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Looking to stay in Pokolbin? Look no further than Thistle Hill Guest House, a romantic French Provincial/Hamptons feel guest house that brings the best of Pokolbin to your doorstep. Stunningly maintained gardens, new bathrooms, 8 French Provincial/Hamptons styled private hotel style suites, a 2-bedroom cottage and a 5-bedroom Luxury Villa at Thistle Hill Guest House provide a flat screen TV, air conditioning, a refrigerator and free wifi. While staying at Thistle Hill Guest House guests have access to a sun terrace, pool, extensive decks and many seats and private locations throughout the grounds. Enjoy your wine and cheese overlooking our dams and vineyard, wander the grounds or lounge by the pool. Peaceful and quiet with free parking all available at Thistle Hill Guest House. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Thistle Hill Guest House as you experience everything Pokolbin has to offer. Thistle Hill Guesthouse is your group’s tranquil oasis on Hermitage. Our elegant, sophisticated, pet friendly venue is one of the few exclusive use venues that allows you to invite additional guests onsite for events, pre and post wedding celebrations and gatherings. Our exclusive venue is BYO, DIY or we can arrange and provide services to meet your needs. Pristine grounds and beautiful surroundings encourage relaxation, unleash creativity, and foster a team spirit. Our surroundings might be relaxed, but our attention to detail certainly is not. Thistle Hill Guesthouse can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people for family functions and 30 for business or corporate groups, across three distinct accommodation options. Thistle Hill Guesthouse is your group’s tranquil oasis on Hermitage Our elegant, sophisticated, pet friendly venue is one of the few places locally to allow exclusive venue use, allowing you to invite additional guests onsite for events, pre and post wedding celebrations and gatherings. Our exclusive venue is BYO, DIY or we can arrange and provide services to meet your needs. Pristine grounds and beautiful surroundings encourage relaxation, unleash creativity, and foster a team spirit. Our surroundings might be relaxed, but our attention to detail certainly is not. Thistle Hill Guesthouse can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people for family functions and 30 for business or corporate groups, across three distinct accommodation options. Thistle Hill Guesthouse is the perfect place to gather with friends, co-workers, family or team members. All our accommodation options are well equipped, with high quality linens, soft fluffy towels, and high end, well stocked amenities. The kitchens are ready to be cooked in, and you’ll have no shortage of dishes to serve up your delicious creations. We want your group to feel at ease, regardless of which accommodation option you select. We also have fast Wifi even in our rural location thanks to Starlink. Fully serviced, or hand over the keys? The choice is yours! For corporate functions, we recommend a tailored package to free up your time for workshopping and collaboration. For family events – why not just take the helm completely and just call us if you need anything. We’re a small family business and we’ll bend over backwards to bring you the occasion you’re dreaming of with customised packages and flexibility second to none! Which accommodation is best for us? Thistle Hill Guesthouse comes with a stack of features, so we’ve clearly outlined which areas are part of which accommodation choices. If you want the entire venue – we’re more than happy for you to book all three locations for your exclusive use! Still have questions? You can head to our FAQs, or Drop us a line.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Languages Spoken
English
Location
591 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin, Cessnock, New South Wales 2320 Australia
We just returned from 3 nights at Thistle Hill over New Years eve. The reviews are all correct - this is a meticulous and extraordinarily well run B&B.
Our room was clean, spacious and modern, and stayed cool notwithstanding that it was 40+ for 2 of the days of our visit with both a/c and ceiling fan. The bed was very comfortable. There were guests staying in the rooms on both sides of us but we didn't hear a peep.
Breakfast is served in a separate guest pavilion similar to a dining room. Every day there was fresh fruit, stewed fruits, bircher muesli, yoghurt and some kind of pastry, a toast station and then Donna made a hot dish. We also returned to sweet treats in our room each afternoon and there was a bottle of wine and cheese plate in our fridge on arrival.
Location is central and walkable to Restaurant Botanica in the adjacent property.
