Markdale Station - Stone Cottage

The Stone Cottage is a charming two-bedroom sandstone retreat accommodating up to four guests, located on Markdale Station — a 6,300-acre working Merino sheep farm in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Dating back to the 1850s, the cottage offers comfortable, character-filled accommodation in a peaceful and historic rural setting. For larger groups, retreats, or family gatherings, please explore our other listings available on the property. The space Dating back to the 1850s, the Stone cottage offers comfortable, character-filled accommodation in a peaceful and historic rural setting. The Stone cottage accommodates up to four guests in two bedrooms and includes all you could need for a comfortable stay. History The original homestead on Markdale Station began with a small slab hut built by William Marks in 1858 on Slete's Gully land, later serving as an inn and store. The property gained fame when James Ashton purchased it in 1920, establishing it as a polo powerhouse with his four sons, building a grand new homestead with verandahs for his family's multi-generational residence, and later commissioning Edna Walling for its iconic gardens, making it a significant historic estate known for polo and horticulture. Location Markdale Station is located in the rural locality of Crooked Corner, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales and is the perfect destination for couples, families and groups looking for a country experience. Nestled between the historic towns of Taralga, Binda, and Tuena, and within close reach of the larger regional centre of Crookwell, the property sits in a quiet and picturesque grazing district known for its rolling hills, open farmland, and classic Australian countryside. Conveniently positioned approximately 3.5 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from Canberra, Markdale combines seclusion with accessibility. The broader Crookwell region is renowned for its cool-climate seasons, agricultural heritage, wool production, and country charm, making it a natural hub for local services, dining, and supplies. Guest access Guests have exclusive access to The Stone Cottage. The Original Homestead is located directly next door, and some surrounding outdoor areas may be shared with other guests. As the property is located on a working farm, some areas are not accessible, but you will still enjoy plenty of space and privacy. Guests are welcome to enjoy:- Edna Walling Garden — Wander through a famous 5-acre designer garden filled with stone pathways, quiet hideaways, seasonal blooms, and breathtaking landscaping. Swimming Pool — Perfect for lazy afternoons, cooling off in summer, or unwinding after a day of exploring the countryside. Tennis Court — Enjoy a casual hit, a fun couple’s activity, or a friendly match with friends or family. Friendly Farm Animals — Meet our charming alpacas and donkeys, a favourite for guests of all ages and a delightful touch of rural character. Surrounding Countryside — Explore over 6,300 acres of rolling sheep and cattle farmland, open skies, peaceful walks, and a true “slow-living” rural atmosphere. Seasonal Farm Life — Depending on the time of year, you may be able to watch parts of the farm in action — from sheep work to seasonal mustering and other day-to-day activities that give a glimpse into life on a working property. Other things to note The property is strictly pet-free and smoke-free to ensure the comfort of all guests. Due to its rural location, mobile and Wi-Fi reception may be limited or unavailable in some areas of the property. Landlines and Wi-fi are available within the accommodation Vehicle Access A portion of Mulgowrie Road and all private access roads on the property are unsealed. Roads are generally suitable for 2WD vehicles. However: * After rain, road surfaces may be soft or slippery * Travel times may increase * Caution is advised on corners, dips, and loose gravel * If heavy rainfall is forecast, we recommend allowing additional time or considering a vehicle with higher clearance. Registration Details PID-STRA-26616