Luxury meets rustic charm on the edge of the Blue Mountains. Set on a scenic working cattle farm just 5km from Jenolan Caves, McKeown’s Rest at Kenzell Farm is a thoughtfully styled homestead offering the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Located on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, it’s a peaceful and spacious rural retreat for families, groups, or couples looking to reconnect with nature in regional NSW. With sweeping paddock views, native wildlife, and warm, personalised hospitality, McKeown’s Rest is a hidden gem in the Central Tablelands. The homestead is styled with character and sustainability in mind—featuring a curated collection of vintage and repurposed furniture, soft linens, and handmade touches that reflect Jacqui’s love of storytelling through space. Each room is filled with light, warmth, and soul. Guests can enjoy hydronic underfloor heating, a wood-burning fireplace, cosy lounge areas, and a fully equipped kitchen for cooking together. Enjoy your morning coffee with the birds, or curl up with a book in the sun-drenched window seat overlooking the garden. The home sleeps up to 13 guests in existing beds and is perfect for weekend escapes, creative retreats, or milestone family gatherings. Beyond the homestead, guests are welcome to explore the farm, meet our friendly animals—including alpacas, goats, donkeys, camels, and Pickles the Highland cow—and enjoy access to walking trails, picnic spots, and stargazing under clear country skies. The property is pet-friendly, child-friendly, and focused on creating hands-on, unforgettable experiences. Close to Mayfield Garden, Kanangra Walls, and charming towns like Oberon and Black Springs, McKeown’s Rest offers the comfort of a boutique stay with the heart of a true working farm.

Jacqui is the heart and soul of Kenzell Farm — a passionate educator, animal lover, and down-to-earth host who brings warmth, knowledge, and a touch of magic to every guest experience. With over 25 years of teaching experience and a lifelong connection to animals and the land, Jacqui has a natural gift for making people feel welcome, grounded, and inspired. Her journey began with a love for nature and a desire to create a place where people could step away from everyday pressures and reconnect — with themselves, with family, and with the earth. That vision became Kenzell Farm, a working farmstay in the Central Tablelands where slow living, genuine connection, and hands-on animal experiences are part of the everyday rhythm. Whether you're bottle-feeding a calf, brushing a donkey, collecting eggs, or harvesting something from the veggie garden, Jacqui is never far away. Always smiling, often barefoot, and full of heart, she’s happiest when guests are learning, laughing, and making meaningful memories. She’s designed every part of the guest experience with care — from the vintage charm of McKeowns Rest to the way the animals are raised and the educational programs delivered on-site. Her teaching background shines through in everything she does, creating experiences that are not only fun, but inclusive, intentional, and lasting. You’ll arrive as a guest and leave with muddy boots, a full heart, and a little more love for farm life — all thanks to Jacqui’s warm welcome and deep-rooted passion for what she does. Would you like this version styled for print, a Canva “Meet Your Host” feature, or included in your compendium?

Explore the heart of the Central Tablelands — where country charm meets natural wonder. McKeowns Rest is located on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, in the peaceful McKeowns Valley near Oberon, NSW. Guests love the quiet beauty of the area—rolling farmland, misty mornings, and dark, starry skies. Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, it’s the perfect country escape with easy access to some of the region’s most iconic attractions. Jenolan Caves, just 5km from the farm gate, is one of the oldest and most spectacular cave systems in the world. Guests often visit for guided cave tours, wildlife spotting, and bushwalks through the surrounding reserve. A little further along, Kanangra-Boyd National Park offers dramatic lookouts, walking trails, and waterfalls for those chasing fresh air and adventure. Back in Oberon (20 minutes away), you’ll find charming cafés, boutique stores, supermarkets, and a warm small-town vibe. Stop by the Oberon Visitor Centre for maps, updates on local events, or to discover the area's timber and gold rush history. Don’t miss the stunning Mayfield Garden, one of the largest privately-owned cool-climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere—open seasonally and just a short drive away. Nearby Black Springs, Shooters Hill, and Tarana offer scenic drives, picnic areas, and heritage villages worth exploring. Foodies will love the local produce, weekend markets, and nearby dining options—from cosy pubs and bakeries to farm-to-table experiences (ask Jacqui for her top picks!). Guests also rave about the peaceful walks around the property, the quiet creek for picnics, and the feeling of being "a world away" without being remote. Whether you’re here for a relaxing farm stay, a base to explore the Blue Mountains, or a weekend reconnecting with nature, the Kenzell Farm neighbourhood is all about fresh air, open space, and warm country hospitality.