The Southern Highlands in New South Wales has become something of a celebrity haven in recent years, with Nicole Kidman, Michelle Bridges, Samantha Armytage and Phoebe Burgess joining other stars in snapping up sprawling homes in the tranquil countryside.
Looking for a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life, many of Australia’s most famous faces escape to the peaceful area 100km south-west of Sydney when they need a break.
And at just a 90-minute drive south-west of Sydney, it’s the perfect place to unwind without being too far from the city.
Home sweet home: The Southern Highlands in New South Wales is a favourite hideaway for Nicole Kidman, Michelle Bridges, Samantha Armytage and Phoebe Burgess, who are just some of the stars who own sprawling homes in the scenic countryside 100km south-west of Sydney. Pictured: Nicole Kidman’s home
Nicole Kidman owns a property in the area, which she bought back in 2008 for $6.5million.
The heritage home was built in 1878 and sits on 45 hectares.
The 53-year-old actress is currently quarantining on the property along with her husband of 14 years, Keith Urban, and the couple’s two daughters, Sunday, 12, and Faith, nine.
![Home sweet home: Nicole Kidman purchased her Southern Highlands property back in 2008 for $6.5million](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135712-8555651-House_bound_Nicole_Kidman_also_owns_a_property_in_the_area_which-a-52_1595596508059.jpg)
Home sweet home: Nicole Kidman purchased her Southern Highlands property back in 2008 for $6.5million
![The 53-year-old actress is currently quarantining on the property along with her husband of 14 years, Keith Urban, and the couple's two daughters, Sunday, 12, and Faith, nine](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135720-8555651-At_home_The_53_year_old_actress_is_currently_quarantining_on_the-a-53_1595596508065.jpg)
The 53-year-old actress is currently quarantining on the property along with her husband of 14 years, Keith Urban, and the couple’s two daughters, Sunday, 12, and Faith, nine
![History: The heritage home was built back in 1878, and sits on 45 hectares, according to a report by Domain in June last year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135728-8555651-History_The_heritage_home_was_built_back_in_1878_and_sits_on_45_-a-54_1595596508068.jpg)
History: The heritage home was built back in 1878, and sits on 45 hectares, according to a report by Domain in June last year
![Hidden away: The home is nestled among a series of overgrown trees that frame the luxurious property](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135710-8555651-Hidden_away_The_home_is_nestled_by_a_series_of_overgrown_trees_f-a-56_1595596508071.jpg)
Hidden away: The home is nestled among a series of overgrown trees that frame the luxurious property
![There's also a watering hole on Kidman's property in the Highlands, which is also famed for its wines](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135716-8555651-Fired_up_There_s_also_a_watering_hole_on_the_tree_lined_property-a-55_1595596508070.jpg)
There’s also a watering hole on Kidman’s property in the Highlands, which is also famed for its wines
After returning from the US on Monday, the couple angered fellow travellers when they were given special permission to quarantine at home instead of spending two weeks .
According to a report by The Daily Telegraph in March, the family is considering making their move to the property permanent and have reportedly enrolled their daughters at a local school.
The stunning home featured as the backdrop for a video interview the Big Little Lies actress gave to US Vogue back in July 2015.
Titled ’73 Questions With Nicole Kidman’, the star revealed she loves escaping to the property
The Hollywood star says she loves the region because of ‘the simplicity, the air [and] the peace’.
