Logan Brae had been on my list for years. An evolution of a husband/wife duo’s rural apple orchard of the same name, the couple hosts a collection of four thoughtful and design-forward lodgings that capture the rustic magic of the Blue Mountains with little touches of luxury.
Competitive booking windows and punchy room rates (think ~$1,000 per night with a two-night minimum) meant that while I’d been eyeing Logan Brae Retreats for some time, it was never quite the #1 priority. Given it’s been consistently recognised as one of Australia’s top three most wish-listed Airbnbs, when the kind offer to sample the stay for myself landed in the inbox, I eagerly accepted.
I had the opportunity to enjoy The Machinery Shed, but I will also share some insight into the property and its vibe more broadly.
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Where is Logan Brae Retreats?
Logan Brae Retreats, as a collective, are scattered about the high-country hilltops of the Blue Mountains, about 30 kilometres north of Katoomba.
Three of the properties are perched atop Mount Kanimbla, while The Machinery Shed — our romantic stay for this article — shares its grounds with the renowned Logan Brae Orchard.
This property is a two-hour drive from Sydney Central and just minutes from the town of Blackheath.
How’s the vibe?
Country charm at its absolute best.
From the grand front gates to your arrival right outside the cliffside cabin, there’s a fresh bite in the mountain air and a familiar wholesomeness to be soaked up from the Aussie bush.
The property is private and quiet, and I didn’t see anyone during my entire stay; the shed overlooks a picturesque escarpment through massive floor-to-ceiling windows, with no prying eyes looking in from any angle.
At its rear, the surrounding orchard naturally screens it for added privacy.
What are the cabins like?
Our two nights were to be spent at The Machinery Shed, which seems to be the original lodging option given its proximity to the main farm.
The Logan Brae offering also includes two other cabins suitable for couples — the Hilltop Cabin and the Woodland Cabin — as well as a larger dwelling called The Lodge, with a capacity for eight guests across four rooms.
The Machinery Shed is massive, and (you guessed it) once had another life as the beating heart of the orchard’s daily operations. While it only has sleeping arrangements for two in a king-size bed, there’s no shortage of room for activities.
The shed has been incredibly restored without losing some of the quirks and creaks of its bygone era. The exposed beam ceiling is decorated with hundreds of fairy lights, which really elevate the evening experience, and a central stone fireplace warms up the space on those crisp mountain nights.
Mid-century furnishings are tastefully placed throughout the room, and a sexy blacked-out kitchen is very well-equipped for a cosy night of cooking.
All the doors open to an expansive, wrap-around deck with hanging nooks to indulge in a good book, and a BBQ to prepare a feast at sunset. The bathroom boasts a free-standing tub, and there’s even an option to soak among the trees just beyond the cabin’s perimetre. More on the lush treetop bath shortly.
How’s the service?
The Logan Brae Retreat experience is entirely faceless, with a link sent to you pre-arrival with all the essential information you may need for your stay. Though pre and post-stay communication was breezy, the cabin’s cleanliness was top-notch, and the bedding was extremely plush.
Given the nightly rate, I was surprised to read that check-in wasn’t until 3 PM and that additional firewood was at an extra cost. There was plenty of firewood pre-stocked for our two nights inside, but if you’re planning on enjoying the firepit outside, you’ll need to come prepared for a forage or a fee.
What activities or nearby attractions are there?
The Blue Mountains more broadly isn’t short on outdoor activities. Within the immediate periphery of Logan Brae, however, you can check out the Mount Blackheath lookout (hang-gliding is optional) or dabble in one of many hikes and waterfalls in the area.
As expected, in terms of the cabin and the orchard itself, it’s all about maximising time for yourself and your significant other. If you do want to venture out (and let someone else do the washing up for you), I’d recommend Ates in Blackheath for a scrummy elevated dining experience with friendly country hospitality.
And a highlight for your stay?
Maybe somewhat surprisingly, this accolade would have to go to the ‘treetop bath.’
On a beautiful spring afternoon, we skipped the fence line just in front of the cabin with our prepared bathing basket in tow (robes, towels, wine glasses) and ventured down to the open stone bathtub tucked amongst the gum trees. This bathtub is for exclusive use by guests of the Machinery Shed and you feel a million miles from anyone.
I honestly expected the whole affair to be a bit of a gimmick, but it was the most relaxed and rejuvenated I’ve felt in a long time. The treetop bath unlocks a primitive, almost freeing sensation of being naked in nature that’s rarely experienced in daily life.
Final thoughts
At the intersection of rustic charm and little luxuries, the entire ensemble of Logan Brae Retreats really shines for this region of New South Wales.
There’s nothing even remotely like it in the area that isn’t either hideously outdated or glaringly modern. This property has expertly breathed new life into classic country dwellings and done so with a finesse well deserving of applause.
As for The Machinery Shed: it’s special. There’s a sense of occasion and is probably best suited to one (with respect to both grandeur and price point).
Granted, better value can be found elsewhere in the ‘cabin’ category if you’re after quick, approachable weekenders to break up the winter blues or go off-grid. But if budget is no concern, costly coastal escapes like Pretty Beach House or Marramarra Lodge aren’t for you, or you value an independently owned and operated country lodging that’s consistently beautiful at every turn… Logan Brae is a worthy all-rounder.
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