Work still needed after $10 million renovation
place
Ardor Milton Park, Bowral, NSW
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Like the indifferent but not unwelcome furry guests of the Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa who have taken up residence in two pergola nests at this historic retreat, the Salter Brothers have been extraordinarily greedy of late. The eponymous Australian investment firm is the new owner of this iconic 44-room Southern Highlands property, about 90 minutes south of Sydney, and has been shaping its accommodation portfolio so intensively that it now claims to be Australia’s leading luxury holiday hotel operator. First, it purchased the admirable Spicers Retreats brand from Graham and Jude Turner of Flight Center fame. Milton Park is now the Brothers’ first flagship property to open under the emerging Ardor Hotels & Estates brand.
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Salter Brothers has spent more than $10 million on the revival of Milton Park, a grand country estate built in 1910 for retail by czar Anthony Hordern and his first wife Viola. The Salters deserve credit for doing this, but while the reborn Milton Park provides an enjoyable stay, such a seemingly large allocation of funds is simply not enough in this day and age, and this is evident everywhere. It’s not hard to see what other wonders would work with $10 million or so here. Meanwhile, there’s much to admire in the aesthetic revitalization of Milton Park by Sydney-based interior designers MAC Design Studio, adding a “distinct modern sensibility” inspired by “romantic country estates of Europe”.
Suite
Because of the abundance of vegetation in the magnificent gardens surrounding the original building and the modern accommodation wing added decades ago by architecture firm Phillip Cox and Partners, the reviewer’s top-floor suite looks wonderfully like an eagle’s nest. It’s decorated in MAC’s on-trend palette of sage green and blush pink, a combination that extends into public spaces. The suite has its own gas fireplace, a relic of Milton Park’s previous incarnation, which combines with the chill of Southern Highlands nights to create a rather hygge-Down Under-like effect. However, the tired and worn white blinds in the living room inherited by the new owners need to be removed in favor of curtains.
food + drink
One of the rewarding aspects of the Milton Park experience is the property’s impressive food and drink offerings, particularly the Horderns Restaurant and Polo Bar. As part of the renovations, the restaurant has wisely moved to a larger space where wrap-around windows reveal the magnificent garden. As a result, it is at its best during the day. The modern European-style restaurant is helmed by executive chef Mark Holland, who previously worked at Nomad and Paddington Inn in Sydney, as well as Box Tree in England.
out + about
Now is one of the best times of year to visit the Southern Highlands, given the explosion of autumn colors across the region and the recent opening of the 250-hectare Burradoo Park Farm, described as a “regenerative agritourism destination”. The project is the vision of Annie Cannon-Brookes, currently one of Australia’s richest women, and involves a major collaboration with the Three Blue Ducks restaurant community. Burradoo Park Farm is a real highlight but avoid the weekend crowds if you can. However, there’s plenty to keep you within the magnificent confines of Milton Park, including extensive gardens, a spacious and refurbished world-class spa operating under Salters’ new Eliva wellness brand, a heated indoor pool and even a new cheese and charcuterie room behind the cozy Polo Bar.
Decision
Despite its flaws, your reviewer enjoyed a truly enjoyable two-night stay at Milton Park, which is apparently a work in progress. Hopefully the new owners’ deep pockets will dig deeper for the next phase of improvements to this beautiful and valuable property.
Fundamentals
Prices start from 518 USD for a room with garden terrace, including breakfast. Ardor Milton Park, 200 Horderns Road, Bowral, NSW, (02) 4861 8100. See worldsapart.club
Writer Ardor stayed as a guest of Milton Park
Our rating out of five
★★★★
highlight
Take time to enjoy the gorgeous vintage garden (and living pergolas) managed by a friendly head gardener whose father once held the same post at Milton Park.
low light
Chipped paint on guest room doors, crumbling balcony railings, crumbling gatehouses… This level of luxury accommodation requires attention to detail.
Anthony Dennis is editor of Traveler in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
