If you're visiting North Sydney, you can't hope for a more caring pair of hosts, location or quality of accommodation. The historic Stonehouse 1880—once home to iconic Australian painter Norman Lindsay's brother, Percy—exceeded our every expectation.
If you're here for work, it's a brisk five-minute walk to the North Sydney CBD, and just two train stops to the Sydney CBD.
If your trip is for pleasure, just roll the short way down the hill to Sydney Harbour, with all the cafe delights of Kirribilli on your doorstep.
Sydney's lower north shore opens up at your back, including the eat streets of McMahons Point, Neutral Bay, Cammeray, Cremorne and Crows Nest.
But it's worth noting that this little pocket of paradise shuns those with big cars or who are mobility-challenged. It's on a narrow, dead-end street so big 4WDs and their drivers may struggle. There is a handful of steps to the front door and the driveway is steep, which could be an issue for some travellers. However, based on our experience, Paula and Rowan will do everything in their power to smooth the way for you.
We found our real delight was in their unbridled hospitality and openness. They took us in almost as if we were family. They anticipated our needs and were always there with a friendly, helping hand when we needed it.
As to accommodations, the apartment is big with its own front door to the street just beyond its soothing garden, which is the perfect place to prop yourself for an early morning breakfast. It has high-end furniture, appliances (including Nespresso & full European kitchen), floor coverings, linen and furnishings.
And wait until you see the bathroom.
On a practical matter, the presence of a real study desk in the bedroom and broadband cable internet (over wi-fi) was perfect for maintaining productivity on the go.
We would love to stay here again.