Bienvenido a Casa La Vina!

A hidden gem in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, Casa La Vina consists of three exclusive adults-only villas that reflect the rustic, western feel of Santa Fe in New Mexico. With tranquil surrounds, expansive courtyards and outdoor jacuzzi spas, Casa La Vina is a wonderful place from which to explore and drink in the sights, tranquillity and more importantly the tastes of the Hunter Valley.

Casa La Vina is a loose translation of “Home in the Vineyards,” and owners Frank and Tracey Anderiesen say ‘La Vina’ is also the oldest winery in New Mexico – the place where their love of all things ‘adobe’ was born.

“After our first trip to the state of New Mexico, in the USA in 1996, we first discovered this Adobe style of home, in areas such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque. In these locations, it is actually a requirement to adopt this incredible southwestern look when building. Even the local hospital and McDonald’s are architecturally designed to imitate the traditional ‘pueblo’ style,” said Tracey.

“With the exposed timber ceilings, rendered walls, southwestern décor and cosy adobe feel, we fell in love with the unique look almost immediately. So much so that we decided to build our own!”

And build their own they did! With Franks 30 years of building experience under their belts and a burning desire for a tree-change, the empty-nesters purchased the 25-acre bushland covered property in Pokolbin and then set about creating their own little New Mexico for everyone to enjoy.

“During that time, we returned to New Mexico, Texas and the Southern States of America to research the architectural designs of the adobe properties and purchase the southwestern decorations for the villas,” said Tracey.

“We started on the house, then onto the villas taking over three years in total with just the two of us building.”

The Santa Fe inspired adobe villas with rustic, southwestern decor were designed to create the feel and ambience of a contemporary New Mexican adobe. In fact you will feel like you have been transported to the other side of the world the moment you cross the threshold of the gates fronting onto McDonalds Road in Pokolbin.

Each Villa is stand-alone, making it totally private (and might I add – romantic!) The villa’s interiors boast the relaxed luxury promised by the exterior with exposed log timber ceilings, reverse cycle air conditioning, gas log fireplaces, free wireless internet access, iPod docking stations, large flat-screen TV’s (with Foxtel!) a plush king bed and a comfy lounge in an open plan design.

A wander through each space will deliver a large ensuite with bathrobes, fluffy towels and beautiful toiletries. A complimentary full breakfast hamper is supplied in a granite top kitchenette with dishwasher and BBQ in an under-cover adobe courtyard. Each Villa also has a covered carport or a remote-controlled garage which is great on those hot summer days.

Of course, such unique architecture has turned many a head – including producers and art directors who look to the property to provide authenticity to their productions. Tracey and Frank say this is the favourite part of their business.

“We often appear in advertisements, and Instagram location shoots for bridal gown designers, wedding suppliers, and my favourite country singer/songwriter Kasey Chambers had her first clothing collection poetrybykaseyandrenee shoot here, which was really exciting,” Tracey said.

“I also love all the proposals and special occasions that are celebrated here, such as weddings, anniversaries and honeymoons. I guess that’s proof of the special and romantic place we have created here,” she added.

The location is also pretty great, being close to three of the largest wineries in the Hunter Valley – Bimbadgen, Tempus Two and Hope Estate – which are all regular venues for local and international acts. The Roche Complex (where you will find Tempus Two) also plays host to some of wine countries tastiest eateries (like Oishii – the locals favourite) or perhaps the award-winning Il Cacciatore if you're looking for something nearby, and it’s a special occasion (or proposal?)

---

What are you waiting for amigos? You’ll find Casa La Vina located at 657 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin. For bookings call 0406 770 294 or visit www.casalavina.com.au