23 July 2024
10 mins Read
From boutique hotels and heritage homes in central Orange to vineyard villas and country cottages dotted among the region’s wineries, those looking for luxury accommodation in the Orange region are spoilt for choice. So, whether you want to stay in town or go remote, we’ve rounded up our pick of the bunch
Basalt Orange is the newest luxury accommodation to open in this pocket of the Central West sitting just below the extinct volcano of Gaanhabula (Mt Canobolas).
The quaint property has three private studios, each with its own personality and perspective. Chaser is for the dreamers, Drifter is for the wanderers and Yonder is a nod to our childhood adventures, where the great outdoors was our playground.
The modern exterior of Basalt. (Image: Monique Lovick)
Each studio sleeps two and features a freestanding bath with views over the owner’s cherry orchard, an internal fireplace, an outdoor firepit and a telescope for stargazing.
Basalt has partnered with local businesses to offer exclusive experiences for its guests to immerse themselves in the best of the Orange region. One of which is the incredible Stargazing with Rod, a walking astronomical encyclopedia, who guides you through the night sky to discover constellations and celestial objects.
The cocooning bedroom is an idyllic spot to unwind.(Image: Monique Lovick)
Address: 1100 Pinnacle Rd, Canobolas
Price: From $550 per night.
This newly opened luxury accommodation has quickly made its mark on the region. Sona is the brainchild of Pip Brett, owner of popular Orange shop JUMBLED, who transformed an old bank into this incredible accommodation that’s infused with character and history.
The charming facade belies the modern interiors. (Image: Pip Brett)
Located in the cute village of Molong just outside of Orange, embrace a slower pace at Sona. The bold interiors take influence from the building’s original Art Deco architecture, and it effortlessly blends its history with modern luxury. An indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit guarantee a cosy stay no matter where you while away the hours.
Gather your nine closest friends and family, because this funky stay sleeps 10.
The design-led interiors make for an elevated home base. (Image: Pip Brett)
Address: 68 Bank St, Molong
Price: $1600 per night (sleeps 10).
If a secluded farm stay is your cup of tea, look no further than The Horned Cow in Lucknow, on the outskirts of Orange. The five-bedroom house is blessed with views of the one-hectare property from all angles, and the rural chic interiors combined with innovative amenities (hello Smeg) make this a luxury stay to remember.
Enjoy a luxury escape you won’t forget.
Don’t be afraid to brace an Orange winter; The Horned Cow has zoned heating, a fireplace, an outdoor firepit and underfloor heating in the bathrooms is a special touch. Private chefs are available if the thought of cooking ruins your holiday buzz.
Enjoy bucolic views from the comfort of your sofa.
Address: 4646 Mitchell Highway, Lucknow
Price: From $750 per night (sleeps 10).
Rowlee Wines in Nashdale is an Orange winery making the most of its idyllic setting by offering superlative onsite accommodation. The Ultimate Wine Escape at Rowlee is a two-night stay in a private, luxury guesthouse surrounded by established vines and gardens and overlooking a croquet court, no less. Sleek but cosy, it has a master bedroom with a large and indulgent ensuite complete with underfloor heating and a freestanding stone bathtub.
Spend a peaceful afternoon on the verandah. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)
There are further designer touches throughout – from the Ralph Lauren couch made for sinking straight into, to the 1200 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and feather pillows. A larder is packed full of food and beverages including a bottle of Rowlee wine – enjoy it on the verandah on a sunny afternoon.
Experience true relaxation in the freestanding bath. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)
Address: 19 Lake Canobolas Road, Nashdale
Price: $795 per person for two nights (sleeps 1-2).
Stay at this design-driven boutique hotel in the heart of Orange for an experience that blends the best of the city’s rich history with its contemporary edge. This 4.5-star offering is comprised of a beautifully restored three-bedroom homestead juxtaposed with a bold and colourful 19-room modern wing.
A delicious meal awaits at Yallungah dining room.
The signature room, The Yallungah Suite, in the heritage wing, is all light and charm and tonic tones of blue and coral. Embodying the building’s strong sense of place, it has a sumptuous king-size bed and statement headboard, fireplace, separate lounge area and large private balcony overlooking the garden.
A two-course à la carte breakfast of local produce is served downstairs each morning in the Yallungah Dining Room.
There’s design inspiration aplenty in the luxe bathrooms.
Address: 62 Byng St, Orange
Price: From $360 per night.
Purpose-built as a couples’ retreat, Lakeview Luxury Retreat is all about providing guests with the space to relax and reconnect, and the means to pamper and indulge themselves. It features three award-winning, secluded and eco-friendly penthouse villas spread across a tranquil bush setting in the Canobolas Valley, slightly south-west of Orange.
The spacious open-plan living and dining area.
Each villa is supplied with a generous gourmet food hamper packed with local fare, large picture windows for taking in the scenery (and kangaroo-spotting), a deep tub for soaking in and underfloor bathroom heating.
Stay in the Emerald Gem Villa for utmost seclusion and privacy or the Natures Haven Villa to keep cosy in front of a gas log fire; the Twin View Villa, meanwhile, is ideal for two couples and each bedroom has its own bathroom.
