Don't let their name turn you off. ''Cosy eco-cabins'' is a much more accurate reflection of these three rustic self-contained cabins that have been hand-crafted from a mix of recycled Australian hardwoods and corrugated galvanised iron. Just three years ago this was a bare paddock but extensive plantings by owners Andrew and Clare Kavunenko has turned the surrounds into a haven for native birds.

Getting there: Cooma Road, 90 minutes from Canberra via Braidwood. Pick up some ''Dojo Bread'' in Braidwood's trendy new bakery on the way.

Suitable for: Eco-conscious couples, families and small groups. With no TV, or mobile phone reception (Wi-Fi on request), it's also ideal for a digital detox.

Winter warmth: No chance of being cold here. Each hut has a wood-fuelled slow combustion heater that churns out heat with such gusto that many guests end up opening the windows for a blast of cool air. There's also a fire pit for toasting marshmallows.

What's different: The words ''shared bathrooms'' usually conjure up thoughts of old crusty pub bathrooms in need of a facelift. Not here. The Tin Huts' shared bathrooms are new, spacious, super clean and complete with piping hot showers. The huts also rely on tank water and electricity use is covered by a 5KW feed to the grid solar system.

Best bit: The realisation that you can still snooze in luxury without running water - you fetch water in antique jugs from the tank under your veranda.

What to do: Find a book from the library and curl up in front of the fire. The verandas are ready-made for that late-afternoon hot chocolate or glass of wine while watching the sun set over the wilds of Deua National Park.

Cuisine: BYO or request one of the Kavunenko's pre-arranged hampers ($30 a person). Pluck fresh herbs from garden.

Tip: If you are on a girls' weekend away, request Louisa's Hut, its decor is much more feminine than the other two huts.

Winter deals: From $125 a night for two people.

Contact: Ph: 4847 1248. See: deuatinhuts.com.

Hopefully there aren't many occasions where you can tell friends that you spent a night in the slammer, but this is one of those. Araluen's Old Courthouse (circa 1861) has been lovingly restored into an idiosyncratic B&B where the guest rooms are the old holding cells. But don't worry it's much more comfy than when thousands of criminals were held here.

Getting there: 5894 Araluen Road, Araluen Valley. A 90-minute picturesque drive from Canberra via Braidwood.

Suitable for: Cocooning couples and small groups after a quiet rural getaway. Most B&Bs don't welcome families, however, the adjoining original policeman's residence has just been renovated and offers an ideal family retreat.

Best bit: Rooms are very private.

Winter warmth: The common room features an open fire and there are also heaters in all rooms. For the more daring, try the heated large outdoor spa.

What's different: In the 1860s, during the height of the gold rush, prisoners were so numerous that they couldn't all fit into the cells. As a result, while waiting for the magistrate to arrive, many were chained to the old peppercorn trees, which are still growing at the front of the property.

What to do: If you can drag yourself away from the open fire, work off last night's gourmet feast with a hit of tennis.

Cuisine: Full English breakfast included and the menu varies if you stay for more than one night. Don't miss the buttermilk pancakes - they're to die for. Picnic hampers can be purchased for lunch and dinners can be prepared to suit your tastes. Also there's a brand new guest kitchen (in the old gold store room!) if you want to cook up your own storm.

Tip: If you have a four-wheel-drive, take the mountain pass to Majors Creek. It's one of the region's most spectacular, yet little-known drives. Many a coach was bailed up along this precipitous stretch of track by notorious bushrangers the Clarke Brothers and the Ben Hall gang.

Winter deals: $170 a couple a night. Children $40 each. Discounts for extended stays of more than two nights.

Contact: 4846 4053; oldcourthouse.com.au.

This is one of the few resorts within an easy drive of Canberra, where everything you could possibly want (or dream for) is at your fingertips. Relax in your lavishly appointed mountain chalet and enjoy the tranquil views of Lake Crackenback and the spectacular spread of snow-capped mountains.

Getting there: 1650 Alpine Way, Crackenback. Located 2½ hours' drive south of Canberra via the Monaro Highway.

Suitable for: Snow bunnies of every kind.

