Ms Gilda Wordsmith

Escape to Ms Gilda Wordsmith, a hidden gem in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes from Sydney. A true book lover’s paradise, this alpine retreat offers cozy, book filled rooms for romantic escapes, relaxing retreats, or family holidays rich in imagination. Step into colorful interiors of yesteryear with modern , creature comforts. Every corner invites you to linger and rediscover the magic of books and storytelling. Your next bookish relaxation awaits. The space Immerse yourself in the cozy charm of Ms. Gilda Wordsmith’s—a 1930s cottage that embodies the spirit of storytelling. There are whispers of literary magic in every room. Shelves filled with vintage books, collections of poetry, manuscripts, and also a few modern classics. Pair this with the alpine air, and you will retreat into a time - long since gone - yet somehow familiar. Set on lands cared for by the Gundungurra and Dharug peoples, Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s invites you to explore the natural beauty nearby. Visit Echo Point Lookout and Scenic World in Katoomba, stroll through Wentworth Falls village, and Leura Mall’s charming village shops. And if it’s hiking you like, there are waterfalls and a large assortment of tracks to be enjoyed. The Cottage Enjoy two sumptuous bedrooms, each with a queen bed-dressed in luxurious cottons, linens, and velvet. A library with an executive desk and chair invites you to settle in, perhaps even pen your own story. Ducted air conditioning throughout, ensures comfort in every season. While the kitchen, complete with an electric oven, cooktop, and Nespresso machine, is ready for any culinary whim. In the dining room, enjoy meals by the ambient glow of flameless candles nestled in a brick fireplace, creating the perfect atmosphere for romance or storytelling. Velvet curtains and cozy seating in the lounge room invite you to sink in with a good book, surrounded by hundreds more. In the bathing room, the shower is positioned over the bath. A non-slip mat is provided, please use it if you feel the need. Unwind in the spacious bath or relax in the Summer Room (an enclosed verandah) with morning coffee or an evening drink as the sun sets. Outside, a paved courtyard catches the northern light, ideal for brunch or a pot of tea. Wander the grounds and admire towering 93-year-old pines. With a bit of imagination, you may just hear the stories these ancient trees tell. Down the garden path, meet Ms Gilda’s charming neighbors, Mr. Tobi Donkey and Miss Annie Donkey, who happily await a friendly hello and a treat. (Treats are provided for guests to feed Mr Tobi and Miss Annie. ) Please note: At different points in the seasons, they go to Mudgee for their own little Donkey holiday getaway. This is organised for their benefit. We do hope you get to see them, when you visit Ms Gilda Wordsmiths’. However, thank you for your understanding should you find Master Tobi and Miss Annie on their own getaway in the north west. There’s a carport for your use, with additional street parking available. At Ms. Gilda Wordsmith’s, you’ll find a sanctuary to nurture your creativity and revive your love of words. Follow her on IG @msgildawordsmith for a touch of this whimsy, wordy getaway, wherever you are. Guest access Treasured guests can enjoy the entire cottage and the vast grounds during their stay at Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s. Thank you for being mindful that you are staying in a beautiful local residential area. Respect for the natural environment and all wildlife is required. Occasionally, you may hear a Possum jump into the roof cavity- it’s well above your living quarters. Nothing to be concerned about, they too, just want to enjoy a stay at Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s like you! At times they can be incredibly loud. We have installed animal friendly low frequency sound deterrents. (Along with motion sensor lights - again as a deterrent.) Ms Gilda Wordsmith is a proudly inclusive stay for guests of all backgrounds and communities. There are some physical mobility restrictions, due to the heritage nature of the cottage. These issues we are unable to remedy. The shower is above the bath, which requires a step in to access. A non slip mat is provided, please use this when showering if