The hosts are incredibly friendly - Donna is especially energetic and bright. On the first night we were running very late and didn't arrive until 8:30 or so and she waited for us to show us the room. They make very sure that you have everything you need; nothing is too much trouble. Also two very cute dogs.
Would definitely stay again.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to start with Thistle Hill? It's like coming home! Donna and Stu are the most incredible hosts I have ever encountered and they always go above and beyond to ensure you have everything you could ever possibly need. The rooms are gorgeously furnished, spacious and the bed is like sleeping on a cloud. The breakfast room is gorgeous with french doors that open up and leave you sitting, enjoying your breakfast taking in the breathtaking views of the property whispering to yourself "how's the serenity". Thistle Hill is also fabulous for functions, I had the most incredible time celebrating with my girlfriends for my 30th birthday and again, Donna and Stu went above and beyond to ensure I had the most memorable weekend ever. The location is also perfect for a walking wine tour, you can walk down one side of Hermitage Road and pop from cellar door to cellar door and then do the exact same on the other side of the road on the way back to Thistle. I can say with all confidence that there is nowhere else in the Hunter Valley I will ever stay aside from Thistle. 12/10 do recommend!
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Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked the entire property (8 suites in the main building and 2 suites in the adjacent cottage) for three nights, as a family gathering centred around my 92 year old father. There was ample space for the 17 of us, and the 'function room' next to the swimming pool was the ideal family gathering space. They have just completed building a fire pit, which they lit for us on two of the evenings. Each of the en-suite suites is beautifully appointed with quality furnishings, air conditioning and well maintained bathrooms. Jo and John went 'above and beyond' to make us comfortable. To welcome us, there was a cheese platter in each of the rooms, and a local wine chilling in each of the fridges. The accommodation includes a sumptuous continental breakfast and we asked them to also cater our dinners. The quality of the meals was superb and extremely reasonable. They were accommodating (and knowledgeable) with our dietary requirements (including Coeliac and Vegetarian). The large grounds are beautiful, with lakes, woods and local kangaroos and provide opportunities to walk and relax. We cannot thank them enough for making it a memorable and wonderful family weekend away and will most certainly return as soon as we can!
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Joanne Bowskill, Owner at Thistle Hill Guest House
Responded Mar 6, 2022
We loved hosting your group and getting to know your family. It was a privilege to facilitate this family catch up and we hope to see you again at Thistle Hill!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna and Stuart are amazing hosts, they are so friendly and really look after their guests. The location is stunning, very peaceful and within walking distance to many great wineries. The room was wonderful, the bed super comfy and the fluffy robes were divine after a hot shower and a glass of wine. Breakfast was served in a beautiful breakfast room overlooking the property, of course the food was delicious. A great location for a quiet weekend away or even a function. Thank you Donna and Stuart, I will be back very soon!
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just spent 3 nights at this wonderful B&B. The hosts Donna and Stuart are so friendly and caring and the extra touches such as wine and fruit platter on arrival and daily treats together with dessert wine in the room add to the feeling of being totally spoilt. The rooms are nicely decorated, spacious and beds are very comfortable. A special mention must go to the breakfast which is served in a separate cottage with lovely ambience. Homemade muesli, delicious fruit dishes such as poached pears or caramelised bananas, breads, great coffee and a lovely hot dish each day make up the feast. There is also a nice pool to relax in on hot days. The B&B is not cheap but with all the little extras is good value. Go ahead and book you'll be glad you did
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We love our Hunter visits and always stay somewhere new, but since discovering Thistle Hill Guesthouse on this visit that looks like changing. The location is A1 - on Hermitage Road - a mecca for wine and food lovers, and with a brand new cycleway that links you to some of the best restaurants and wineries. Hire an electric bike and pick up your wines later or if you’re active, walk between them. Owners Jo and John and team, led by the lovely Arlene, have created a beautiful home away from home. Our room was modest in size but super comfy, with treats like fresh-picked flowers, chocolate, macarons, and a surprise cheese platter and Piggs Peake sticky Verdelho (all ready for a sneaky night cap). Last but not least are the beautifully maintained grounds of many acres with wonderful dams, a pool, fire pit, games lawn and terrace where you would swear you’re in Tuscany. Nothing was too much trouble. You truly feel like a guest.