bunk and two singles. Most big group activity revolves around the fully-equipped kitchen, heroed by a farmhouse table next to the original fireplace. A relaxing loungeroom offers cosy chairs for reading, while a secluded study off the main bedroom gives you a quiet place to escape to for solitude. There is a bathroom with shower over bath, and separate laundry with washer and dryer. Luxurious linens, complimentary Australian-made botanical body products and pantry staples complete the stay.
The kitchen is the centrepiece of the rustic building. (Image courtesy of Old Cobbin Homestead)
Solitude can be found in every corner, from the cosy lounge room (left) to the quiet study off the main bedroom (right). (Images courtesy of Matt Horspool)
Head outside and you can soak up some sun from the front porch while sipping a coffee and spotting the local animal life. A Weber gas BBQ and picnic table are often the focal point for social gatherings in the outdoors day and night. The surrounding paddocks let you roam and by nightfall you can take in the majestic night sky full of shimmering stars.
Homely features are aplenty and make the homestead warm and inviting. (Images courtesy of Old Cobbin Homestead)
Taking in the serenity from the front porch. (Image courtesy of Matt Horspool)
Final Say
We all enjoy that feeling of discovery when embarking on an outdoor adventure… what really makes it memorable is those little 'surprise and delights' that you unexpectedly happen upon. When we planned to shoot some scenes at Old Cobbin Homestead, we knew we were shooting at a beautiful location. But we were that little bit more excited to learn it held such a special place in Australia's history. Check it out for yourself, bookings at https://www.cobbinhomestead.com.au/
Photo Credits
All images supplied by:
Matt Horspool & Mountain Designs
Old Cobbin Homestead
- Instagram: @old_cobbin_homestead
- Website: https://www.cobbinhomestead.com.au/
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