A boutique stay in the Hunter Valley suited to solo escapes, romantic couple getaways, and gatherings of friends & family. 

Hunter Valley Accommodation | The Boathouses & Villa in Lovedale 

Sparkling mornings.
Slow afternoons.
Starry nights.

From the spacious comfort of The Villa, to the cosy charm of our Boathouses, Leaves & Fishes is one of the Hunter Valley's most romantic places to stay - and one of it’s most quietly unexpected.

Each stay invites you to slow down and reconnect - with yourself, each other, and the landscape around you.

Whether you’re visiting solo, planning a romantic couples getaway, or travelling with a small group, our flexible accommodation options are designed to suit your pace. Book a single stay or make the place your own — with four Boathouses and The Villa, the property sleeps up to 12 guests in total.

Coffee on the deck, wine with a book, unwinding in our outdoor barrel sauna - every moment here is made to be savoured.

Our boutique Hunter Valley accommodation caters to a maximum of just 12 people at a time, ensuring you can enjoy our sanctuary and the environment as nature intended – with complete peace and privacy.

Book Your Stay
Book Your Stay
A modern cabin is elevated on a deck above a pond filled with green lotus leaves, surrounded by trees and lush vegetation at Leaves and Fishes
A bathroom corner with a white rectangular stone sink with vintage brass faucets, a round mirror with a gold frame, a wall-mounted soap dispenser holding two bottles, and a small wire basket hanging on the wall at Leaves and Fishes
Yellow water lilies with green lily pads floating on a pond at Leaves and Fishes

The Villa

A generous, two-bedroom haven designed for comfort and meaningful connection. 

Each king bedroom is a cocoon of plush bedding and serene calm, with spa-inspired bathrooms featuring waterfall showers and curated amenities. 

The fully equipped kitchen and open-plan living areas create the perfect setting for shared meals, laughter, and slow evenings. 

Step out onto the overwater deck for morning coffees, sunset drinks, or star-filled dinners - expansive yet grounding. 

The Villa is designed to feel like a home away from home.

  • Two luxurious king bedrooms with premium bedding

  • Two spa-like bathrooms with waterfall showers

  • Fully equipped kitchen, ideal for self-catering or catering

  • Open plan living and dining spaces for gathering

  • Private overwater deck overlooking tranquil waters

  • Perfect for conversations and slow-cooked feasts

Book The Villa
Book The Villa
A cozy living room with a light-colored sofa, decorative pillows, a wooden coffee table with pottery and a vase with green leaves, wooden furniture, large windows, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a white wall-mounted air conditioner. The room has a high vaulted ceiling with exposed white beams and dark metal brackets.
Bedroom scene with a wooden nightstand holding a potted plant and a modern lamp, next to a bed with light gray bedding. A doorway with a wooden frame leads to a bathroom with a showerhead and a stool at Leaves and Fishes
Yellow water lilies and round green lily pads floating on a pond.
Cheese and charcuterie board with glasses of champagne on a dark wooden table at Leaves and Fishes
Cozy interior corner with window seat, plush pillows, soft throw, and a large leafy plant beside a carved wooden door and a window with bamboo blinds, overlooking a green outdoor landscape.

The Boathouses

Four intimate retreats perched on the water’s edge, each a study in serene simplicity. 

Thoughtfully designed to offer just what you need and nothing you don’t, the Boathouses blend luxury with effortless ease. 

Enjoy golden mornings flooded with light, peaceful evenings beside still waters, and the soothing comfort of soft linens. 

  • King bedroom with luxury bedding in each Boathouse

  • Private deck overlooking the peaceful lotus pond

  • Light-filled living areas with tea and coffee facilities

  • Three feature large, indulgent bathtubs

  • One accessible Boathouse with ramp access and walk-in shower (Boathouse 1)

  • Pet-friendly stays available by request (Boathouse 1)

  • Perfect for romantic getaways, wedding proposals and celebrating special occasions.

Book a Boathouse Stay
Book a Boathouse Stay
Interior view of a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, large glass sliding doors, a wooden bench, and green plants outside.
A cozy bedroom with a white wooden wall, two nature-themed paintings, a wooden side table with decorative items, a wicker basket underneath, and a bed with neutral-colored bedding, near a sliding glass door with bamboo blinds.
An interior view of a room with a bed covered in white linen, a wooden bench, and a large paper lantern hanging from the ceiling. There are large windows with greenery visible outside, and a vanity table with vases and bottles.
Cozy living room with white sofa, wooden coffee table set for tea, window with bamboo blinds, and sheer curtains.