![Making its debut: The stunning home featured as the backdrop for a video interview the Big Little Lies actress gave to US Vogue back in July 2015](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135714-8555651-Making_its_debut_The_stunning_home_featured_as_the_backdrop_for_-a-57_1595596508343.jpg)
Making its debut: The stunning home featured as the backdrop for a video interview the Big Little Lies actress gave to US Vogue back in July 2015
![The simple life: Titled '73 Questions With Nicole Kidman', the interview saw the star reveal she loves escaping to the property](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135690-8555651-The_simple_life_Titled_73_Questions_With_Nicole_Kidman_the_star_-a-58_1595596508345.jpg)
The simple life: Titled ’73 Questions With Nicole Kidman’, the interview saw the star reveal she loves escaping to the property
![Room to move: Nicole's sprawling homestead gives the star and her family plenty of space to move around](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135702-8555651-Room_to_move_Nicole_s_sprawling_property_gives_her_and_her_famil-a-59_1595596508349.jpg)
Room to move: Nicole’s sprawling homestead gives the star and her family plenty of space to move around
![Plenty of privacy: Kidman's block is nice and secluded with no other properties nearby](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135692-8555651-Plenty_of_privacy_It_s_nice_and_secluded_with_no_other_propertie-a-60_1595596508354.jpg)
Plenty of privacy: Kidman’s block is nice and secluded with no other properties nearby
![Free as a bird: Nicole Kidman (pictured) says she loves the area because of 'the simplicity, the air [and] the peace'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31139032-8555651-Free_as_a_bird_Nicole_Kidman_pictured_says_she_loves_the_area_be-a-63_1595596508632.jpg)
Free as a bird: Nicole Kidman (pictured) says she loves the area because of ‘the simplicity, the air [and] the peace’
![Haven: She shares the home with husband Keith (right) and their children](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/25/16/31187954-8555651-image-a-83_1595691934311.jpg)
Haven: She shares the home with husband Keith (right) and their children
Meanwhile, Samantha Armytage, 43, also owns a luxury countryside property in the area.
The Sunrise host bought her home back in April 2017, spending $2.2million on the Southern Highlands retreat, according to a report by realestate.com.au.
The regional NSW property features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, along with a modern open-plan kitchen.
![A great place to wake up to: Samantha Armytage, 43, also owns a luxury countryside property in the area](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135350-8555651-Nice_place_Samantha_Armytage_43_also_owns_a_luxury_countryside_p-a-62_1595596508627.jpg)
A great place to wake up to: Samantha Armytage, 43, also owns a luxury countryside property in the area
![Wide open spaces: The regional NSW property features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, along with a modern open-plan kitchen](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135322-8555651-Wide_open_spaces_The_regional_NSW_property_features_five_bedroom-a-64_1595596508640.jpg)
Wide open spaces: The regional NSW property features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, along with a modern open-plan kitchen
![The finer details: The home also boasts timber floored lounge and dining rooms, which feature a fireplace](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135304-8555651-The_finer_details_There_s_also_timber_floored_lounge_and_dining_-a-65_1595596508654.jpg)
The finer details: The home also boasts timber floored lounge and dining rooms, which feature a fireplace
There’s also timber floored lounge and dining rooms, which feature a fireplace.
The living spaces open out onto a spacious outdoor deck area, which includes an open fire, making it the perfect place for entertaining.
The home features a wrap-around verandah and is surrounded by lush green lawns and trees on the two-hectare property.
![Room to move: The home features a wrap-around verandah, and is surrounded by lush green lawns and trees on the two-hectare property](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135366-8555651-Room_to_move_The_home_features_a_wrap_around_verandah_and_is_sur-a-67_1595596508657.jpg)
Room to move: The home features a wrap-around verandah, and is surrounded by lush green lawns and trees on the two-hectare property
![Horsing around: Samantha is an avid horse rider who spends most of her weekends at the country property](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135354-8555651-Horsing_around_It_also_includes_paddocks_with_Samantha_an_avid_h-a-69_1595596508962.jpg)
Horsing around: Samantha is an avid horse rider who spends most of her weekends at the country property
It also includes paddocks, with Samantha an avid horse rider, spending most of her weekends at the country property.
There’s also a separate studio cottage, with a small creek winding its way through the country retreat.
Samantha’s new fiancé, businessman Richard Lavender, owns a rural property nearby.
![Country living: There's also a separate studio cottage, with a small creek winding its way through the country retreat](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135368-8555651-Country_living_There_s_also_a_separate_studio_cottage_with_a_sma-a-68_1595596508960.jpg)
Country living: There’s also a separate studio cottage, with a small creek winding its way through the country retreat
![Neighbours: Samantha's new fiancé, businessman Richard Lavender, owns a rural property nearby, with the couple announcing their engagement last month](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135334-8555651-Neighbours_Samantha_s_new_fianc_businessman_Richard_Lavender_own-a-70_1595596508962.jpg)
Neighbours: Samantha’s new fiancé, businessman Richard Lavender, owns a rural property nearby, with the couple announcing their engagement last month
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in July 2017, Samantha spoke about her love of being in the country.