Winter warmth: The cafe, restaurant and most chalets have open fires. There's also a sauna and heated pool.

What's different: Emus, kangaroos and wombats all on your doorstep. Keep an eye out for feral deer, too.

Best bit: The sense of space - tucked away in your own chalet it feels like you are on your own alpine acreage. Love the use of timber and stonework.

What to do: It's the Snowies - ski, snowboard or snowshoe until your heart's content. A complimentary shuttle bus will deliver right to the door of the Skitube terminal, which is only one kilometre away. If there's a white-out on the main range, there are dozens of activities to enjoy at the resort and most are complimentary. Everything from archery to tours on the Segway x2.

Cuisine: After a day of mountain adventure, if you don't want to cook for yourself (all chalets have their own kitchens), there are several of other options. The Alpine Larder dishes up traditional wood-fired pizzas, delicious pasta and mouth-watering tapas. For that special meal, book a waterside table at the Cuisine on Lake Crackenback Restaurant and Bar.

Tip: Take an early-morning walk down to the Thredbo River and watch morning mist and frost turn it into a magical fairyland.

Winter deals: Two-night winter escape from $593 a couple, including hot breakfast.

Contact: 1800 020 524. lakecrackenback.com.au.

Watch the afternoon mist roll in and fall under the spell of this grand old country house. With its majestic main house and striking turreted golf clubhouse set among undulating countryside, you could easily be excused for thinking you have been transported to rural England. Enjoy fireside indulgence, fine fare and magical memories at this historic estate.

Getting there: Kater Road, Sutton Forest. About 90 minutes drive north of Canberra via Federal, Hume and Illawarra highways. On the off chance you have a chopper at your disposal they even have their own helipad.

Suitable for: Couples escaping for a romantic weekend, or small groups of friends wanting to indulge in the finer things in life.

Winter Warmth: There's something decadent about retiring to the baronial Great Hall (yes, complete with mounted hunting trophies) for a nightcap in front of a roaring open fire.

What's different: The suites in the new Garden Wing don't quite have the old-world charm of the main house rooms, which are decorated and located upstairs in the estate's original homestead.

Best Bit: High tea in the intimate guest lounge. Divine!

What to do: Cosy up beside one of the several open fires or wind down with a spa treatment at their on-site Endota spa. You are also on the doorstep of the Southern Highland's best-known wineries and browse-worthy antique shops.

Cuisine: Enjoy superb food created from local produce at the renowned in-house Katers Restaurant. It must be good, because it received a chef's hat in the 2012 Australian Good Food Guide.

Tip: Take an afternoon stroll in the sprawling English gardens which are lined with mature exotic trees.

Winter deals: Christmas in Winter packages from $348 a night a couple (Sunday to Thursday) or from $389 a night (Friday and Saturday), includes overnight accommodation in a Hillside Room, buffet breakfast for two and a traditional four-course dinner for two.

Contact: 4860 3111; peppers.com.au/manorhouse.

This tranquil haven from city life is one of the few remaining guesthouses from early last century when Bundanoon was home to more than 60 similar getaways. This weatherboard lodge is the perfect place to rest and recuperate.

Where: 2 Penrose Road, Bundanoon, a 90-minute drive to the north-east of Canberra.

Suitable for: Couples or small groups, with five queen-size rooms with en suites.

Winter warmth: There are two pleasant sitting areas with fires, and a comprehensive selection of magazines, books and music.

What's different: Each room has a distinctive theme with rich colour schemes. The Blue Room is the most popular as it boasts its own balcony overlooking the garden.

Best Bit: The blackout curtains to maximise your snooze time.

What to do: The guesthouse is an eclectic mix of wall art, furnishings and collectibles. You are also just a short walk to the village where you can hire a bike and explore nearby Morton National Park.

Cuisine: Breakfast is a lavish affair served to your table in a lovely conservatory-like room.

Tip: Occasionally all but one or two of the rooms are be occupied by a group. If you think you might feel the odd one out in a house full of friends, check in advance.

Winter deals: From $190 a couple.

Contact: 4883 6822; idleawile.com.au