Plans afoot for cycling-based tourism accommodation at Lenswood
A tourism destination for mountain bikers is planned for Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, featuring a series of Hobbit-style rooms built into the landscape.
Adelaide Hills
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A love for mountain biking has sparked the imagination of two mates who plan to create a state-first tourism venture in the Adelaide Hills.
Benji Luke and Josh Palmer are in the process of lodging development plans with Adelaide Hills Council to turn their 30ha property in Lenswood into a holiday destination for cyclists.
Concept plans include the creation of a number of Hobbit-style rooms, built from containers into the hilly landscape.
Guests will also be able to access a private trail network and skills area, if not hurtling down the mountain of the renowned Fox Creek Mountain Bike Park at Cudlee Creek. Anderson Hills winery is also just down the road.
Mr Palmer and Mr Luke co-purchased the property – known as Fox Farm – in November last year after months of scrutinising the property market for the ideal location.
They hope to begin construction early next year.
“Initially we’re looking at building three or four of these pods but we’ll expand on it if people like the idea,” he said.
“We currently have two different styles in mind, the first being a bit more of a weekender, so something for people who just want to come up and tour the wineries or go for a casual ride. So more of a couple’s retreat with a double bed, a linen space, a bathroom and a kitchen.
“The second style is more like a bunk house, a bit like a Japanese pod accommodation, which is basically just a space for sleeping.
“It’ll be ideal for groups and will be serviced by a common area with a kitchen, a pool table and different amenities.”
The concept is a first for the state and models accommodation found in Derby and Whistler – two of the world’s top mountain bike destinations.
The A delaide Hills News revealed earlier this year plans were in place to turn Fox Creek Forest Reserve into a world-class attraction for cyclists.
Renowned trail designer Nick Bowman, director of Lobethal-based Destination Trails, has produced a $5 million plan to create a 120km single trail network in the forest by 2025, expanding the area’s potential to host more national and international mountain bike events.
“With all the expansion planned for mountain biking and even the wine trail network, we hope our ideas will be well received and help bring more tourists to the area,” Mr Luke said.
“There’s not a lot of holiday accommodation in the area, so with us being so close to Fox will give groups the opportunity to spend a weekend together, or use it as a base during events.”