STAY A WHILE

VISITORS TO THE CENTRAL WEST OF NSW CAN REST AND RECHARGE AT THIS LEAFY SANCTUARY WHERE FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS ARE WELCOME.

Four-legged friends are always welcome at this luxury accommodation located in the Central West of NSW.

STACEY AND PHIL STODDART enjoy welcoming visitors and their four-legged family members to Evanslea, their luxury boutique accommodation property in the heart of Mudgee. But they’re not the only ones — the Stoddart’s six-year-old groodle Hopey also loves to greet guests with a gentle nudge and relishes the chance to make new friends while leading the way to their cottages.

As the owners of Hopey and her companion Rueban, a six-year-old short-haired border collie, the dog-loving Stoddarts completely understand why some of their guests want to bring their pets along with them for a weekend away in this NSW Central West town.

“Dogs are part of the family,” says 41-year-old Stacey whose list of canine guests at Evanslea has included poodles, pugs, corgis, Pomeranians, a shar pei, dachshunds, labradors and even a Staffordshire terrier who served as a pageboy when his owners eloped. “They were married under an arbour in front of the lake and Phil and I were the witnesses.

Their Staffy was the pageboy while Hopey was the flower girl with a big pink bow!”

The two-hectare cottage garden set on the Cudgegong River has plenty of room for guests’ dogs to play beneath the towering red gums, willows, oaks and peppercorn trees.

“It is beautiful and that’s what sold us,” explains Stacey, recalling the moment they made an offer on the established bed and breakfast three years ago. Stacey and Phil, 42, had considered investing in a farm but the opportunity to own a business in the same street where they live with their children Jack, 10, and Sophie, seven, was hard to resist. In 2017, they took on Evanslea, a historic building that was originally built as stables in the 1860s.

“For us, it is the perfect business. I love people and making them feel special and Phil loves plants so the property with accommodation and gardens offered us both an amazing business opportunity in which we could further develop our passions while working together,” Stacey explains. >

The Stoddarts manage the property while still holding down other jobs — Stacey works as a teacher at St Matthew’s Catholic School in Mudgee and Phil has his own agronomy consultancy business. The couple, who are childhood sweethearts, grew up at nearby Dunedoo and returned to the area after stints away. After school, Stacey went to the University of Newcastle to do teaching while Phil studied horticultural science at Hawkesbury Agricultural College.

“The Mudgee community is very friendly and generous,” says Stacey, explaining why the couple have made this town their home for the past two decades. “And we love that although it’s essentially a small country town, we still have some wonderful restaurants.”

The pair were initially unsure about offering pet-friendly accommodation at Evanslea but, to their surprise, they have never had any issues with their four-legged guests.

“I’d have to say that there is a place in my heart for nearly everyone who have stayed with us to date. People are very respectful,” Stacey explains.

Guests can wander the garden and picnic or fish along the riverfront — and it appears to be a winning combination with many making return visits. The local industries are also a drawcard. “Our cellar doors are world class and we have an amazing foodie culture in Mudgee,” she says.

When the Stoddarts have time, they’ll take their dogs for a swim in the river. “We are surrounded by amazing natural wonders and heritage. Ganguddy (Dunns Swamp) is perfect for nature lovers and the local history in nearby Gulgong and Hill End attracts many travellers,” says Stacey.

At Evanslea, the attention to detail is impressive. “For us, it is about helping people make memories and gain what they need,” she says. “If it is exclusiveness and privacy, they can achieve that. If it is a family get-together or reunion with friends, they can achieve that too. And, of course, there are the weddings and special occasions. We just love that our guests — and their pets — keep on coming back for more.” Evanslea, 146 Market Street, Mudgee, NSW,

0455 505 882, evanslea.com.au

“The Mudgee community is very friendly and generous.”

Max, a 12-year-old groodle, and Patch, a six-year-old Jack Russell at Evanslea. FACING PAGE The house dates back to the 1860s.

CLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE The boutique accommodation is surrounded by gardens; Phil, Stacey and Hopey, their five-year-old groodle; the dining table inside Evanslea; Patch and Banjo, a three-year-old labrador; Hopey enjoys meeting the other four-legged guests. FACING PAGE Patch, a visitor to Evanslea, takes a breather.

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Patch sees something of interest; a bedroom in Evanslea; the dogs take a dip in the pond; the driveway leading to the reception area; Banjo is one of many happy visitors. FACING PAGE Possum the horse lives in the paddock beside Evanslea.