Weekend Away: Leura, Grand Vista review.

Grand indeed: Grand Vista, Leura.Credit: Nick Galvin

At Grand Vista, Leura, Nick Galvin finds his destination literally sublime.

THE SETTING

Grand Vista is situated on Leura's Sublime Point Road, which winds south out of Leura, past the golf course and along the escarpment before coming to an abrupt dead end at, predictably, Sublime Point. The house is a couple of hundred metres from the end of the road, keeping company with some very ritzy looking real estate.

THE SPACE

The clue is in the name. With the moniker Grand Vista, you'd hope there's something decent to look at. And you won't be disappointed. Not that there are any clues about the staggering view when you first arrive. From the road all you get is an insanely steep, clutch-shredding driveway terminating in a garage door with a wooden door leading to the house itself. But after that modest entry, brace yourself for something rather special. You'll probably fail to notice the polished wooden floors, the striking curved central staircase and the wood stove in the open-plan living area, such is the effect of the stunning view of the Three Sisters, the Megalong Valley and beyond through the picture windows that run along one wall. Tear yourself away from the view and you'll also find an open-plan kitchen, double bedroom and room with bunk beds on the ground floor. Upstairs is the master bedroom and the strangely oversized bathroom, complete with sauna and spa bath with valley views. Downstairs is a large, empty room with a double sofa bed.

THE KIT

For such a grand place the equipment is only so-so. The television and stereo are old and temperamental and the kitchen equipment is just adequate. The wood stove is a fine addition, but it's strictly BYO wood, which seems a little mean. Overall, there is a slight air of neglect about the place.

COMFORT FACTOR

A roaring fire, a glass of red and that view. Why would you ever want to leave?

FOOD

It's strictly BYO. Stock up down the mountains or grab all the essentials from the new Woolworths in nearby Katoomba. The mountains in winter cry out for hearty fare such as lamb shanks, minestrone soup and cassoulet. And did I mention the red wine?

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

The short walk to Sublime Point Lookout is a must and if you're feeling a little more energetic, you won't be disappointed by the seven-kilometre Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Leura and Katoomba. And once you're in Katoomba, be sure to stop in at the grand old Carrington Hotel for refreshments. There is also a pleasant afternoon to be spent mooching around the shops in Leura (don't miss the Leura Fine Woodwork Gallery).

THE VERDICT

A beautifully designed and comfortable home with some of the best bush views you'll ever see. A little TLC and more attention to detail would make it perfect.

HOW TO GET THERE

Head straight up the Great Western Highway to Leura then follow for the Fairmont Resort which is also on Sublime Point Road.

ESSENTIALS

We paid $1160 for four adults and four children for Friday/Saturday. Checkout 10.30am Sunday. Prices vary depending on time of year.

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