If you’re driving the scenic route along the Princes Highway from Sydney to the Shoalhaven Region for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking Berry might just be a place to refuel and stretch your legs.
But this idyllic little country town, nestled between mountains and only a ten minute drive to the beach, absolutely has main character energy. It’s a little piece of paradise full of personality. Sydney-siders in the know will travel two hours each way just for a day trip to wander through the historic architecture, chic boutiques, vibrant cafe scene – and of course – to visit the famous Berry Donut Van.
But to fully immerse yourself in Berry and experience it properly, you’ll want to dedicate more than a day. Peter Yannopoulos, Founder of the The Linnaeus Collection knows this only too well – which is why he’s curated a collection of refined, design-led retreats throughout the Berry Hinterland, inviting guests to slow down, breathe deeply and experience the region in Luxury.
The Rubus Range – The Heart of Town
If you’re wanting to stay right in the heart of town, the three private luxury homes known as the Rubus Residences are located just one street back from Berry’s main strip in the quiet cul-de-sac of charming Albert Street. Stepping inside Rubus feels like stepping into a life well-lived in private luxury – a welcoming home where considered design and light-filled spaces envelop you in calm.
The vibe is a youthful, modern country retreat – blending organic materials and pops of colour, lovingly brought to life in collaboration with Simone Mathews of SOUL Home.
From the entrance, the long, elegant hallway leads you into the first open living space where the fireplace overlooks a beautifully manicured courtyard garden. Continuing down the hallway to the end, you step into a sophisticated kitchen and living area, blending style and comfort seamlessly. Large ceiling to floor glass doors open to a private timber deck with outdoor barbeque, which leads down to your private plunge pool surrounded by luscious greenery.
The first thing you’ll want to do upon arrival is don the gorgeous cotton robe, pour yourself a wine and make your way out to the plunge pool to soak in the sun in absolute serenity. Follow that with a warm, leisurely bath in the master suite and then lounge in the charming day bed, cosied up with a good book and a cup of herbal tea (oh, and Linnaeus have partnered with the Berry Tea Company to create their very own luxury range of sips).
The stroll to town and back is an easy 5-10 minutes so dining out is a breeze, but you might want to stay in and soak up the ambience instead. If that’s the case (and you’ve got a handy Chef in your midst), stock up on fresh produce at the local IGA and come back to cook up a storm in the fully-equipped kitchen.
And, after a busy day of sightseeing or doing absolutely nothing by the pool, the plush king bed with crisp white sheets feels like falling into a cloud or a bucket of marshmallows. Whatever the analogy – sleep welcomes you with open arms.
Luxury at Rubus is found in every minor detail – from Kinfolk hard-covers & gourmet cook books to marble side tables and The Commonfolk Coconut & Lime skin and hair products – there’s not one element that hasn’t been carefully considered to enhance the experience.
Each double-storey townhouse in the Rubus range (named Rubus Pink, Rubus Green & Rubus Blue) boasts four large bedrooms, each with its own private ensuite making this luxury accommodation the ideal group getaway for friends or families. For smaller groups or couples there’s the option to book a suite-only (one bedroom) while still allowing you full private access to the rest of the house.
Maple Cottages – Albert & Edward
If you prefer a single-storey lodging, still within the heart of town, then one of the charming Maple Cottages might be right up your alley. These two cottages sit side by side on private blocks and can be booked separately or together.
The Maple Cottages are perfect for families – each with five bedrooms and a short walk to Berry’s acclaimed Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park, as well as the main street.
The cottages have oversized pitched ceilings, creating a sense of abundant, airy roominess from the minute you open the door. Rooms are filled with plump furniture, cosy cushions, floaty curtains and bathrooms and bedrooms are designed for luxury bathing and sleeping – with pared back styling and a classic black and white palette.
The interior, once again lovingly curated by SOUL Home’s Simone Mathews is styled to connect the outdoors with the cottages. In fact, she’s taken into account the Carl Linnaeus philosophy of creating a balance between us and our physical environment, with each property designed to feel like the line to the outdoors is blurred.
Similar to the Rubus range, both cottages come with a plunge pool and an alfresco dining area – the perfect home away from home when you’re exploring the Berry Hinterland.
Linnaeus Farm – Luxury Farm Stay
Linnaeus Farm, approximately five minutes outside of town sits on 8 blissful acres of greenery. This is the heart of the Linnaeus collection because it’s the property where it all started. When Yannopoulos came looking for his first property in the region, it only took the drive through the stone entryway before he’d made up his mind that this was going to be the first luxury escape in his Linnaeus portfolio.
This stunning five-bedroom house can accommodate up to 10 guests. With Saddleback Mountain as the backdrop and sweeping views across the private lake and lakehouse to the front, this property offers a truly immersive escape – where nature, privacy and refined comfort come together in perfect balance.
Inside, the three expansive living spaces are designed for gathering – whether that’s long lunches around the dining table, slow mornings by the fireplace, or evenings spent watching the sun dip behind the mountain from the verandah. Natural textures, soft neutral tones and thoughtful styling create a sense of calm.
Outdoors, the property invites guests to fully embrace farm life….at a very comfortable distance. Wander the grounds, picnic by the lake, or simply sit still and take in the quiet, broken only by birdsong and the breeze through the trees.
You leave Linnaeus feeling reset, unhurried – lungs full of fresh country air and wholesome memories to take home with you.
Moraea Farm – Luxury Farm Stay
The newest addition to the Linneaus family is Moraea Farm, a tranquil country estate just a seven-minute drive from town and ideal for those who want to be close to town, yet indulge in a truly high-end farm-stay experience.
The estate comprises a timeless farmhouse and a separate private studio, each thoughtfully reimagined with bold flair – creating an ideal setting for a multi-generational family escape. Within the main farmhouse, every room has been individually designed with its own distinctive colour palette. Guests can choose from four beautifully appointed king suites in green, blue, pink or red, each thoughtfully colour-coordinated with a matching ensuite bathroom.
Each room also has its own coffee and tea making facilities, so that if you need some down time (or an escape from family for an hour or two) you can sit and soak up the peace in your own little self-contained haven.
This is a truly rural experience – elevated with 5-star hotel amenities. Kids (and adults) can pat the goats and cows (lovingly named after Yannopoulos’ extended family), gather around the fire pit, cook up a storm in the outdoor pizza oven, unwind in the lush gardens or lounge around the resort-style pool.
Broad, wrap-around verandahs look out over the vegetable garden and chicken coup for a full farm-to-table experience. There’s an outdoor lakehouse where guests can enjoy meditation or yoga and a visit to the private restaurant, farm tour, or feeding session can also be arranged for an immersive agritourism experience.
Moraea Farm feels like it jumps straight out of the pages of Country Style magazine. In fact, it was featured in the mag’s 2025 Christmas edition. And rumour has it that the private on-site restaurant will be opening to the public in 2026.
Something For Everyone
The Linnaeus Collection offers a piece of paradise for everyone – from intimate family getaways and multi-generational holidays to friend-filled escapes and considered corporate retreats. Each property has been thoughtfully curated to feel both indulgent and effortlessly welcoming, striking the perfect balance between design-led luxury and liveable comfort.
Founder Peter Yannopoulos says he has created every residence as though he were going to live in it himself. While undeniably luxurious, each space is grounded in warmth and authenticity – homes designed not just to impress, but to be truly enjoyed.
To find out more or book your stay, click here.
