A magnificent white-panelled creation straight out of Mississippi’s deep south. Lillians on Lovedale is ideal for lovers of shiny, stylish, spotless elegance. Dazzling walls, gleaming floorboards and wide open-plan spaces make this a place of light, air and supreme comfort. Self-contained with two bedrooms on a 25-acre tree-studded property, the tariff includes a free bottle of wine on arrival.

With six bedrooms and three bathrooms accommodating up to 12 people, it’s perfect for families and groups. It is beautifully furnished, with pieces sourced from around the globe, as well as all the essentials (Appelles products, plush linens, boardgames). And with a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy fireplace, library, art gallery and swimming pool, you’ll want for nothing.

Five exceptional self-contained (and very private) cottages about 15km north of downtown Pokolbin. Among the five are the two-bedroom Casuarina Cottage (hidden in a thick casuarina forest); the gorgeous two-bedroom Billabong Cottage, perched over a peaceful dam with two large decks; and the sublime Treetops Cottage, set three metres aboveground with wraparound verandahs and an outdoor bathtub.

It’s the first choice for large groups wanting easy access to everything in the region. Set near the stunning Brokenback Ranges with onsite golf course. Home to possibly Australia’s most ridiculously large and enjoyable swimming pool

With 17 spacious rooms and wide balconies in this relocated, restored convent. Elegant on the outside with a delightful courtyard and manicured gardens. Tariffs include breakfast and pre-dinner drinks and canapés, but, best of all, is the superb Circa 1876 restaurant nearby. Plus Pepper Tree Winery is right there too.

Valleyfield Escape is located in Laguna 5 minutes south of Wollombi. The designer retreat is a large, modern villa with a fully equipped kitchen, log fire, and a freestanding bath with lovely floor-to-ceiling views over the property.

Five deluxe dwellings (Vue, Terrace, Ridge, Gums, Edge cottages) are dotted throughout this dense, 40ha valley perched on the side of a mountain valley. Completely secluded from one another, this is one of the most private and luxurious boutique outfits in the Hunter. With simple exteriors and expansive verandahs, each cottage’s interior is a study in clean, simple, modern elegance. Closest winery Tallavera Grove.

The Spanish Mission-style Lodge feels like a mix of Moorish palace and Roman villa. Each of the 10 rooms (encircling a central courtyard), is different in layout and style, decorated with eclectic oriental curios. Relax in the heated outdoor pool or arrange a massage and sauna to, followed by a splendid feast at on-sight Restaurant Nine or nearby Circa 1876. Splash-out on one of the suites: the Oriental (complete with a Picasso) or Chairman’s (with a 300-year-old four-poster). Note: in order to use the Lodge, you must book all 12 rooms for exclusive use, making it perfect for weddings, functions and corporate events.

A solid option across most budget levels is covered across Hermitage’s 20 rooms – from plush, modern suites ideal for top-end groups to serviceable Lodge Rooms for penny pinchers. The spacious Vineyard Suite is specially designed for wheelchair access and is a real credit to the Lodge. As is its award-winning Italian restaurant, Il Cacciatore (a consistent performer that’s very popular with the locals – always a good sign).