Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know
Before you arrive, here are the questions we're asked most often, covering our villas, packages, weddings and time at Lakeview. If your question isn't answered here, please reach out, we're happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Is Lakeview family-owned?
Yes, we're a family-owned retreat. Our family first arrived on this land in 1928, when Pam's grandparents settled here, and their orchard grew over the following decades. Pam and Trevor later turned part of that same property into Lakeview Luxury Retreat.
Is Lakeview eco-friendly?
Yes, we're an eco-friendly retreat. Each of our villas includes EV charging, with a covered carport and power point available for trickle charging.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking is free for all guests staying at Lakeview.
Do you offer EV charging?
Yes, each villa has a covered carport with a power point for trickle charging. You'll need to bring your own charger, as we don't supply one.
Do you operate as a farmstay?
Yes, alongside the retreat we're also a farmstay. Our Highland cows graze the property, and Pam or Trevor love sharing a personalised experience with the herd during your stay.
Do you take kids/babies?
No, Lakeview Luxury Retreat is exclusively designed for adults and does not accommodate children or babies. Our retreat is tailored for couples seeking a peaceful and private getaway, ensuring a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for all guests.
Is breakfast included?
We offer a gourmet breakfast hamper as an optional extra, at $25 per person per day, made with local produce and enjoyed in your villa. Or if you'd prefer, you're welcome to head out for a café breakfast instead.
Are you dog friendly?
No, we don't allow dogs on the property.
What's your smoking policy?
Smoking is allowed outside only. Please make sure cigarette butts are fully extinguished and placed in the outside bin provided.
Is there a minimum length of stay at Lakeview?
Yes, we ask for a minimum two-night stay.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Each season brings something different, from Autumn's vineyard colours and FOOD Week, to Winter's Fire Festival, Spring's Wine Festival, and Summer's cherry and stone fruit harvest.
How far are you from Orange?
We're just 5.5 km from Orange, tucked into the Towac Valley near Mount Canobolas and Lake Canobolas.
Accommodation & Villas
General Accommodation
Is accommodation included in the package price?
Our Food & Wine, Wellness & Rejuvenation and Romance & Celebration packages each include a two-night stay in one of our villas.
Can we create a custom package?
Yes, our Curate Your Own package lets you design a personalised experience for special occasions like anniversaries, rather than choosing one of our set packages.
Emerald Gem Villa
How many guests does the Emerald Gem Villa accommodate?
This villa is designed as a retreat for two, with one king bedroom and bathroom.
Can we see wildlife from the Emerald Gem Villa?
Yes, the villa's tranquil setting means you may spot native wildlife, including birds and kangaroos, during your stay.
Natures Haven Villa
Does Natures Haven Villa have a fireplace?
Yes, Natures Haven Villa features a gas log fire in the lounge.
What views can we expect from Natures Haven Villa?
The villa's large picture windows offer views of nearby gum trees, along with sunset views over the landscape.
What's included in the kitchen at Natures Haven Villa?
The kitchen includes a BBQ, fridge, dishwasher, coffee machine and microwave.
Twin View Villa
How many couples can Twin View Villa accommodate?
Twin View Villa is designed for two couples, with two king bedrooms and two private ensuites.
Can older children stay in Twin View Villa?
Guests aged 15 and above are welcome with parents, as the king beds can convert to two extra-long singles.
Do the ensuites in Twin View Villa include a bath?
Yes, each ensuite features a triangular bath alongside a walk-in shower.
Weddings & Elopements
Weddings
What types of weddings do you offer?
We host micro-weddings, elopements and vow renewals, each designed as an intimate experience at Lakeview.
Can we choose our own ceremony location for our wedding?
Yes, we have multiple ceremony locations across the property, including beside the lake or within our gardens.
How many guests can we invite to our micro-wedding?
Our micro-weddings can host up to 20 guests.
Will the Highland cows make an appearance at our wedding?
Our Highland cows occasionally wander by and have become a much-loved, unplanned part of many wedding photos.
How many guests can stay on-site as part of a micro-wedding?
Our packages include a multi-night stay for up to 8 guests on-site.
Is breakfast included during a wedding stay?
Breakfast isn't included as standard. We offer a gourmet breakfast hamper as an optional extra at $25 per person per day, made with local produce and enjoyed in your villa. There are also cafés nearby if you'd rather go out for breakfast.
Is transport provided during a wedding stay?
Yes. Our sister business, Country Food Trails, can assist with transport to and from your wedding venue.
Can children attend a wedding stay?
Children of all ages are welcome to attend the service.
Elopements
How many guests can join our elopement?
