'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
But a recent getaway gave that thinking a serious reality check.
Nestled in the Central West, in a countryside postcard known as Abercorn, I discovered that the ultimate escape doesn't need a customs line.
Listed as one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025, Abercorn sits in a valley so peaceful, even the roads don't bother with stop signs. It's wrapped in vineyards, kissed by country air, and just a short drive from the town of Mudgee. A true country getaway that gently yanks you and your family out of city chaos and into something that feels a lot like exhaling for the first time in months.
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Abercorn was named one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025. Image: Supplied
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There's a reason why Abercorn is one of the top holiday homes
This holiday getaway delivers for both sides of the parenting contract. The kids get disconnected from electronics with wide open spaces and endless adventures. You get silence, scenery, and maybe even coffee that's warm enough to drink! It is the kind of break from routine that will reset everyone.
The moment you roll down the long driveway, Abercorn starts showing off. The view stretches out in every direction, with a valley so wide it feels like you've landed in a postcard. And then, just as you're taking that all in, you spot the front entrance. The path to the door is framed by a dreamy arch covered in a carefully curated tangle of greenery, setting the tone before you've even turned the handle. This, I thought, is when the holiday officially begins.
Inside, Abercorn instantly delivers on the cosy-meets-stylish promise. Designed to sleep eight, the house manages to feel both spacious and snug at the same time. The open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for guests to wander from space to space without bumping into anyone, but it also gives everyone enough room to peel off and have their own little corner of calm.
For me, the real standout was the massive windows that wrap around the living space, seamlessly inviting the countryside in. They became my favourite spot, perfect for savouring morning coffees, enjoying sunset wines, and soaking in every moment in between.
Cosy vibes in the country. Image: Supplied
The bedrooms are thoughtfully spread out, with a generous master, two queen rooms, and a sweet twin room that's practically begging for a sibling sleepover. Each space has its own rustic charm, and yes, more of those magical windows so you can wake up to gum trees instead of Google Calendar notifications.
But here's where Abercorn really turns the dial up—two fireplaces. One inside for toasty nights curled up with a glass of red, and one outside for marshmallow-roasting sessions under the stars. Whether you're a parent in desperate need of downtime or a couple looking for a quiet spot to reconnect, there's a nook for you.
And just when you think the charm has peaked, there's a veggie garden tucked off to the side. You can pick whatever's ripe or just potter around pretending you're Meghan Markle!
Feeding the cows with the kids never gets old. Image: Supplied
Keeping the whole family entertained
Inside Abercorn, the charm just keeps coming. I loved seeing shelves packed with books of every kind, offering a much-needed break from our screens and a chance to dive into a good story. These days, it's so easy to get caught up in our devices, even when we're trying to relax. But if reading isn't your thing, no worries. The games area downstairs is a real gem, with a table tennis table and a bunch of board games that kept the kids busy and our competitive spirits alive.
And yes—this is a farm stay, which means there are farm animals, big cows that love to get fed hay. They wander over around 4pm each day for a snack and a sticky beak, and feeding them quickly became a daily highlight. Whether you are an adult or a child this activity is heaps of fun and is something everyone got excited about.
Off to sample some of Mudgee's best. Image: Supplied
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If you're keen to explore beyond the property, Mudgee is just down the road and filled with treasures. There's wine tasting for the grown-ups (you've earned it), charming boutiques to browse, and if you time it right, weekend markets bursting with local goodies. I loved wandering through the quiet streets and hidden corners—every path felt like an invitation to slow down and breathe out.
Before heading out from Abercorn, I couldn't help but feel thankful for the simple joys we experienced.
It was the perfect escape from the digital grind, offering real connection and relaxation. Whether you're chasing family fun or a peaceful retreat, Abercorn greets you with open arms and moments you won't forget.
The writer was a guest of Stayz.
