My Instagram profile states 'lover of food, wine, travel & books' and so imagine my sheer delight to find a retreat that combines all my favourite things in one heavenly package! Say farewell to the city and hello to the ultimate escape to the country at the stylish Bendooley Estate.
Bendooley Estate located in the Southern Highlands, 90 minutes from Sydney has recently opened additional cottages to complement its existing Book Barn Cottage. The extra one, two and three bedroom cottages are the perfect luxury addition to the onsite offerings which include the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn, restaurant & bar, wedding venue and award-winning cellar door.
The rustic luxe cottages are clad in sustainable Australian hardwood and are sympathetic to the environment, blending in to the landscape seamlessly and surrounded by natural bushland. Step inside though and you'll be greeted by luxurious interiors, whimsical colours, patterns and textures inspired by the UK's Kit Kemp (Firmdale Hotels) but with a firm focus on Australian design and style.
A charming nod to the Berkelouw Books heritage, each cottage is named after famous Australian authors – Norman Lindsay, Henry Lawson, Banjo Patterson, Patrick White and May Gibbs. I had the pleasure of checking in to the Norman Lindsay, a spacious one-bedroom cottage decked out in yellow & blue calming tones with bespoke wallpaper and contrasting upholstered bedheads and eclectic furniture.
Be still my beating heart, the enormous bathroom boasting handmade floor tiles features a deep free-standing bath and Appelles amenities including 'bath caviar' for some serious soaking! Each cottage has been individually styled and I'd love to see more books sneak in to the holiday haven, particular from the namesake authors. No doubt, this is on the way as the cottages are still brand new and the team are still busily adding items and working out the service kinks.
I highly recommend you settle in and take advantage of the onsite catering options such as the Bendooley charcuterie board filled with cured meats, chicken liver pate, olives, cornichons and toasted Turkish bread. Add a selection of cheeses and some Bendooley wine and you have yourself the perfect night in
Sleep soundly on the cloud-like beds and enjoy breakfast on the private veranda taking in the rural views. Breakfast is a simple continental affair featuring a baguette, condiments, homemade granola with yoghurt, seasonal fruit and orange juice. The room is kitted out with a wide selection of T2 teas and a Nespresso machine to keep you caffeinated and ready to explore the stunning Southern Highlands.
For weekend getaways, you're spoilt for choice with restaurants, cafes and boutiques all open for your dining and shopping pleasure. While I highly encourage midweek mini-breaks, you just need to plan a little more carefully as many restaurants in the region close on Monday/Tuesday.
While our one bedroom had a petite kitchenette, the two and three bedroom cottages are fully self-contained with well-equipped kitchens, separate living areas and wood fireplaces which are bound to be popular in the cooler months. The original two-bedroom Book Barn Cottage will also be completely refurbished to complement the new cottages.
Bendooley Estate has created the ultimate country retreat, allowing guests to soak up the beauty of the estate grounds in an incredibly luxurious and intimate setting.
Bendooley Estate
3020 Old Hume Highway, Berrima NSW 2577
Book Bendooley Estate here. One Bedroom cottage, midweek from $295 per night.
The writer was a guest of Bendooley Estate