The Sauna

Nested beside the lotus pond, our Alpine barrel sauna is designed exclusively for in-house guests — a place to unwind, reset and reconnect with the natural surroundings that makes Leaves and Fishes so unique.

Whether you're easing into a slow morning or unwinding after a day of exploring the Hunter Valley, our outdoor barrel sauna offers a moment of stillness. With views across the lotus pond that change with the season, it is a serene addition to your escape. A complimentary sauna session is included in each stay for all accommodation types with the sauna exclusively yours for the session booking. Additional sessions can also be booked for a fee.

Book Your Stay
Book Your Stay
outdoor barrel sauna nestled in trees at leaves and fishes

The Property

Your Private Sanctuary for Connection, Celebration & Calm

Escape to a one-of-a-kind retreat in Lovedale, Hunter Valley — where The Villa and four overwater Boathouses come together to create a spacious, soulful stay for families, friends, corporate groups, and special gatherings. With room to host more and accommodation for up to 12 guests, it’s a place made for meaningful connections.

Why book the whole property?

  • Privacy and exclusivity for your group

  • Perfect for family vacations, corporate retreats, workshops, and celebrations

  • Ample space to gather and quiet corners to recharge

  • As an in house guest you have exclusive access to our outdoor barrel sauna situated on the side of the lotus pond. One complimentary session is included in your stay

  • Surrounded by nature, with soulful comforts and thoughtful details

  • Check out our event page to learn more about our private spaces available for hire

Ready for your unforgettable escape?

Book the entire property and experience Leaves & Fishes on your terms - where connection, celebration, and calm come together in perfect harmony.

Book a Group Stay
Book a Group Stay
A wooden house with a metal roof and a balcony overlooking a pond filled with lily pads, surrounded by trees.
Interior of a cozy room with large windows overlooking greenery, a leather armchair with a scarf on it, a small wooden side table with a teacup, a hanging paper lantern light, bamboo blinds, and a sliding door leading to a wooden deck with a lounge chair.
A white teapot and two white teacups with matching saucers placed on a round woven placemat on a rustic wooden table near a window, with a view of a wooden deck and greenery outside.
A koi fish swimming beneath green lily pads on a pond.
A cozy bedroom with a white wooden wall, beige bedding, a wooden bench at the foot of the bed, and potted plants on nightstands, with a large paper lantern hanging from the ceiling.
A cozy living room with a white sofa, beige pillows, wooden coffee table with a cup and saucer, large windows with bamboo blinds, and a view of greenery outside.

As featured in

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A person holds a photo of a dog with a border collie breed, lying on the grass.
Text that reads 'SITICHU.' in white font on a black background.
Stylized text that says 'Shine' in cursive and 'SCOUT' in large outlined capital letters.
Visitnsw.com logo in black text on a white background.
A dog on a lead in the grounds of Leaves and Fishes Hunter Valley

Travelling with your dog?

We know your dog is part of the family - and we'd love to welcome them too.

Boathouse 1 is our dedicated pet-friendly stay, where well-behaved pups up to 14kg are genuinely welcome. It's the same quiet waterside experience - private deck, king bed, soft mornings - just with your four-legged companion curled up beside you.

Boathouses 2, 3 and 4 and The Villa remain pet-free, so guests with allergies or a preference for a fur-free stay can book with complete confidence.

One pooch per booking. Please introduce your dog to us in your booking - we just love to know who's coming.

Accessible Accommodation in the Hunter Valley

Everyone deserves a slow morning on the water.

Boathouse 1 has been designed with accessibility in mind — featuring ramp entry, level access throughout, a roll-in shower, and a dedicated accessible parking space just steps from the door. The private deck, king bed, and rainforest bathroom are all yours to enjoy, without compromise.

The Villa also offers ramp access and level entry, making it a comfortable option for many guests — though it doesn't have a roll-in shower. If you have specific requirements or would like to talk through what works best for your needs, please get in touch before booking.

We're proud to be featured in VisitNSW's guide to accessible holidays in the Hunter Valley - a resource we'd recommend to anyone planning a trip to the region.

Book a Stay
Book a Stay
A charcuterie board with various cheeses, cured meats, green olives, and a date spread, placed on a dark stone serving platter.

Experience

We’re delighted to enhance your stay by connecting you with our favourite local massage and wellness specialists, offering exclusive treatments onsite during your visit.