Originally published as 'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
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Influencer mum, Sarah Day, baffled after school denied her kids leave from school for holiday
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News. When I was a child, my parents pulled me out of school for a two-week holiday in February. The back-to-school photos were just snapped, and I barely knew my teacher's name, when we'd ditch class for the NSW coast. Craving a beach holiday, my country-based parents saved their money and any disruption of the festive schedule by taking a summer holiday in term. Every single year. Mum didn't ask the principal for permission. A handwritten note was put in my lunch box, with hopes it would reach my teacher. Sarah spoke about the holiday on her social media. Picture: Instagram / Sarah's Day RELATED: Parents notice strange detail on school timetable The 90s were a simpler time. For almost everything, including attitudes towards missing school for holidays. Just ask Aussie vlogger Sarah Stevenson. 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'Honestly, restricting when kids can and can't go on a holiday is ridiculous. Travelling and being cultured is a way better life experience than missing a week of ABCs.' Another mum said, 'I'm all for taking your kids out for holidays, real-life experiences AND family time'. A second parent admitted, 'we have to apply for approval at our primary school, but I would still go even if it wasn't approved.' Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. So, what are the rules around skipping school for holidays? State and territories have different 'exemptions' for attendance, but the law is the same – parents must send compulsory school-aged children to school every day. In NSW, both state and independent schools do not consider travel during term time as a 'justified' reason for absence. The NSW Education Department's 'justified' exemptions include health concerns, religious holidays and competing in elite arts and sport. 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The teacher in me never leaves, I'm always trying to make it a learning experience.' Timing of trips is important, Ms Chauhan explained, as disrupting the start of a school year can unsettle young kids, and older students might not want to miss social and academic events. The end of the year is a more relaxed time to miss a few days, as 'not much learning is going on' once grades are in, and kids can feel Christmas. Sarah said her son's leave was not approved. Picture: Instagram RELATED: School holiday envy is very, very real Do students suffer by missing school? There's a reason schools are vigilant about attendance. Nationally, attendance levels are on a downward trend, and studies show students fall behind when they miss class. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership reports that lower attendance, even missing one day a fortnight, can negatively affect academic achievement. In the last five years, the numbers of students attending 90 per cent or more of school days in government, catholic, and independent schools has declined significantly. According to the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), the 2024 attendance levels were 59.8 per cent – a sharp drop from 74.9 per cent in 2019. President of the Australian Primary Principals Association Angela Falkenberg says attendance 'directly improves a child's future life outcomes'. 'School leaders understand the well-researched benefits of regular attendance,' she said. 'We do not wish to dilute the clear message that every day matters.' Ms Falkenberg encourages families to take holidays during designated school breaks. 'A holiday is often in addition to time away for illness, family events or even birthdays - further disrupting the continuity of learning,' she said. If a child is already anxious about school and testing or has school refusal tendencies, a mid-term break could also reinforce behaviour and mental health challenges. Should we feel bad if we have a holiday in term? If you've planned a trip outside of school holidays - don't feel bad. Parenting educator Genevieve Muir acknowledges term time might be the only dates that work for families because of finances, location or work leave. 'Especially in the early primary years, kids get so much out of shared family experiences like travel. It's not just the break from the norm… it's the connection, the exposure to different environments, and the chance to slow down together,' she says. 'Don't feel guilty if you've made a thoughtful decision to take your child out of school once in a while, especially in the early years. Just be open to working with your school and recognising that they're managing a lot too.' As a mum of four boys, Ms Muir understands why schools must enforce boundaries. 'The scrutiny around holiday absences is less about punishing families and more about trying to support learning and keep things equitable for staff and students,' the author said. While putting in leave requests for young students might feel tedious, or even nerve- wracking, it's important to keep an open dialogue with schools. 'The expectation that parents complete an exemption for reasons such as family travel … is part of government or system policy and a requirement for school principals to enact,' Ms Falkenberg assured. Ms Muir agrees parents need to follow school protocol. 'Sometimes schools need to deny a request for leave outside term as part of policy. This is to stop an avalanche of parents taking holidays consistently in term time. 'This doesn't mean you can't go; it's just marked as an unapproved absence.' Originally published as Mum baffled after school denied her kids leave from school for holiday
