The Coach House at the Rift, Bowral accommodation review: Weekend away

The Coach House at the Rift, Bowral.

The location

Bowral is a town of manors and English country gardens, 90 minutes' south-west of Sydney. The popular rural retreat is the centrepiece of the Southern Highlands, boasting historic buildings and contemporary dining and shopping.

Sitting in the shadow of Mount Gibraltar, the picturesque town is also home to Don Bradman Oval and fields of tulips in the springtime.

The place

The Coach House is a luxury six-bedroom guesthouse set on the grand estate of the 1890 manor house The Rift. Originally used as a foundry and stables, the two-storey, self-contained property was extensively renovated and opened for guests in 2013. The Coach House is on 2.7 hectares and surrounded by lush gardens, playing fields and towering bunya pines. The light-filled interiors are stylish but comfortable and feature contemporary country furnishings, fireplaces and original foundry floors. Sliding stable doors reveal open-plan lounges and a well-stocked kitchen larder.

The experience

The verandah overlooks bushland and walking trails through Mount Gibraltar Reserve. Catering is available on request and it's a short drive to Bowral's pubs and restaurants, including the award-winning Biota Dining. The verdant Southern Highlands hills feature food and wine trails and weekend markets at quaint villages such as Bundanoon and Exeter. For those who don't wish to stray, the owners can organise gardening lessons and classes in cooking or yoga classes.

Don't miss

A stroll through the terraced heritage gardens and a game of croquet on the lawn.

Need to know

Cost: From $750 a night for three bedrooms; $150 a night for each additional bedroom. Two-night minimum stay.

Dstance: 90 minutes' drive (120kms) south-west of Sydney.

Children: Yes.

8-10 Carlisle Street, Bowral, NSW

PHONE: [phone]

WEB therift.com.au