The Brief

We are a group of four. Mr G and I, and our two rescue greyhounds Maggie and Georgia. We’re searching for a tranquil getaway from Sydney with multiple living areas, fully fenced areas for the greys (essential for a dog which runs 60km per hour!), a large grassed garden and spaces for us all to stretch out, relax and enjoy.

Then we found ‘Chilmore on the Gib’. It has ruined us forever. This is hands down the BEST dog friendly luxury home we have EVER stayed in. Why? Read on.

The Location

It’s a hidden oasis just a few minutes drive from Bowral. Positioned on a hill, it sits on Mount Gibraltar, famed for its stone which has been quarried and used in some of Australia’s most revered buildings, from the QVB to Parliament House in Canberra.

It’s in the perfect spot. Bowral is on our doorstep, with Robertson, Berrima, Moss Vale, Bundanoon and wineries are all close by. The Bowral train station is less than a 5 minute drive, with trains to and from Sydney running generally hourly. We can access everything, yet feel it feels deliciously and completely secluded. The proximity to Bowral’s dining scene is a winner -Fiona our wonderful hosts recommend Ethos, Leila’s at The Grand and Press Shop, with Paste in Mittagong and Eschalot at Berrima further afield.

The Arrival

It’s been a while since we spent time in Bowral. An easy 1.5 hour drive and I am pulling up into a steep long lane way with gates guarding the entry to paradise. I punch in the code and the white gates automatically open like I am entering a millionaire mansion. UM, Yes! WHOAH.

The Grounds & Gardens

This is pup paradise. This isn’t just an Airbnb with four bedrooms, it is a private woodland sanctuary for dogs where humans can rest. It’s not a garden but a forest oasis. Think the equivalent of Southern Highlands Balinese paddy fields with tiered sections of long fine glossy grass, huge eucalypts and orchids swaying in the breeze and a sniffari beyond imagination. I haven’t seen anything like it in years of reviewing.

Nothing makes a human happier than seeing their rescue pups in complete safety in a plot the size of a forest. I actually can’t even see them as the race into the distance. They are out the car, see the green grass and are OFF. They suddenly realise they can run free, chase each other and zoomie up and down levels. Georgia starts rolling around in the grass with stupid grins and happy faces whilst Major Maggie is sniffing the boundary perimeter where a ‘wabbit’ once was! This is a snifarri on steriods.

This woodland hideaway is paradise. The property backs directly onto Mount Gibraltar Reserve, with bushwalking trails accessible from the rear gate. Over the next few days we understand the rhythms and changing weather patterns. It is a restorative retreat. The kind of place we all wish we could own when we grow up.

The Ulitmate Luxury ‘Dog’House

After the excitment of the woodlands, we patter across the pebble driveway and up the steps. Opening up the doors is like a TV Block ‘Grand Reveal’. Some homes are just bricks and mortar, some are nicely styled, others are stunning from the get go, not many have a magical quality to live in them which feels homely in a millionaire kinda-way. Chilmore has it all.

Welcoming us is a bottle of Artemis Pinot Grigio bottle and chocolates. The first thing we notice in the house is the light. It floods every room as huge windows bring the daylight in. It also connects us so intimately with nature and the incredible views which dominate our stay.

We all step into the lounge. They greys are off exploring each room like a navy seal squad. There is an atrium soaring up to the ceiling of the building. The log hearth fire is at the center with two sofas and a classic stack of suitcases which reminds me of QT Sydney and a poster of family rules ‘be happy’, ‘be thankful’ – oh boy we are.

Two beanbag style Snooza beds are already set up for dogs to slepp on in a nook behind the sofas, (we brought our Snooza Cuddlers from home – clearly we are ‘on’ brand) . and there’s an electric piano! This soon becomes one of Maggie’s favourite spots to sleep on after dinner. Georgeous pictures of the owner’s rescue mastif ‘Hendrix’ and their doberman ‘Tasha’ adorn the walls in the lounge. I love this tell ‘tail’ sign of why this house is so pawesome for big dogs – it is a house owned by pet parents. You can tell the owners love their handsome pups as much as we do ours.