‘For years and years I have talked about it and I’ve known that my country roots are important to me,’ she said.
‘Nowadays I’ve realised that I really need it for my sanity I guess, to get back to the country and get my hands in the dirt and be in nature. It is really important.’
![Splashing out: The Sunrise host bought her home back in April 2017, spending $2.2million on the Southern Highlands retreat, according to a report by realestate.com.au](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135344-8555651-Splashing_out_The_Sunrise_host_bought_her_home_back_in_April_201-a-71_1595596508963.jpg)
Splashing out: The Sunrise host bought her home back in April 2017, spending $2.2million on the Southern Highlands retreat, according to a report by realestate.com.au
![Out of sight: There are smaller dwellings on the sprawling property, which is tucked away behind trees](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135726-8555651-Out_of_sight_There_are_smaller_dwellings_on_the_sprawling_proper-a-72_1595596508964.jpg)
Out of sight: There are smaller dwellings on the sprawling property, which is tucked away behind trees
![Rustic: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in July 2017, Samantha spoke about her love of being in the country. Samantha Armytage is pictured with fiancé Richard Lavender](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31139018-8555651-Rustic_In_an_interview_with_The_Daily_Telegraph_in_July_2017_Sam-a-73_1595596508965.jpg)
Rustic: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in July 2017, Samantha spoke about her love of being in the country. Samantha Armytage is pictured with fiancé Richard Lavender
Phoebe Burgess, 31, is another star who calls the Southern Highlands her home away from home.
The ex-wife of former rugby league footballer Sam Burgess relocated to her parents’ sprawling country property with the couple’s two children after the demise of her marriage in October last year.
Phoebe grew up at the property with her parents, Mitch and Sarah Hooke, and sisters, Jemima and Harriet.
![Nice digs: Phoebe Burgess, 31, is another star who calls the Southern Highlands her home away from home](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31136004-8555651-Nice_digs_Phoebe_Burgess_31_is_another_star_who_calls_the_Southe-a-75_1595596509284.jpg)
Nice digs: Phoebe Burgess, 31, is another star who calls the Southern Highlands her home away from home
![Childhood home: Phoebe grew up at the property with her parents, Mitch and Sarah Hooke, and sisters, Jemima and Harriet](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31136018-8555651-Childhood_home_Phoebe_grew_up_at_the_property_with_her_parents_M-a-77_1595596509290.jpg)
Childhood home: Phoebe grew up at the property with her parents, Mitch and Sarah Hooke, and sisters, Jemima and Harriet
![Country girl: Nestled on nine acres of manicured garden, the spacious estate is brimming with rustic charm](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31136014-8555651-Country_girl_Nestled_on_nine_acres_of_manicured_garden_the_spaci-a-76_1595596509287.jpg)
Country girl: Nestled on nine acres of manicured garden, the spacious estate is brimming with rustic charm
Nestled on nine acres of manicured garden, the spacious estate is brimming with rustic charm.
The stunning limestone residence features high ceilings throughout, large living areas, a formal dining room, two offices, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a timber kitchen.
It also boasts a formal entrance lobby, media room, covered outdoor entertainment area and large double garage.
![Gorgeous: The stunning limestone residence features high ceilings throughout, large living areas, a formal dining room, two offices, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a timber kitchen](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31136002-8555651-Gorgeous_The_stunning_limestone_residence_features_high_ceilings-a-79_1595596509554.jpg)
Gorgeous: The stunning limestone residence features high ceilings throughout, large living areas, a formal dining room, two offices, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a timber kitchen
![Extra large: It also boasts a formal entrance lobby, media room, covered outdoor entertainment area and large double garage](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135984-8555651-Extra_large_It_also_boasts_a_formal_entrance_lobby_media_room_co-a-78_1595596509292.jpg)
Extra large: It also boasts a formal entrance lobby, media room, covered outdoor entertainment area and large double garage
![Picture perfect: The property's landscaped rose garden and manicured hedging also offer the perfect backdrop for Phoebe's many Instagram photo shoots](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135998-8555651-Picture_perfect_The_property_s_landscaped_rose_garden_and_manicu-a-80_1595596509564.jpg)
Picture perfect: The property’s landscaped rose garden and manicured hedging also offer the perfect backdrop for Phoebe’s many Instagram photo shoots
![Making a move: The ex-wife of former rugby league footballer Sam Burgess relocated to her parents' sprawling country property with the couple's two children after the demise of her marriage in October last year. Pictured: Phoebe Burgess](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31139016-8555651-Making_a_move_The_ex_wife_of_former_rugby_league_footballer_Sam_-a-81_1595596509566.jpg)
Making a move: The ex-wife of former rugby league footballer Sam Burgess relocated to her parents’ sprawling country property with the couple’s two children after the demise of her marriage in October last year. Pictured: Phoebe Burgess
Phoebe’s horse-loving family also owns a state-of-the-art stable complex and timber-railed paddock area.
