13 October 1971
WOLLAR HOMESTEAD WILL BE RETREAT AWAY FROM SMOG
By Yvonne Bucknell.
Nowadays, the majority of Australia’s population live in the midst of suburban jungles of tarmacadam road, pocket handkerchief squares of closely shaven grass and a skyline of chimney pots, telephone poles and the neighbour’s washing.
The lost days of horse-back riding with pioneers through unchartered wild bushland seem like the dream time of the white people.
Modern day suburban jungle dwellers in their little boxes spend their lives scratching and straining in the battle of the ratrace. Nevertheless, perhaps they think of escaping for a while to natural countryside.
Some do.
But often these trips are marathons of driving endurance and camping discomforts.
These seekers of the “taking it easy” way of life travel from our town to another with the peace and quiet of the countryside still eluding them.
It just swishes past their often tightly closed car windows.
However, for those who;
“In the open ground, we would stop and linger
For a week or two, for time was not our master.”
(from an Irish tinker’s song)
there is a haven - some 25 miles from Mudgee, at Wollar.
On December 1, Hillview homestead at Wollar will open its doors to seekers of holidays in the countryside.
SLOWER PACE
Here is the place where one can have that relaxing “take things easy” holiday.
Once there, guests will find that the pace of life has dropped back to that of our forefathers,where horses were the main means of transport.
They will be able to ride or go for bushwalks and see some of the Australian native animals which are found on “Hillview.”
These include kangaroos, wombats, emus and many species of Australian bird life.
There are also rabbits and foxes.
Guests will be welcome to take part in the everyday activities of an operating sheep and cattle station.
YABBIES
Other activities will include sheep shearing, sheep dogs working, bush picnics and barbecues, bush walking, yabbie and eel fishing, boomerang throwing, sheep and cattle mustering, rabbit trapping, tortoise trapping, bird watching, collecting gemstones, shooting (under supervision where necessary) and horse riding.
Horses, for both the learner and the experienced rider are available at no extra cost to guests and expert tuition is available when required.
Hillview is the centre of a historical area in which bushrangers roamed free.
Various caves, which provided refuge for these outlaws can be inspected on the property.
Hillview abounds with historical evidence of Australia’s early history and the pioneering era.
This haven of “getting away from it all” is being provided by Mr. and Mrs. Vern Ardron, the owners of “Hillview.”
They have completed extensions to the homestead which will provide an additional six bedrooms.
There is a choice of double, twin and family sized bedrooms. Each room is fully carpeted and has its own bathroom and toilet with hot and cold running water and facilities.
BUNKROOMS
For the teenagers there are bunkrooms which accomodate up to four people each.
The bunkrooms have separate bathroom and toilet facilities.
A filtered swimming pool will be available for use by the guests at Hillview.
Mrs. Ardron told the Guardian that all meals will be served family style in the homestead dining room with her family.
She said that guests, who prefer to have their breakfast served in their bedrooms can do so.
CELLAR
She said: “Meals will consist of healthy country killed beef, lamb, pork, chicken, duck and turkey, together with fresh garden vegetables, fresh milk, butter and fruit from our own orchard.
“We will also have special “Hillview” barbecues and smorgasbords.
“Tea and coffee making facilities in all rooms for guests who require that “cuppa” at an inconvenient hour.
“Packed lunches will be provided for riders who may be away from the homestead at mealtimes.
“A well-equipped bar and cellar is available for the guests patronage should they so desire.”
FRESH CREAM
Mrs. Ardron said that all visitors will be guests of herself and her husband.
She said that they will be made to feel one of the family.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Ardron were born and bred in the country.
Mrs. Ardron comes from Junee and Mr. Ardron from Quirindi.
They came to Hillview some years ago
The property comprises nearly 3,000 acres.
This includes some 300 acres of lucerne flats and about 600 acres which is used for crops.
There are approximately 300 head of Hereford and Santa Gertrudis cattle on “Hillview.”
A few Jersey cows and heifers are also run on the property providing fresh cream for the homestead.
OWN VEG.
In addition there are sheep, pigs, poultry, ducks and turkeys.
Hillview grows its own vegetables and there are two deep freezers which are used for both the vegetables and fruit which are grown in the vegetable garden and orchard.
Mr. Ardron said that the extensions have been completed in the last few weeks and the painting and furnishing of bedrooms should be finished soon.
He said that wherever possible, materials for the extensions and furnishings have been purchased locally.
Guests will be met at the Mudgee Railway station or at the Mudgee airport. Hillview also has its own 3,000ft. all weather airstrip and arrangements can be made for guests to be flown direct to Hillview from Sydney or other ports by modern twin engined aircraft.”
Mr. Ardron said that they had already received some bookings and were hoping to attract overseas visitors to Australia1
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