May 2005
It's a leisurely two hour drive north west of Sydney to the sleepy Macdonald Valley. First explored in 1790 by Governor Arthur Phillip and settled by First Fleeters, its fortunes have fluctuated over the years. At one time, it was the bread basket (along with the Macquarie towns) for the colony supplying much needed fruit, vegetables and meat from the small acreages along the river banks. Its population peaked during the 1830's but then declined due to large scale farming opportunities on the other side of the Blue Mountains.
By the 1960’s, there were only about 80 people left and it had become known as the forgotten valley.Rich in early pioneer history, this green ribbon of grazing and farming land is becoming increasingly popular with short-break tourists from Sydney, Gosford and Newcastle. A visit here makes a refreshing change from the beach culture of the coast and there's also plenty to discover. In the quaint old village of St Albans is Settlers Arms Inn, built from convict-hewn sandstone and one of the oldest hotels in the country. The food here is very good, the company amusing and on Sundays there’s live entertainment outside in the spacious barbecue-garden area. Works by local artists can be viewed at the St Albans Gallery and there’s also the old cemetery, courthouse and church to explore. For those keen on walking, there’s the Great North Road and Yengo and Dharug National Parks
Almost forgotten too was the Price Morris Cottage, built in 1837 by emancipist Price Morris. This slab farm building perched on a hill above the river plain (to save it from floods) was the site of the first Methodist Church service in the valley and has remained in the hands of the Morris family for 168 years - the surrounding property continues to function even today as a supplier for the Sydney food market.
Sixth generation Joyce Morris was keen to restore the run-down cottage for historical purposes and has converted it into a charming B&B. "I think it’s very important that our young people understand just how these homes were constructed," she said. "There were quite a few in the valley which have now disappeared."
There are four bedrooms, each with its own story to tell. Small touches like the home-made gingham and lace curtains and the native flowers in each room contribute to a homely feeling. An old-fashioned breezeway connects the living room and bedrooms to the kitchen on one side while on the northern side (to catch the sun) is a long verandah which overlooks the farm.
Selected antiques and furnishings including an iron double four poster bed and 'shearers' single beds can be found throughout and the sandstone fireplaces in the living room and kitchen have been fully restored. The bathroom is outside in the old washroom and contains a shower, vanity and toilet. There’s also a "loo with a view" out the back for those who like to gaze at cows and kangaroos and take their time. A large kitchen with modern appliances means you can eat in or just while away the hours in front of the log fire.Joyce plans to hold weekend workshops at the cottage. Old-fashioned skills like camp oven cooking, sewing and country cooking will be taught along with painting, bush poetry, bird-watching and photography. You’ll taste how good her country cooking is when she greets you at the front door, clad in cap and apron, with a "traditional welcome".
