Historic splendour and cottage core charm abound at this restored 19th-century manor high on the ridgeline of the Adelaide Hills. Once occupied as a party-laden summer house by prominent statesman Arthur Hardy, Mount Lofty House now dazzles for all in hotel form.
The rooms
High ceilings, regal four-poster beds and antique treasures in rich timbers and chocolate leather hues; this is dignified design, dressed up with floral prints and sage velvet hints that add a fanciful softness. Rooms start at 25 square metres for Classic Rooms, which are housed in the heritage wing, while the Piccadilly Rooms clock in at 35 — and have the upsell of picturesque garden or valley views.
Food & drink
Settle into the airy dining room at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant for a dégustation dinner backdropped by Piccadilly Valley sunset views. For something more low-key (yet still utterly refined), head to Martha’s, which offers an à la carte menu and only caters to hotel guests. Plus, a nightcap over a game of billiards by the fire in the cosy lounge is a quintessential experience.
But you’re in wine country, so venturing beyond the estate must be done. Local Adelaide Hills wineries Deviation Road, Karrawatta, Petaluma and Mordrelle all offer excellent tastings, while lunch at Bird In Hand’s LVN Restaurant is an ideal way to while away an afternoon. For something closer, a stroll through the Botanic Garden will land you steps away from local favourite Thelma Piccadilly.
The service
Courteous and acute, the staff are deft deliverers of a seamless stay at Mount Lofty House. A professional welcome comes served with evening drinks in the sandstone Library, while your luggage is promptly whisked away to your room (a well-appreciated luxury you quickly realise as you navigate through the hotel’s charming labyrinthine corridors and narrow staircases). The complimentary bottle of bubbles and nightly turndown service add five-star polish, while the outdoor pool and adjacent summer terrace bar offer a relaxed air to the 30-acre property.
Ideal for: Cosy weekend escapes in a renowned wine region
Why we love it:
- The location. Atop Mount Lofty and surrounded by terraced lawns and vineyards, this grand estate’s proximity to Adelaide’s CBD – not to mention award-winning wineries, top restaurants and quaint local villages – make it a dead-easy choice for a weekend getaway.
- The historic charm. A distinct romantic edge permeates the property thanks to its wonderfully manicured gardens, gothic-leaning exposed stone structures and outlook over the valley, which at night is often cloaked in a thick mist. Bring along a book by one of the Brontë sisters and step back in time.
- The underground wine cellar. For lovers of a good drop, descending into the 175-year-old subterranean sandstone cellar for a wine masterclass might be your calling.
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