Love something you see in one of our stay spaces? Chances are you will find it in our onsite homewares store, the TROVE. Open Friday and Saturday, and Sunday to Thursday by appointment.

We run a calendar of events and dining experiences throughout the year and can arrange cheese boards and wine tastings on site to help you plan your vineyard visits. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, and we can help you plan your stay!

Two women giving massage treatments to clients lying face down on massage tables in a bright, airy room with large windows, bamboo blinds, and a gray sofa at Leaves and Fishes

Treat someone special to a Hunter Valley escape. Our gift vouchers can be used for boathouse stays and boutique homewares - Individual and group vouchers available.

Purchase a Gift Voucher
Purchase a Gift Voucher

FAQs

  • The Boathouses are adults-only. Each boathouse accommodates a maximum of two adults with one king bed and an open plan bathroom, bed and living format. The Villa accommodates a maximum of four adults with two king bedrooms, three bathrooms and generous living areas.

    If you are booking the accommodation at Leaves & Fishes for exclusive use, we are open to different arrangements for families. Please contact us to discuss your requirements before booking and we will do our best to facilitate your stay. Please note all accommodation is situated over the lotus lake so safety for children is our key priority under these circumstances.

  • The boathouses are a minimum two night stay Friday and Saturday. One night stays are available on a Sunday to Thursday evening. All availability and rates can be found here.

  • There are four boathouses and The Villa, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests at any time.

  • Check-in is 3pm, and check-out is 10am. You will be provided with your access PIN just prior to the time of check-in via the mobile provided on your booking.

  • The Restaurant is currently closed.

    You can check out What’s on page as we run different dining experiences throughout the year, or if you are booking The Villa you can enquire about booking our private chef for your stay. For great local ideas for dining outside of our on-site option visit lovedalehuntervalley.com.au or winecountry.com.au

  • As we offer only four boathouses and are a small team our availability for earlier check-in or late check-out is based on our bookings before and after your chosen dates. We recommend if an earlier check-in time or later check-out time is a requirement to book your chosen room the night before or after to ensure availability.

  • Absolutely! Please email us at stay@leavesandfishes.com.au to apply your voucher to your booking.

  • We have two different room types, Boathouse 2, 3, 4 have a stone bath and overhead shower and Boathouse 1, our accessible boathouse with a double shower.

  • Our double shower room (Boathouse 1) is fully accessible with ramp entry, close parking and bathroom supports. Please let us know in your booking if any further assistance is required and we will do our absolute best to accommodate.

  • Each boathouse has a single parking spot directly beside it. More parking is also available adjacent to the boathouses.

  • Once checked in, the boathouses are not serviced during your stay. Each boathouse is supplied with linens, toiletries and supplies for the length of your stay however if you need any top ups at all during your stay please feel free to contact us. For stays longer than 3 nights an appropriate day and time to provide an included service will be organised with you on the day of check-in.

  • The lotus typically bloom from November through to March. The water lilies, closer to the edge and underneath each boathouse deck usually flower from September to May.

  • We allow small dogs (up to 14kg) in Boathouse 1, our accessible shower boathouse. Please contact us to introduce your pooch and for more information.

  • By Car

        •  From Sydney: Take the M1 north towards Newcastle, then follow signs to the Hunter Expressway (M15) and take the Lovedale Road exit. The drive takes around 2 hours.

        •  From Newcastle: Take the Hunter Expressway (M15) west and exit at Lovedale Road. We’re about 50 minutes from Newcastle.

        •  From Cessnock: Head north on Wine Country Drive, then turn right onto Lovedale Road. We’re about 10 minutes away.

  • ‘What a little gem in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Such a great find. Very secluded and peaceful’

    Angela, October 2025

  • 'Leaves and Fishes is like stepping into another world. My husband and I used to love going to Bali before we had kids, and this stay gave us that same nostalgic, romantic “honeymoon” feeling.' Highly recommend to any couple looking for a peaceful, romantic getaway in the Hunter Valley.'

    Laura, December 2025

  • 'Had the most beautiful stay at Leaves & Fishes! We enjoyed every bit of our balcony view, and feeding the fishes and turtles added such a special touch to the experience.'

    Prabhu, November 2025

  • 'Absolutely perfect! Our stay was incredible from start to finish. We enjoyed every corner of this very special place — cozy, charming, and thoughtfully designed with great care.'

    Daiane, August 2025