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Â Jo has all the tips you need on tours, bike hire, and restaurant options.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed three days at Thistle Hill as a group of 14 retired teachers and their spouses and we were totally impressed with the facilities and the exceptional and personal service that was provided by Donna and Stuart. The location is quiet and secluded, yet very close to wineries and cafes and shops. The breakfasts are indeed fabulous as mentioned in other reviews and are served in a lovely stand alone room that also serves as the guest lounge. We highly recommend Thistle Hill for couples or larger groups such as ours.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The cottage would be excellent for families or two couples as it has two distinct ensuite rooms...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Thistle Hill, Owner at Thistle Hill Guest House
Responded Mar 13, 2020
Thank you so much Ken for your gracious review. We always knew that it was going to be a great time had between these teachers and we are so honoured and humbled that you chose us. We so hope to see you again and good wishes in the interim xxxx
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Sublime Hunter Valley retreat with gorgeous hospitality! My husband and I had the pleasure of staying at Thistle Hill for two nights, whilst on holidays in our own country instead of charging overseas. We had a three week driving holiday from the Gold Coast to Jervis Bay, back via the Blue Mountains returning home via the New England Highway! We have stayed in the Hunter numerous times, but have now found our second home away from home! I really shouldn’t tell too many people because we might not be able to get in next time due to its popularity! The beautifully appointed guest rooms, opening up with double french doors to a lovely garden, offer a true retreat! A bottle of local wine and a sweet little cheese platter awaits you upon arrival, as well as the obligatory coffee and tea making facilities. However Jo, our hostess makes that extra little effort by putting yummy home made biscuits in a gorgeous glass dome for afternoon tea and a dessert wine served in a stunning decanter awaits your arrival from one of the local restaurants, for a nightcap! The property is sublime, with swimming pool, guest function area, outdoor fire pit and a stunning garden in which to meander. The huge kitchen where breakfast is served, is a treasure cove of cooking facilities and makes you feel as if you were in a french chateau! Breakfast is delicious, not to be missed! We just wanted to stay for a week, or longer! Please Jo and John, keep doing what you are doing, it is truly a wonderful experience! The best night’s sleep in our three weeks away from home! We shall return!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Plenty of parking, all the rooms are stunning, some bigger that others. There is also a two...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lovely spot for a Hunter Valley get-away. Very easy to find, situated on the main road through the Pokolbin wineries, Jo ensured checkin went smoothly, and we were settled in to our room within minutes of arrival.
Although the room was quite small, it was well thought out and didn't feel cramped at all - and the ensuite was light and modern, with a large shower.
The weather wasn't great during our stay, so tantalising glimpses of the pool, fire pit, and what looked like a spa/sauna, when combined with the beautiful gardens (see pic), mean a return visit during summer is already on the cards.
Great hospitality from our hosts Jo and John, delicious food, and the complementary samples of local delicacies - can't wait to return.
5 stars.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have traveled extensively but this was our first trip to the Hunter Valley vineyards region. Travelled as a couple. Can honestly say this property setting, the owners and their hospitality is absolutely 5 stars. The attention to details just amazed us every step of 2 nights we spent here..., from the decor, the welcome cheese platter and wine bottle, the breathtakingly maintained grounds, to the "crisp" swimming pool with adjacent guest loungeroom, and fire fit sitting area. Cannot fault it. Jo & John are amazing operators who have a clear vision and understanding of outstanding hospitality. Thank you Jo & John. Tips: ask the owners about trasport service they can arrange for you instead of booking your own taxi rides from venue to venue. Taxi ride from Thistle Guest House to Hunter Valley Garden and nearby venues was $40 each way.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am so very sorry, however I did answer this question two months ago, I have no idea why it never reached it's destination. We are relatively close to Hope Estate. The valley is all spread out but there is always shuttle services there.
There are more places to choose from in the Pokolbin area.
PRICE RANGE
C$252 - C$373 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaNew South WalesGreater NewcastleCessnockPokolbin
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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