introducing the river haus

a luxe picture-perfect cottage at the heart of the historic river port town of Morpeth, NSW.

By now some of you know we’ve launched our latest project, The River Haus, in the historic river port town of Morpeth NSW. Apologies if you’ve heard all this before - we’re just a tiny bit proud of our quintessential country cottage.

Set behind a white picket fence, it’s a stone's throw from the mighty Hunter River and overlooks the historic St James Anglican Church. Stroll to Morpeth's heritage-listed main street, picnic on the river bank and dine at the lauded Boydell's Cellar Door and Restaurant (a mere 50 metres from the back gate).

The River Haus is the result of 14 month’s of blood, sweat and tears (mostly my husband Toms’). It’s been designed to include everything needed for a luxe stay in the Lower Hunter, accommodating up to four guests. Designed with couples in mind (and small families), it’s where vintage and antique treasures meet luxury and curated comfort.

Inside feels like a home away from home. There’s a fully equipped farmhouse kitchen with Butler’s sink, Nespresso coffee machine (with 36th Parallel biodegradable pods), Bosch dishwasher and stove, Smeg kettle and toaster, leather lounge, Nectre woodfire, ducted air conditioning, 65cm Smart TV and JBL sound bar.

Two (identical) guestrooms offer queen size iron beds with AH Beard mattresses, blackout blinds, quality linen and antique wardrobes. A separate office cum library (along with fast Wi-Fi throughout the house) allows guests to work from home or sink into the oversized armchair with a good book. A highlight is undoubtedly the striking bathroom with herringbone tiled floors, freestanding bathtub, shower with oversized shower head, Grown Alchemist amenities and Normann Copenhagen bell lamp.  

Dark stained Blackbutt floors and crisp white walls provide a clean backdrop for the River Haus’ many treasures. There’s a French market basket, Bentwood chairs, vintage kitchen cannisters and weighing scales plus Dr Morse’s Indian Root pill bottles. The Dr Morse's Indian Root Pills signage on the side of a shed just outside Morpeth is an iconic and much loved building. Framed drawings of steamships, a rustic lantern, ship’s rope, coffee table fashioned from a steamship trunk, model ship and old oars meanwhile are a nod to Morpeth’s past as a bustling river hub.

Step beyond oversized glass sliding doors to a custom built deck adorned with festive marquee lights offering outdoor table shaded by a smart black and white striped umbrella. The outdoor entertaining space leads to a private rear garden complete with fire pit ( hopefully coming by the end of summer or as soon as we can muster up the energy!) where guests can gather with glass of wine in hand under clear starry skies.

Myself and husband Tom Szecsodi, a property developer, are the owners of the River Haus. We live nearby in Newcastle and are regular visitors to the charming township of Morpeth where we’ve witnessed many changes to the bustling tourist town over the past decade. Working alongside local tradesmen (we’re looking at you Trent Minns), Tom put in 12 months’ of tireless work to transform the old house into the eye-catching cottage it is today. You should have seen what an ugly little duckling it was when we purchased it.

I was meanwhile charged with styling the property, searching endlessly for antique and vintage treasures fitting of the property’s river port setting. 

“We love Morpeth, Australia’s second oldest river port. This quaint river-side town offers old school pubs, local artisans, sandstone buildings, cafes, the historic Arnott Bakehouse and a rare timber truss road bridge which spans the Hunter River. You can take a carriage ride pulled by Clydesdales, shop at farm gates and taste award-winning small batch wines paired with a seasonal menu at Boydell’s housed in a restored 1850s slab timber building.”

We hope guests staying at the River Haus feel refreshed taking walks down country lanes, breathing in fresh air, sleeping on cotton sheets and waking to bird song and the peal of church bells. We also hope our new venture sheds light on Morpeth’s storied past and its significant role in the development of the Hunter and the fledgling colony.

Wish you were here? Well you can be. Amazingly, we still have some dates in January whereas almost everywhere else is booked out! The Lower Hunter is a great summer destination and we know some secret swimming holes and can book you into beautiful restaurants where you can dine alfresco under shady trees. We’ve got ducted air conditioning and every luxury to make your stay super comfortable. Book on Airbnb here or Riparide here. Or email us at guests@riverhaus.com.au and book direct for special mates’ rates. See www.riverhaus.com.au

The River Haus, an overview:

• Two spacious bedrooms with queen size iron beds and AH Beard mattresses.

• One luxurious bathroom with freestanding tub plus laundry with separate toilet.

• Prime location walking distance to all of Morpeth’s shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants.

• Wood fire.

• Grown Alchemist shampoo, conditioner and hand wash.

• Quality linen and Sheridan towels.

• Every booking includes a bottle of Boydell’s Wine, local sourdough and Donarch chocolates (made in Tenambit).

• From $400 per night midweek (minimum two night stay).

• Bookings are via Airbnb or Riparide or contact us for direct bookings at guests@riverhaus.com.au