The Rift, Bowral - isn't it time you spoil yourself?

 

When I was offered a chance to visit The Rift, in Bowral, I jumped at the chance. The Stayz accommodation had just been named one of Vogue Living's favourite homes to rent for a winter weekend getaway. Deservedly so, as I was to discover.

The Coach House is a luxury six-bedroom guesthouse set on the historic estate of the 1890 manor house, The Rift. While originally a stable and foundry, the two storey, self-contained property has been luxuriously renovated but many original features remain. The original foundry floor is in one of the bathrooms (most of the bedrooms have ensuites, so it comfortably sleeps multiple couples, while still offering privacy).

   

The estate is a massive 2.7 hectares, surrounded by lush flowering gardens, with direct access to rambling bushland, playing fields (the former cricket pitches remain in evidence from a past life) and towering bunya pines shade the picturesque pond.

The interiors are stylish and cosy with fireplaces to relax by. Natural light floods the living spaces (and played havoc with my camera, so I recommend you check out the beautiful shots on their facebook page).  However it is definitely the perfect place to curl up with a book in a lounge soaked in sunlight!





There are two lounge rooms, and a well stocked kitchen for self catering, though there are plenty of restaurants of note nearby. The sliding stable doors open onto a small formal garden, while the verandah and windows frame the bushland and duck pond beyond the house. There is also table tennis outside near the gorgeous greenhouse, and an outdoor dining setting and barbeque.

The quaint villages of Bundanoon, Exeter, Robertson and Mittagong are all a short drive away, as is the Morton National Park. The Jellore Lookout and Mt Gibraltar are an easy walk from the house, for the less avid hikers. The Southern Highlands offers regular markets and many foodie delights, so there is plenty to do, no matter what your inclination. However, leaving the house may prove less alluring once you've settled in!



The perfect room if you're bringing the kids!



Even the laundry is gorgeous!
There's a washer and dryer if you're staying awhile

 



Practicalities:
The Rift, Bowral http://www.theriftbowral.com.au/
Book The Rift for your next getaway on Stayz http://www.stayz.com.au/accommodation/nsw/southern-highlands/bowral/171269
Join them on FaceBook to see more detail of the stunning location (or look at this album to see the interiors!!)

                                    
Further Reading:

Destination Southern Highlands http://www.southern-highlands.com.au/
Morton National Park http://www.weekendnotes.com/morton-national-park-bundanoon/
 

Linking with #GardenAffair