Leaves and Fishes is 20 acres of rainforest and lotus ponds at Lovedale, bought as a family home by the Burkes in 1976 and run since 2023 by Aaron and Kristy McGuigan. Guests stay in four overwater Boathouses perched on the pond or in the two-bedroom Villa, with twelve people at most on the property at a time. The Boathouses are adults-only, one king bed each with a private deck over the water, and three have large bathtubs; the Villa sleeps four across two king bedrooms.
A session in the Alpine barrel sauna beside the lotus pond comes with every stay. Boathouse 1 has ramp access, a walk-in shower and takes well-behaved dogs up to 14kg, so it is the pick if you need step-free access. Five event spaces host elopements, micro weddings, retreats and long lunches, and the Trove homewares shop by the entrance opens Friday and Saturday, and Sunday to Thursday by appointment.
At this hotel
- Tasting
- Cellar-door tastingBooking requiredBuy on site
- On site
- Stay on siteEvents programme
- Who it suits
- Dog-friendlyStep-free access
- Getting there
- Views
Photos
Food & stay
Stay on site
Up to 12 guests across the property. The Boathouses are adults only, one king bed each with a private deck over the lotus pond; three have large bathtubs. The Villa sleeps four in two king bedrooms with a fully equipped kitchen and overwater deck. A complimentary barrel sauna session is included with every stay; extra sessions cost more.
Background
- Ownership
- Aaron and Kristy McGuigan, owners and hosts since early 2023
Getting here & good to know
Leaves and Fishes is at 737 Lovedale Road, Lovedale, in Hunter Valley.
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Nearby places to visit
Details last checked 2026-07-26.