A vegetable garden and chicken run offer hours of entertainment for Phoebe’s kids.
The property’s landscaped rose garden and manicured hedging also offer the perfect backdrop for Phoebe’s many Instagram photo shoots.
‘Dressed up for the chooks,’ she captioned a series of Instagram photos of herself on the property back in May.
![Getaway: Michelle Bridges, 49, purchased her Southern Highlands retreat for a reported $2.7million back in January 2018, according to a report by Home Beautiful at the time](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135218-8555651-Getaway_Michelle_Bridges_49_purchased_her_Southern_Highlands_ret-a-84_1595596509573.jpg)
Getaway: Michelle Bridges, 49, purchased her Southern Highlands retreat for a reported $2.7million back in January 2018, according to a report by Home Beautiful at the time
![Luxurious: The home features five bedrooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135170-8555651-Luxurious_The_home_features_five_bedrooms_a_swimming_pool_and_a_-a-82_1595596509571.jpg)
Luxurious: The home features five bedrooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court
![Sprawling: The nine-acre property also features a separate guest barn and artist studio](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135160-8555651-Sprawling_The_nine_acre_property_also_features_a_separate_guest_-a-85_1595596509845.jpg)
Sprawling: The nine-acre property also features a separate guest barn and artist studio
The luxurious property also acted as the backdrop for Phoebe and Sam’s wedding back in December 2015.
Michelle Bridges, 49, purchased her Southern Highlands retreat for a reported $2.7million back in January 2018, according to a report by Home Beautiful at the time.
The celebrity fitness trainer reportedly outbid chef Luke Mangan, who had also been eyeing off the property.
![Stunning: It also boasts both casual and formal dining rooms, along with a low combustion fireplace, while floor to ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding area](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135248-8555651-Stunning_It_also_boasts_both_casual_and_formal_dining_rooms_alon-a-90_1595596509859.jpg)
Stunning: It also boasts both casual and formal dining rooms, along with a low combustion fireplace, while floor to ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding area
![Competition: The celebrity fitness trainer reportedly outbid chef Luke Mangan, who had also been eyeing off the property](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135220-8555651-Competition_The_celebrity_fitness_trainer_reportedly_outbid_chef-a-86_1595596509849.jpg)
Competition: The celebrity fitness trainer reportedly outbid chef Luke Mangan, who had also been eyeing off the property
![Lots of room: The home has ample amounts of outdoor space for entertaining](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31135200-8555651-Lots_of_room_The_home_has_ample_amounts_of_outdoor_space_for_ent-a-87_1595596509853.jpg)
Lots of room: The home has ample amounts of outdoor space for entertaining
The home features five bedrooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court, with Michelle regularly escaping to the home on weekends.
The nine-acre property also features a separate guest barn and artist studio, along with ample amounts of outdoor space for entertaining.
It also boasts both casual and formal dining rooms, along with a low combustion fireplace, while floor to ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding area.
Michelle regularly escapes to the home on weekends, with her young son, Axel.
![Idyllic: The open space is perfect for her young son to enjoy. Pictured: Michelle Bridges and son Axel](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/24/14/31139028-8555651-Idyllic_The_open_space_is_perfect_for_her_young_son_to_enjoy-a-88_1595596509854.jpg)
Idyllic: The open space is perfect for her young son to enjoy. Pictured: Michelle Bridges and son Axel