From restoring a 1910 cottage to sharing stories with locals at the sausage sizzle, here’s what the joy of village life brings including community, friendship, and the magic of slowing down.
“That will cost you the price of a smile.”
— a local at the Murrurundi sausage sizzle, capturing the country spirit perfectly
Everybody wants to live in a village, you know — even if they’re in the suburbs or the city. Deep down, we all crave connection. That sense of belonging where people wave when you drive past, know your name at the café, and check in when you’re not around.
That’s exactly what I found when I moved to Murrurundi, a picturesque pocket of the Upper Hunter, nestled beneath the Liverpool Range and straddling the Pages River. It’s the kind of town where time slows down, creativity thrives, and the simple act of sharing a smile still matters.
I came here to be near my dear friend Emilia Archbald, who, together with her late husband, bought Roseland — a historic property she continues to lovingly restore. Emilia is a keen gardener, and her green thumb has transformed the grounds into a lush sanctuary of flowering trees, lavender and native blooms. Her home is steeped in heritage and heart — a living link to the area’s colonial past.
Inspired by Emilia’s passion for restoration, I decided to take on my own project — a 1910 cottage that I’ve now restored from top to bottom. What began as a renovation challenge has become something much more rewarding. The cottage is now an Airbnb home, and over the past year, guests from far and wide have stayed here, falling in love with the mountain views, the warmth of the locals, and the creative pulse of Murrurundi itself.
Visitors often tell me how charmed they are by the Michael Reid Gallery, which has put Murrurundi firmly on the map as a vibrant hub for contemporary art. Other local artists include Brazilian born Eduardo Santos. They wander through Ray’s Antiques on Hayden Street, discovering treasures from another time, and often meeting Ray himself, the local historian and author of a new history book on the town, then stop by Bec’s antique shop and then the Mayne Street Café for a good coffee and an even better chat. That’s what I love most about life here — the way every encounter feels genuine, unhurried, and kind.
One memorable time was being asked to join a mini-triathlon to raise money for a cover for the local municipal pool. It was a swim, bicycle ride followed by a run around the town where town folk passed out bottled water and spurred you on at every corner. In my first ever attempt at any type of triathlon and not exactly an athletic build, I was the first to kick off — and last to finish by yes, a country mile. But as I came back through the pool gates, I was accompanied by the two young mums who organised the charity event and was greeted by what looked like the entire town cheering me on from the sidelines. I was red-faced and joyous to have taken part. And it made me feel instantly welcomed by this generous spirited community.
The triathlon was followed by a sausage sizzle. I asked the man behind the BBQ what the cost of a sausage was. He replied: “Well that would be the price of a smile.”
The renovations took longer than expected (don’t they always?), but I didn’t have to look far for help. One morning I was chatting to a couple in their late 80’s at the pool, and asked if they knew any painters. Norm, it turned out, was a retired painter. He and Joon helped me paint the cottage from top to bottom. I recall feeling queasy when 88-year-old Norm was standing on the roof with a brush in his hand painting the chimney, worrying he could fall. But Joon simply laughed, saying, ‘Don’t worry, he’s more steady on his feet up there than he is on the ground.
The locals had followed my progress from start to finish, offering advice, lending tools, and sharing stories over cups of tea. That’s the beauty of country life — it’s not about how fast you go, but how connected you are along the way.
“People here have time to be nicer — and they want to be nicer — because you don’t live on top of each other.”
— Emilia Archbald, Roseland, Murrurundi
My friend Emilia puts it perfectly.
“I love village life,” she told me, “but I think I always had a deep longing for the type of lifestyle that living in a small country town gives you. It’s the sense of connection — of knowing and being known — of multiple generations connecting with each other.”
She smiled as she looked across her garden at Roseland.
“What I love most is that your kids can chat to a 90-year-old just as easily as they can chat to a 40-year-old or to each other. Everyone’s included — new people, old people — it doesn’t matter. There’s a real sense of welcome here.”
When I asked her why she thought people seemed happier in the country, she said something that really stayed with me.
“I think people here have time to be nicer — and they want to be nicer — because you don’t live on top of each other. You’re not crammed in like corralled rats the way you can feel in the city. There’s space here — space to breathe, to think, and to share. And when you’re not overcrowded, you actually want to share what you have.”
That, I realised, is the magic of village life. It’s not just the scenery or the slower pace — it’s the generosity of spirit that fills the air.
Murrurundi is a town with an artistic soul and a big heart. Between the galleries, the old pubs, the gardens, and the people, there’s a sense that life here is made up of small, meaningful moments stitched together by kindness.
Staying here reminded me of my own childhood in Mudgee and gave me the chance to escape that feeling of being coralled in the city and being able to reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you’re in the city, the suburbs, or a small town like Murrurundi, we all want to feel part of something bigger than ourselves.
For me, this is it.
This is home.
🌿 Plan Your Visit to Murrurundi
Where:
Murrurundi, Upper Hunter Shire, New South Wales — around 3.5 hours from Sydney via the New England Highway.
What to See & Do:
- Michael Reid Gallery Murrurundi – a renowned contemporary art space showcasing local and national artists.
- Ray’s Antiques – a treasure trove of collectables and rustic charm.
- Mayne Street Café – a local favourite for brunch, great coffee, and country hospitality.
- Roseland (private residence) – Emilia Archbald’s lovingly restored convict-era home and gardens is soon to be offer d as an AirBnB cottage.
- Local Walks & Views – take a drive up to Haydon Hall or explore the Pages River trails for sweeping mountain vistas.
- King of the Rangers – a famous stockman’s challenge is held on the last weekend of September and is a popular family event in the horse-loving town of Murrurundi, especially the famous goat races for those kids daring enough to take part. Watch the hilarious reel taken posted recently on Facebook’s Murrurundi Life – it will have you flat out laughing.
When to Visit:
All year round — autumn and spring are especially beautiful when the gardens and hillsides burst into colour.
Stay:
Book a stay at my lovingly restored 1910 Airbnb cottage for a true taste of country hospitality, breathtaking mountain views, and a front-row seat to Murrurundi’s warm community spirit.