Address: 57 Stanford Rd, Canobolas
Price: From $355 per night.
Ten minutes from Orange in the rural locale of Borenore, these two bold and contemporary cottages sit lightly on the landscape surrounded by twisted gums on the grounds of a working farm. Views of vineyards and Mt Canobolas in the distance make for spectacular sunsets.
You’ll find a bottle of wine and a selection of local produce waiting for you on arrival and breakfast supplies in the morning. The Dragonfly Cottages boast king beds, thoughtful, artistic touches throughout and private decks.
Stay in a modern cottage with scenic views.
Guests are invited to explore swathes of the property including its bubbling creek and cider apple orchard, with the region’s wineries an easy drive away. This is a truly peaceful place where your only neighbours are native wildlife and farm animals.
The soothing tones in the bedroom mimic the country surrounds.
Address: 92 Heifer Station Lane, Borenore
Price: From $325 per night.
Nashdale Lane is a family-run winery and vineyard just a short drive out of town in the sleepy locale of Nashdale, a traditional fruit growing hub. The boutique property offers onsite accommodation by way of two luxury glamping cabins, Rustig (meaning quiet/calm in Dutch) and Kalmte (serenity/calm).
Get comfy in this cosy tent.
Well secluded from each other, both cabins are decked out stylishly with a four-poster queen-size bed, hardwood floors, bathroom with monsoon shower and wood fire. Details like Australian designer merino wool blankets and throws add further luxury touches and outside you’ll find a built-in deck with a sunken lounge and a barbecue. Pick up a bottle of wine after your tasting at the property’s cellar door – based in an old apple-packing shed – and enjoy it on the deck while the sun goes down over the shiraz vines and patchwork of farmland in the distance.
The “Kalmte” tent comes with a kitchenette.
Address: 125 Nashdale Lane, Nashdale
Price: $315 per night (plus cleaning and Airbnb fees).
Set on the volcanic slopes of Mt Canobolas, Borrodell Estate is one of the Orange region’s highest vineyards and home to fruit orchards, a trufferie, a great cellar door experience and a must-visit restaurant, Sister’s Rock. You’ll also find vineyard accommodation including two three-bedroom cottages, Chardonnay and Truffles, and The Cider Suites – designed as the ultimate romantic retreat for couples.
The accommodation is situated on the picturesque slopes of an extinct volcano.
These split-level, sustainable and modern studio spaces have king-sized bedrooms, cosy fireplaces, heated concrete floors, spa baths and floor-to-ceiling windows that take in views across the valley. Celebrating an extra special occasion? Enhance the Borrodell experience with a pamper package to guarantee all the epicurean delights you could wish for plus an in-house masseuse.
Enjoy peaceful views of the rolling hills.
Address: 298 Lake Canobolas Rd, Orange
Price: From $395 per night.
With 25 luxurious rooms, de Russie Boutique Hotel is set within a striking brick building on a tree-lined street in central Orange, a short stroll from the Central West city’s must-visit shops and restaurants.
Opt to spend the night in a Studio Suite, where each one opens up to a romantic Juliet balcony and some come with a spa bath in the ensuite bathroom stocked with L’Occitane amenities. Or up the ante in The Blue Room, a decadent space with a four-poster bed, velvet accents, an oversized bath and a terrace for stretching out on.
The hotel is conveniently located just off Orange’s central business district.
Address: 72 Hill St, Orange
Price: From $269 per night.
Strawhouse is a small, sustainable and family-run vineyard in the Orange region with boutique accommodation onsite. This one-bedroom, self-contained retreat is architect-designed and contemporary but blends into its setting among a stand of mature eucalypts. It has a bedroom with a queen bed, two armchairs and a spacious bathroom, plus books and games.
Enjoy a peaceful stay at Strawhouse.
The adjacent cellar door space has a kitchen, dining/tasting table, window seats and chairs to curl up in in front of the wood fire. There’s no television or wi-fi here, encouraging you to really switch off and reconnect, but 180-degree of the Strawhouse vineyard, Mt Canobolas and the Boree Creek Valley will hold your attention instead. Order a picnic hamper of local produce to enjoy on the deck and book a private wine tasting or dinner with the winemaker to make the most of the experience.
Address: 116 Boree Lane, Lidster
Price: From $225 per night.
Check into one of the five cottages on the historic estate at Mayfield Vineyard, located just 10 kilometres from Orange and offering the ultimate in rural tranquillity. Based in a variety of interesting buildings, its cottages come in all shapes and sizes.
The Homestead sleeps 10, The Overseers Cottage sleeps six and four guests can stay in The Rose Cottage, The Garden Flat and The Settlers Cottage.
The Settlers Cottage is over a century old, built in 1886, and is one of the oldest cottages in Australia. These days the cottage is newly renovated, retaining its heritage bones but elegantly appointed with creamy, natural tones and a rustic twist. It has a north-facing, sun-soaked verandah, original polished floorboards and a gas fireplace.
Address: 954 Icely Road, Orange
Price: From $224 per night.
This article was originally written by Imogen Eveson with updates by Emily Murphy.
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