Wandarra Homestead: A Family Legacy in Design and Hospitality in the heart of Mudgee

Nestled in the rolling hills of Mudgee, Wandarra Homestead is a beautifully restored country retreat that seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern luxury. The vision of sisters Angela and Jodie Harber, this boutique accommodation was born from a shared passion for design, hospitality, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. With Angela’s expertise in interior design and Jodie’s background in hospitality and marketing, the duo transformed a once-untouched 1980s property into a warm and inviting escape. In this Q&A, they share the inspiration behind Wandarra, the challenges of rural renovation, and how thoughtful design choices—including a curated selection of rugs—helped bring their dream retreat to life.

1. What inspired you to transform the property into luxury accommodation?

We’ve always loved visiting wine regions across Australia, so we thought—why not create our own guest experience in one? With backgrounds in interior design, hospitality, and marketing, stepping into boutique accommodation just made sense.

Mudgee had everything we were looking for—rolling hills, family-run wineries, and a charming historic town. The moment we set foot on Wandarra, we knew it was something special. The house had great bones, with spacious rooms, stunning views, and the perfect balance of open gathering spaces and quiet nooks. And when we found the hidden bar underneath? That sealed the deal—we knew we could make it truly one-of-a-kind.

2. How did the Australian bushland influence Wandarra Homestead’s design? 

The landscape became our guide. Purchasing the property in 2021, just before Covid lockdown, gave us time to move out to the property for three months and fully experience the rhythms of the land—the way the light moved across the hills, the changing colours throughout the day, the sounds of the local wildlife and the best spots around the house to enjoy watching them.

We wanted the interiors to complement, not compete with, the natural surroundings. The colour palette draws from the earth—eucalyptus greens, warm clay tones, and neutral textures layered through timber, marble, and sandstone. Every furniture piece was placed to frame the views, making nature the focal point. We aimed to create a space that feels both grounding and expansive, cocooned in the beauty of the Australian bush.

3. Tell us about the rugs you selected for this project.

Texture and durability were key in selecting rugs that would add warmth while withstanding high foot traffic.

In the main lounge, we needed two rugs to cover the expansive space, so the Illusions 189 Stone with its subtle patchwork design was perfect. It blends seamlessly and, two years in, still looks as good as new. The Mayfair Lorissa Silver in the fireplace room complements the exposed brick wall without overpowering the space, adding just the right amount of pattern and softness.

The third bedroom posed common a challenge where a rectangular rug wouldn’t sit symmetrically under the bed, so the round Evoke 252 Silver rug was a great solution, sitting slightly offset and creating a feature when you walk into the room. In bedrooms with bolder wall colours—charcoal and eucalyptus green—we kept rugs neutral and grounding, opting for the Arabella Grey with a black fleck for depth and the Mirage 351 Silver for subtle pattern in a high-traffic area.

4. What were the biggest challenges in transforming the property?

Built in 1980, the house remained largely untouched, so while the structure was solid, a full-scale renovation was needed. We preserved some elements, like the brick archways in the kitchen—salvaged from the old Mudgee bakery—as a nod to the home’s history. We also added two new ensuites to make it more functional for larger groups.

One of our biggest challenges was working remotely from Sydney. Managing trades from a distance and juggling our full-time jobs meant spending countless weekends in Mudgee, working long days on renovations before heading straight back to city life. The scale of the rooms also required thoughtful planning—where most of Angela’s Sydney interior projects focus on maximizing small spaces, here we had to ensure large rooms still felt intimate and inviting.

Despite the challenges, physically working on the property ourselves made the transformation even more rewarding. Seeing our vision come to life, knowing what we’d poured into the project, made the journey worth every late night and early morning.

5. What kind of experience did you want to create for your guests?

Our vision was to create a place that felt both luxurious and familiar—a space where guests could truly relax and feel at home yet still experience something special.

By seamlessly integrating the home with its natural surroundings, Wandarra Homestead allows guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the healing qualities of the landscape. With space for up to nine guests, it’s a place designed for connection—whether that’s sharing a meal around the table, watching the sunset from the verandah, or sipping cocktails in the secret basement speakeasy.

In addition to beautiful accommodation, we focus on creating experiential stays. For example, providing fresh produce on arrival to prepare a hot country breakfast and building partnerships with local businesses for catering, wine tasting, and massages that can be enjoyed on the property.

6. How did working together as sisters shape the project?

We each brought different strengths to the table. Jodie’s hospitality background shaped the guest experience, while Angela translated that into design. One of Jodie’s biggest pet peeves from past group getaways was the dreaded “bunkbed room” that no one wanted—so we made it a priority to ensure every bedroom had its own unique charm and felt just as inviting as the next.

Beyond just the two of us, it became a true family project. Our parents, with their green thumbs, played a huge role in transforming the gardens. And our grandmother (who turned 100 during the renovation and was always up for a party) inspired the hidden speakeasy-style bar, Grandma’s Tipsy.

7. What advice would you give to others transforming a rural property?

Build strong relationships with the local community. Our neighbours, cleaners, and local suppliers are the backbone of keeping Wandarra running smoothly. We’re not country girls, so having locals who understand the land has been invaluable.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Rural properties come with quirks—weather extremes, maintenance surprises, and the occasional rogue kangaroo in the garden! Flexibility is key. 

Support local businesses. Sourcing locally, from trades to produce, not only strengthens the community but also enhances the guest experience. 

Think long-term. A well-thought-out design ensures durability, comfort, and a seamless guest experience for years to come. 

Most of all, enjoy the process! Creating a destination that others will love as much as you do is an incredibly rewarding journey.

Wandarra Homestead – designed by Angela Harber, Director of Harber inc.