As we drove towards Rose Room Cottage, the passing horses and signs for organic lemons told us we certainly weren't in the city anymore. The Hills Shire suburb of Arcadia is just under an hour from Sydney's CBD, and pulling up to the cottage, we immediately noticed the vast surrounds of greenery that envelop the property. Rose Room Cottage sits at the back of Grada and Tom's beautiful home, and the ample space means you have all the privacy you need — whether you’re here for a quiet family escape or a micro-wedding celebration.

Grada welcomed us with a tour of the property, telling us how the place came to be. From the antique mirror furnishings to the floral wallpaper imported from the Netherlands, every detail in Rose Room Cottage has been carefully curated to transport you to the English countryside. Grada is also an artist, and her beautiful works are displayed throughout the cottage.

Our mother-daughter retreat began by watching the afternoon sun filter through the trees on the huge outdoor deck, before getting the indoor fireplace going. Mum cosied up with a glass of red on the couch (which also doubles as a comfy sofa bed), while I indulged in a relaxing soak in the freestanding bathtub.

The property is surrounded by orderly gardens, meaning we woke up to the sounds of Australian birdsong in the morning. Our first full day began with complimentary breakfast in the Hamptons-style kitchen, followed by an exploration of nearby Fagan Park. So much more than just a park, it features 55 hectares of themed gardens and we spent our morning watching the ducks glide along the pond, people-watching in the Mediterranean-themed garden, and basking in the fact we were surrounded by nature. Please note that it's $6 for all-day parking here.

Next up was lunch at Wild Pear cafe, known for their aesthetic brunches and lunches. Fuelled up, we checked out the on-site nursery, which has everything from potted herbs to giant cacti. Needing to pick up a few items for dinner, we ducked into the nearby supermarket at Dural (the convenience of a country escape without actually leaving the city!) before heading to Nancy’s Freedom Farm: an all-ages free-range farm where you can also purchase organic eggs. We met the lovely Elizabeth, who let us say hello to the baby goats, sheep and chickens before we took home a few dozen freshly laid eggs. Whether you have children or you’re invoking your inner child, Nancy’s Freedom Farm is the perfect arvo activity.

We ended the day by viewing Grada’s art gallery space before strolling around the property for a final time and looking up at the stars — you really know you’ve escaped the city when the night sky is dotted with brightly lit stars.

Slow mornings spent listening to the birds with a cuppa on the deck and evenings spent by the cosy indoor fireplace made for the perfect few days unplugged from real life and rejuvenating in nature. If you’re seeking the quiet country charm of a converted barn in order to get back to nature, unplug and unwind — without actually leaving the city — then Rose Room Cottage in Arcadia is for you.