On the edge of the tiny village of Rye Park , nestled 1¼ hours north of Canberra, is The Old School Country Retreat, a winner of an Award of Distinction for Hosted Accommodation in the 2000 Capital Country Awards for Excellence in Tourism.

It is the ideal retreat for those who want to relax, walk and read, and at the end of the day, enjoy some excellent cuisine with influences from Belgium, Italy and Asia.

Cosy in Winter, with feather down sofa and chairs, and warm log fires, the crisp days precede a beautiful Spring in the surrounding gardens.  Set on three and a half acres amidst trees, with gardens, courtyards and ponds adjacent to native bushland, an atmosphere is created that encourages relaxation.

The Old School Country Retreat at Rye Park  offers and easy way of seeing part of rural Australia, without having to go too far off the beaten track.

Complimentary transport from Canberra and nearby areas can be arranged when guests book for two nights.

The Old School Country Retreat sleeps a maximum of 12 and is designed so that guests rarely meet unless this is intended as the house is divided into two wings.  The Wisteria Wing has two bedrooms, one ensuite and private sitting room, with another bedroom on the mezzanine floor.  The Orchard Wing has two bedrooms, one ensuite, one private bathroom and a private sitting room.

Guests meet in the main sitting room and dinner is served to guests at individual tables for their group.

Activities that may be undertaken include golf at Boorowa and Yass, fossilling, water-skiing and fishing at Wyangala and Burrinjuck Dams, wine tasting at numerous local wineries, peaceful bush walks and quiet country lanes, or maybe a picnic at one of the many unspoilt areas around Rye Park.