Looking to escape the ordinary and rediscover the lost art of true hospitality? For 167 years, Mount Lofty House has welcomed and entertained guests in the sprawling Adelaide Hills, a tradition that continues to this day.
Built in 1852 by Arthur Hardy as a summer house, the iconic five-star hotel has recently completed a 12-month $3 million refurbishment of its 32 guest rooms. This is ahead of the upcoming launch of the new luxury lodge, Sequoia at Mount Lofty House, on the estate which will include 14 brand new luxury suites later this year.
With an additional $3 million spent on the original home to create a brand new reception area, restaurant, bar and conference facilities, the elevated rooms exemplify the adage 'everything old is new again'.
Working with the hotel's owners, designer Georgie Shepherd successfully blends classic charm with contemporary design – think four poster beds and velvet upholstery beside luxe marble bathrooms – to retain the spirit of a colonial manor house but with striking modern touches.
A dramatic departure from the everyday, the 30-acre estate boasts a rich history, from the lavish parties thrown by Hardy for Adelaide's founding families in the 1800s to the devastation caused by Ash Wednesday fires in 1983. With a lasting legacy, the property proudly remains South Australian owned and operated.
Mount Lofty House is the gateway to the world famous South Australian wine regions, with world-class experiences in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale all within 50km of the property. Be sure to check out the original wine cellar carved into rock under the manor house, recently updated to hold 3,500 bottles and host private tasting sessions.
Vines planted by Hardy were the first in the Adelaide Hills and remain on the edge of the estate's borders. Mount Lofty's vineyards are the highest in South Australia producing a limited edition (1500 bottles) 'Sequoia' Sparkling annually from the pinot noir and chardonnay grapevines.
Try the bubbles, or one of the signature 'four element' cocktails at the Arthur Waterhouse Lounge before taking your table at Mount Lofty's signature three-hat restaurant, Hardy's Verandah, the ultimate fine dining destination to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
With a valley to verandah concept, executive chef Jin Choi has crafted a seasonal menu that celebrates fresh local produce from the Piccadilly Valley below and the surrounding region, paired with the best local, national and international wines.
A highlight of The Long Story degustation menu is the restaurant's signature wagyu beef brisket served with Riverine striploin, scallop and pearl onion while the dark chocolate orb with honeycomb and wafer is a 'smashing' way to finish.
Heavily influenced by Choi's Korean heritage, his mum's kimchi recipe pairs beautifully with the barbecue pork belly, his dishes are incredibly complex in technique – including a quail dish that takes five days to prepare – but are plated simply to allow the ingredients and flavours to shine.
Located in a converted stable – one of the estate's original buildings – the Stables Day Spa offers both guests and locals a number of indulgent, luxurious sensory treatments rich in vitamins and nutrients to nourish, hydrate and revitalise the mind, body and soul.
The Signature Spa Ritual is pure botanical indulgence from head to toe and the aptly popular Vino Rejuvenating Facial combines pure Shiraz, grape seed and resveratrol to renew, replenish and repair the skin.
Work on the historic property continues with the new 14 suite luxury lodge, Sequoia at Mount Lofty House, set to open on the front escarpment in September 2019. This new development will bring an unrivalled level of luxury and bespoke experiences to the Mount Lofty House estate, which has long been synonymous with decadence and celebration.
Located separately to the original house on the valley rim, the $15 million development will offer a high-level of service and security for those seeking out the ultimate retreat from the everyday. With unparalleled views of the Piccadilly Valley, each spacious villa will have their own private balcony, offering views from every angle, whether it be from the bathroom, bedroom or lounge.
With four cottages dotted around the property, manicured Tuscan gardens and tiered lawns, guests can roam the estate at their own pace – or join the daily 5pm welcome history tour – with many walking trails close by for those wanting to explore the Adelaide Hills by foot.
Known for its spectacular rolling hills and quality local wine and produce, the Adelaide Hills region is quickly becoming the first choice for Australians looking for a respite from bustling city life.
Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Adelaide CBD and 30 minutes from the airport, Mount Lofty House offers a short escape that feels a million miles away, yet is close to everything you could need.
Whether you're coming from overseas, interstate or even just down the hill, Mount Lofty House is ready to warmly welcome guests with a personal touch.
Website: www.accorhotels.com
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