The dog loving touches are everywhere. There is a cupboard full of dog shampoos, conditioners, poo bags and more. There are two big dog bowls for food and non slip runners over the wooden floors and fluffy dog mats by the doors for muddy paws. There is an XL hound size dog door to the back garden (aka forest). I realise I should have tried to watch a few YouTube training videos prior to coming here. My theory of monkey see, monkey do works. Maggie looks at the dog door, then me, then at the garden again. I climb through the dog door on all fours, and eventually Maggie steps through. Hurrah! Georgia meanwhile decides to just stare at me till I open the door! Which pup is smarter?

Pets are not allowed upstairs, and there is a baby gate to stop our crafty houndies. This is understandable given the beautiful thick navy blue carpets and deep grey pile in the master bedroom. The king size bed looks out over treetops. There is something so soothing about looking out up and over the landscape as trees sway in the Highland breeze. Kookaburras swoop and bunnies hop around the garden at dusk.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the house. The dining room table and chairs on an upper level connect us to our pup family snoozing below. I love how the hosts have stocked a great selection of herbs, soy sauces and condiments. All the cleaning products are eco-friendly. It’s well stocked with a few gadgets including an awesome rice cooker which I give a work out.

The first night I cook a butter chicken curry and pour myself a glass of wine whilst looking out on the views in the distance. I retire to the lounge sofas, prop up my iPad and watch a movie. I could have done this in the TV rompus room on the smart TV but with Fetch and a heap of streaming options, but I love this room as our girls (the greys) snooze quietly by my feet completely zorsted from the biggest day of garden adventures and racing. The woodfire remains unused. I glance at it romantically, hoping I might find my inner girl guide swagger to see if I can get it going, but this stay is about being as lazy as possible and I comply.

Upstairs & Bedrooms

It’s like Southfork. Carpeted stairs wind upwards, with wrap around hallways which look over and into the void of the lounge below. The long runway has been playfully turned into a putting lane with a golf mat, with targets and grids. It’s a highlight for Mr G and I to grab the golf clubs and get competitive.

There are so many bedrooms it’s hard to know which one to choose. I like how they are not crowded together but spin off from the main lounge, some have their own balcony, most have ensuites. However, the master is stunning, with huge windows out to the treetops, a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite with black and white tiles. It’s a real treat to have a standalone bath and a shower. I really like how they have selected Sukin toiletries throughout the property. A nod to both sustainability and Australian sourcing.

There’s also a queen bedroom downstairs (perfect for guests who prefer single level living), a second king bedroom upstairs with its own ensuite and walk-in robe (complete with portacot storage for families), and a bunk bedroom tucked near the upstairs bookshelf nook.

Outdoors & Entertaining Areas

There is a paved outdoor area at the back of the house, which can be accessed from the dog door or the rumpus/TV room. Given the wet weather, we don’t get to use the space which has a covered area for the BBQ and seating which also includes a fire pit and outdoor shower. There is also a mighty fine bonfire stack towards the back which would make Guy Fawkes jealous. Little touches like a dog watering station (with always on taps/water) fill my heart with happiness.

The viewing bench in the garden perched on the top level of grass, and on a clear day you can see Mount Oxley across to the west. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset drink and I watch the sunset all without leaving the property.

The Sleep Quality

The sleep is first class. Super comfy bedlinen, lovely pillows and wonderfully warm and dark from those thick and heavy curtains. From time to time a distant rumble from the Bowral trains can be heard late at night, which is a romantic hum to snooze to. The house is fully ducted with central heating so it’s cosy and warm, which is a big factor with Bowral winters. I don’t wake to the call of kookaburras but Georgia tip tappy pacing and her speciall wheeze/squeek which says ‘wake up! wake up’ its a new day!!

The Verdict

Chilmore on the Gib isn’t just pet-friendly accommodation, it’s a love letter to dogs and their humans. Whether you’re bushwalking from the back gate, exploring the charming high street of Bowral, or simply watching your fur babies discover what freedom feels like in their own private forest, this is the Southern Highlands escape that spoils you for everywhere else.

Chilmore on the Gib – see Airbnb listing here