Branxton: Life in acountry town

After five years of renovations, Branxton’s historic Commercial Hotel building has been given a new lease on life, providing an exciting new tourism and hospitality venture for the quiet country town.

The 1929-built building is now home to three local businesses, with a fabulous barbershop located in the former lady’s lounge and a magnificently moody, vintage-style café, restaurant, cocktail bar – and escape room – filling out the rest of the downstairs area.

For those who don’t want to drive home after tasting the delights of the cocktail menu, the building’s first floor has been converted to a heritage chic boutique accommodation known as the Hunter Valley Farm View Apartment.

Not far from the end of the Hunter Expressway and just a short drive from the renowned Hunter Valley vineyards, the apartment is the perfect base to explore the delights of the surrounding region. The accommodation is run by building owners David and Kim Barnes, who had previously operated a farm stay and realised that people from the city not only enjoyed farm life, but the life of a country town.

“Branxton has such an authentic feel to it and people love visiting. Branxton has become a bit of a hub for weekend drives, motorcycle rides …or a first stop off before people head out to the vineyards,” Kim said.

Featuring original tin ceilings that have been beautifully restored to highlight their stunning decorative patterns, the two-bedroom apartment also has all the mod cons including ducted air conditioning, a well-appointed kitchenette, television and outdoor seating area on a private section of the verandah overlooking the farmlands behind Branxton.

Stock up on all your essentials at the local IGA, or take your pick from the scrumptious menu at The Quinn café offering a tasty breakfast and great coffee right on your doorstep.

After whiling away the day on the wine tasting trail, having a cocktail bar and restaurant just downstairs from the apartment is a pretty handy way to round out your day before you wander back upstairs for a good night’s sleep in the cosy king-sized bed.

For more details refer to www.facebook.com/TheCommercialBranxton/