concerned. In a few rooms, there are original antique doorways, these are quite narrow. Please note, there are a few levels/ steps inside the property too. This is the result of additions to the cottage over many different decades. All adding to the character and charm of the cottage. Access to the cottage, Ms Gilda Wordsmith, is down a sloping path from the roadside carport. Other things to note Welcome to Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s, We’ve thoughtfully stocked the basics to help you settle in, including ground coffee beans, coffee pods, a selection of teas, salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and white vinegar. For everything else you might need, we suggest a visit to The Lemon Tree Grocer, just up the road in charming Wentworth Falls. This delightful store offers fresh produce, organic meats, cheeses, dips, and other cooking essentials. If you’re in the mood for a tipple, you’ll find two fantastic local liquor stores, Fleet Street and D’Vine Cellars, also conveniently located in Wentworth Falls. Don’t miss a trip to Black Cockatoo Bakery for their divine French breads and pastries—they’re a real treat! Keep in mind they sometimes sell out early, so it’s a good idea to check their socials for the latest updates. Contact details for all these places are listed You’ll notice that Ms Gilda’s home is filled with a lovingly curated collection of books, art, and unique knick-knacks. These cherished pieces are here for you to enjoy during your stay. We kindly ask that these items remain at Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s home, so future guests can also delight in them. If an item is accidentally taken, no worries—just return it promptly, and no charges will apply. We understand accidents happen, and we truly appreciate your care and respect for these treasures. A Warm and Welcoming Space We take great pride in maintaining a clean, inviting, and memorable stay experience for all our honoured guests. Be sure to check out Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s Guide Book for more local recommendations to help you explore and enjoy the area. Thank you for being part of the story here at Ms Gilda Wordsmith’s home. We hope your stay is as delightful as the treasures within these walls. For Recommended Supplies: Supermarket: The Lemon Tree Grocer 23 Station Street Wentworth Falls 2782 IG thelemontreegrocer The Laughing Elephant- Asian Grocer Within Renae’s Arcade 26 Station Street Wentworth Falls 2782 IG thelaughingelephant Fleet Street Bottle Shop Grandview Hotel 174 Great Western Highway Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 IG fleetstreet_bluemountains D’Vine Cellars 201 great Western Highway Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 IG dvinecellars2782 Bakeries Black Cockatoo Bakery French Chef Owned Bakery Shop 1 Staples Crescent Lawson NSW 2783 (also in Katoomba, Katoomba St.) IG blackcockatoobakery Hominy Bakery French Bakery 185 Katoomba Street Katoomba NSW 2780 IG hominy_bakery Schwartz Bakery German Continental Bakery Within Renae’s Arcade, Shop 30 Station Street Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 Places to Eat: Day Cafes Sorensens Glasshouse and Gardens Loved by locals and visitors alike. Modern Cafe- breakfast-brunch-lunch 8 Herbert Street Leura NSW 2780 IG leura_glasshouse Fed A Favourite of the Locals -Modern Cafe fare 6 Station Street Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 IG fedbluemountains Take Away’s Jordan’s Sandwich Bar Great Sandwiches- self designed 12 Katoomba Street Katoomba NSW 2780 IG jords_sandwichbar The Cheesesteak Factory Americana Burgers and Milkshakes Shop 4/287 Great Western Highway Lawson NSW 2783 8 Things Eatery Modern eat in or takeaway. International Cusine and Burgers. 133 Katoomba Street Katoomba NSW 2780 IG 8thingskatoomba Lunch and Dinner Restaurant Echo’s Restaurant and Bar Modern Australian Cusine 3 Lilianfels Ave Katoomba NSW 2780 Dinner Restaurants Napoli Corner Traditional Naples Style Pizza Shop 9 / 292 Great Western Highway Lawson NSW 2783 IG napolicornerlawson Rustico Pizza E Bar Traditional Pizzas 4 Katoomba Street Katoomba NSW IG rustico_katoomba Ates at Blackheath Middle Eastern Inspired Modern Cusine 33 Glovetts Leap Road Blackheath NSW 2785 IG ates_blackheath Registration Details PID-STRA-51628