We design our elopements primarily for the couple and up to 10 guests. Larger numbers can be discussed with your hosts.
Can our friends stay on-site during our elopement?
Yes, multi-night accommodation is included for the couple in a private eco-luxury villa, and you're welcome to invite friends to stay on-site too.
Will the Highland cows appear in our elopement photos?
Our Highland cows have become known for quietly stealing the spotlight in wedding photos.
Vow Renewals
Can we choose our own ceremony location for our wedding?
Yes, we have multiple ceremony locations across the property, including beside the lake or within our gardens.
Is accommodation required for a vow renewal?
Yes, staying with us at Lakeview is a requirement for our vow renewal packages.
Can you connect us with wedding suppliers for our renewal?
Yes, if you'd like more of a wedding feel to your renewal, we can connect you with trusted local suppliers.
Packages & Experiences
Food & Wine
Which villa is included in the Food & Wine package?
This package includes a two-night stay in one of our one-bedroom villas.
Is the wine tour in the Food & Wine package a private or group experience?
The wine tour is run as a half-day small group experience, followed by a personal tour with a local winemaker.
What food is included in the Food & Wine package?
You'll enjoy a cheese platter and local wine on arrival, a picnic lunch at a vineyard, and a dinner reservation at a local restaurant.
Where does your produce come from?
We source from local suppliers, including Trunkey Bacon & Pork, Fourjay Farms and local boutique bakeries.
Romance & Celebration
Which villa is the Romance & Celebration package based in?
This package takes place in our Natures Haven Villa, with its cosy gas log fire.
What dining is included in the Romance & Celebration package?
You'll enjoy an evening charcuterie platter in the privacy of your villa, plus a separate reservation at a local restaurant during your stay.
Are taxi fares included in the Romance & Celebration package?
Yes, taxi fares are included, covering your evening restaurant reservation.
Wellness & Rejuvenation
Is yoga or Pilates included in the price of the Wellness & Rejuvenation package?
No, yoga and Pilates sessions are optional, at $18 per person.
Does the Wellness & Rejuvenation package include a guided hike?
Yes, a guided hike to the top of the mountain is included, along with a walk around Lake Canobolas.
Curate Your Own
What kind of activities can we include in the Curate Your Own package?
You can choose from private winery tours, gourmet dining experiences or nature excursions, tailored to your interests.
Can we include chef-prepared meals in the Curate Your Own package?
Yes, you can include chef-prepared meals and tailored menus as part of your personalised experience.
How much does the Curate Your Own package cost?
Pricing for this package is available on request, since it's tailored to your specific requests.
Dining
How far ahead do we need to order our Chef Prepared Meals?
We ask that orders are placed by the Monday before your stay, to allow enough time for preparation.
Can the Chef Prepared Meals menu cater to dietary requirements?
Yes, the menu can be customised to suit your dietary requirements. Get in touch to discuss your preferences.
How many guests can our Chef Prepared Meals service cater for?
Meals are available for groups of one to eight guests.
Tours & Local Experiences
Tours
Who runs the tours available to us?
Our tours are run through our sister business, Country Food Trails, a locally owned company showcasing the best of Orange's food, wine and farm experiences.
What kind of tours can we book?
You can choose from vineyard tours, farm visits and cooking classes, each led by local guides.
Do we get a discount on tours as Lakeview guests?
Yes, Lakeview guests receive 25% off tours booked through Country Food Trails.
Sundowners Experience
How many guests can join the Sundowners Experience?
This experience is available for groups of one to eight guests.
What will we learn about during the Sundowners Experience?
You'll enjoy a conversation with a local farmer, learning about the history and care of our Highland Cattle and Orange's farming heritage.
Is food included in the Sundowners Experience?
Yes, you'll enjoy locally produced nibbles as part of the experience.
Local Area
Are there walking trails nearby?
Yes, you can walk around the property or Lake Canobolas, with a stop at the Mountain Tea House along the way.
For the more experienced bush walker, there are some great trails on Mount Canobolas – including to Federal Falls on the Mountain.
Is there a market we can visit during our stay?
Yes, there's a Farmers' Market on the second Saturday of every month, showcasing local produce and handmade goods.
What outdoor activities can we do nearby?
You can enjoy fishing in the lake, nearby caves and boutique shopping in the area. You'll also find walking trails, mountain biking and summer water activities close by.
Are transfers available from the airport or train station?
Yes, transfers are available for a small fee, including pick-up and drop-off from Orange Airport, Orange Railway Station and evening outings. Transfers are free if you've also booked a Country Food Trails tour.
