About a ninety-minute drive from the CBD of Sydney, the Hawkesbury Valley is the breathtaking backdrop to the all-new web series, Cooks Co-op. In epsiode one of the series, Executive Chef Martin Boetz shows you his recipe for twice-cooked wagyu beef ribs (see above) with the mighty Hawkesbury River as the background to his outdoor kitchen. But in addition to this magical moment, during the filming of Cooks Co-op, HB had the pleasure of spending plenty of time in this stunning salad-bowl region, seeking out the best local food and watering holes, spectacular places to visit and, of course, accommodation on offer to visitors.
One of the gems that HB stumbled across on this incredible journey is this riverside cottage — an 1880s Anglican church converted into the cutest two-bedroom guesthouse. The best bit is, not only is this pad loaded with decorating inspiration and interior styling tips, the owners have listed it on Airbnb, so you can stay here, too. It’s a win-win!
The converted church-cottage overlooks the Colo River. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River))
White-painted timber panelled walls, reclaimed furniture items and original church detailing set the decorating tone. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River))The quaint kitchen overlooks the garden. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River))Take a seat at the dining table on a timber pew, surrounded by other original features of the old church. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River))Relaxing getaway? You can choose to swing open the doors of the bathroom and take a much-deserved bath. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River))
One of the bedrooms at the charming church-to-home conversion. The cottage features two bedrooms and sleeps five guests. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the colo river))With a relaxed and carefree vibe, the living space is flooded with natural light and features a supended cherrywood boat up-above. (Credit: Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River))
Supplied: Airbnb (1800s church on the Colo River)
