Escape

Lap Luxury THE OF

LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY? OUR REGION’S QUINTESSENTIAL LUXURY ESCAPES OOZE ROMANCE, OPULENCE AND INDULGENCE.

MOUNTAIN WHISPERS COLLECTION

When Lorraine Allanson fi rst visited the Blue Mountains with her husband some 20 years ago, she was greatly disappointed with the standard of accommodation on off er. Seeking romance and luxury, the Sydney acquisitions professional was met with drab, dowdy rooms and outdated services.

So, when the opportunity came to purchase property in the mountains, Lorraine decided to create her own boutique accommodation and achieve that level of decadence discerning travellers were looking for.

Lorraine now heads up the Mountain Whispers (MW) Collection – a mini-empire of luxury properties in Leura and Katoomba. Not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in, Lorraine renovated the properties herself, restoring original features and redecorating with lavish colour palettes and furnishings, in keeping with tradition.

“The best accommodation has to be warm and inviting,” she explains. “I work with all the senses when I’m decorating so that when guests walk into my properties, they smell lovely, there’s mood lighting, the fire is on and the layers of textures and colour all work to evoke a state of calm and relaxation; a luxury getaway from the hubbub of the city.”

Perfect for accommodating wedding parties, the MW Collection boasts five period properties. Whether you’re a fan of Downton Abbey or F. Scott Fitzgerald, your tastes are catered for.

Lorraine’s first passion project, the Edwardian property Varenna, was built in 1906 and is set on 1800 square metres of landscaped gardens just minutes from Leura Mall. A pair of classic Federation-style weatherboard cottages – Strawberry Patch and the elegantly restored Leura Rose – soon followed. Lorraine completed her collection with The Gatsby, Art Deco-inspired accommodation situated just a stroll away from the Three Sisters and Katoomba township, and deLorraine – a 1930s property complete with Hollywood-style glamour and amazing views.

According to Lorraine, it’s the little things – attention to detail and personal touches – that set Mountain Whispers properties apart from other local accommodation. Her nurturing nature has helped form lasting relationships with guests. It’s this level of customer service, along with luxury fittings, four-poster beds, spa baths, quality linen, well-equipped kitchens, privacy and manicured gardens, that make for truly memorable stays.

It’s this level of customer service, along with luxury fittings, four-poster beds, spa baths, quality linen, well-equipped kitchens, privacy and manicured gardens, that make for truly memorable stays.

Repeat customers can vouch for that. Birthdays, anniversaries, girls’ getaways, babymoons, respite for cancer patients and many a marriage proposal have been celebrated at Mountain Whispers. Complimentary flowers, candles, wine, chocolates and delicious breakfast provisions pamper guests, while indulgent extras such as a private massage therapist and inhouse chef mean some guests never want to leave the comfort of the fireside, even to take in the local attractions.

Located just minutes from the heart of Bathurst, Bishop’s Court Estate is bursting with style and splendour. Scenically set on a hilltop acreage overlooking the oldest township in Central New South Wales, this grand Victorian-style mansion dates back to 1870 and has been gloriously refurbished by owner Christine Le Fevre – a former interior designer with a passion for outstanding service and an incredible eye for detail.

“When I first pulled up in front of Bishop’s Court one morning in 2001, it was love at first sight,” recalls Christine, who had decided to create her very own boutique haven outside of Sydney after working for high-end hotels around the globe. “I was completely romanced by the property’s grandeur – the high ceilings, beautiful big rooms and the adjoining 100-year-old chapel.”

Christine’s decade-long love affair with the property is evident at every turn – from the rich colours and fine linen chosen for each of the six elegant guestrooms to the luxe products in the marble bathrooms and the understated European antiques throughout.

Then there are the added extras that keep guests returning again and again… Bowls overflowing with quality chocolates, barista-quality coffee and home-made biscuits, aperitifs served in the library, an outstanding made-to-order breakfast menu and dinner options that showcase the finest local produce. As Christine says, luxury is a given at Bishop’s Court Estate, and romance, revitalisation and relaxation are guaranteed. “When people go away they want to enjoy indulgences that they don’t have every day of the week, like afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks,” she explains. “I am a passionate foodie and love to share the Central West’s gourmet treasures.”

To ensure her guests get to really discover the region’s wonders, Christine has forged strong relationships with the best local chefs, providores, winemakers, beauty therapists and retailers. “We call them our ‘Experience Partners’,” says Christine. “The idea is that your experience of Bathurst will be heightened because you’ll be treated as welcome friends by each of our partners.”

Bishop’s Court offers mid-week and weekend packages, plus cooking classes and a range of celebratory functions. “We welcome all couples and have hosted many wonderful weddings and anniversary parties in our fabulous chapel – it looks amazing when the candles are lit and the table is fully decorated,” says Christine.

“The great thing about our location is that Bathurst is less than three hours away from Sydney but provides a true taste of country life,” Christine adds. “We have everything you need for an absolutely unforgettable getaway!” BML

ELLIE & ED’S WEDDING VENUE Waldara Farm, Edith PROPS, STYLING & EVENT DESIGN Penny Lane Studio FLOWERS Floral Ink PHOTO Penny Lane Studio