First look at Bells at Killcare’s new luxury lodges
This bastion of splendour on the NSW central coast has expanded its repertoire with sumptuous self-contained, family-friendly accommodation.
I don’t really count the number of strides from my front gate to brand-new accommodation at Bells at Killcare on the NSW central coast. But even at a leisurely stroll, with time to duck across The Scenic Highway to the clifftop lookout, the journey takes 15 minutes. Surely it’s a first in terms of staying “nearby”. In this case, to check into a temporary home away from home that’s right beside Bouddi National Park and practically next door to us as the crow (nay, corella or king parrot) flies.
How to reenergise a well-known property with something completely different without downplaying the already successful set-up? Owner-operators Brian and Karina Barry, at the helm of Bells for the past 15 years, decided self-contained, family-friendly lodges ideal for small house parties would be a neat solution. They had the acreage and regular clientele for the property’s suites, cottages and villas. And as Bells is a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, there’s strong evidence of the trend for small group get-togethers at associate hideaways, including the Daintree Pavilion at Silky Oaks Lodge north of Cairns and the two-bedroom Outback Pavilion at Queensland’s Mt Mulligan Lodge.
The just-unveiled quartet of lodges all comprise three levels and stand tall and sturdy with pitched roofs and angular lines. Each has two guestrooms, both on the ground floor, set up with king beds that can be split into twins and with comfy extras, such as Pony Rider yukata gowns. Ensuites are accessorised with deep-green glossy tiles and feature an oval tub and two showers, including an alfresco option with access to a private plunge pool, softened with magnesium and warmed year-round. Add daybeds, covered dining and barbecue area.
What the accommodation is like
The husband and I are tucked into Bouddi Lodge, with neighbours Ironstone, Angophora and Banksia rounding out our bushy enclave. It feels both wild and snug, complete with boxwoods still in feathery bloom this late summer. The sleek decor is in pastels of sky, sea, bush and stone, with a touch of country chic in long-armed planter’s chairs on the terraces and leather finishes.
Like the best holiday redoubts, expect multiple living and outdoor spaces with a flowing design perfect for spreading out, wide-screen TVs and no necessity to prepare meals, even though the well-equipped kitchen, located off the lounge on the mid-level, certainly looks inviting. You could get cracking with pots and pans, but rates include arrival drinks, generously stocked bar and pantry, plus daily breakfast and dinner, the latter a choice of three-course a la carte or five-course tasting menus served on-site at The Wild Flower Bar and Dining.
Bells’ wine list has scored multiple awards, but mocktails, many based on alcohol-free Lyres blends, are pretty damn fine, too. Here’s to a pina coladita or several.
Dining at Bells
And in breaking news, head chef Cameron Cansdell has recently returned to the Bells fold after running successful restaurants on the coast, including Saddles at Mt White.
Lunch is but a hamper delivery away, provided in the tariff by on-site Bells Bakery & Larder, which stocks a range of goods from parish suppliers. The Pool Bar retro caravan is another drink and snack venue so, all eating options considered, I decline to don an apron, thanks all the same.
And while lodge guests are on the doorstep, as it were, of Bells proper, this doesn’t entail being left out in the cold. All the main facilities and areas are available, from the day spa and 25m saltwater lap pool to EV charging and local transfers. Ask for a tour of pockets of the 12ha semi-rural holding with horticulturalist and grounds manager Megan Jackson. Venture to the dam, stroll beside massive hedges, roam the flourishing orchard, and observe contented chooks pecking about.
Herbs, carrots, beans, eggplants, zucchini, sugar snap peas, bananas … the list rolls on. Megan says about 20 per cent of kitchen produce is now sourced on site and the recycling area is a revelation, too, complete with a Closed Loop Organics composter into which every scrap of food waste is fed.
On our last night, we grab binoculars and head up for drinks on the belvedere-style top deck. It feels like the crow’s nest of a sailing ship. There’s the Palm Beach peninsula way over yonder, the crouched bulk of Lion Island, and a shimmer of sunset.
As the daylight goes and the sky blazes pink and tangerine, we make jokes about being “dislodged” by the owners if we refuse to leave. Then a bird lands noisily on the railing in a flare of white and yellow, its crested comb on high alert, and eyes off our snacks. I think I recognise this particular intruder from our own backyard. Fly away, cocky. We’ll be home soon enough.
Things to do
EXPLORE
Bouddi National Park is on the doorstep, with significant Indigenous sites. The 8km Coastal Walk runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, including boardwalk stretches, or Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (3km) is a fine alternative.
SWIM
Killcare (aka Putty) Beach is popular and is patrolled in summer; there’s a rock pool washed by gentle waves at the southern end that’s ideal for youngsters and the SLC kiosk serves hot takeaway food and drinks. Grab a table on the sea-facing lawn and hoe into chunky old-school burgers and fish wraps.
SHOP
At nearby Ettalong, Goddess by the Sea is stocked with beach-themed wares. The newly revamped Kincumber Homewares and Plant Nursery is the spot for premium gelato from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, good coffee and home and garden accessories.
WANDER
Drive down to Hardys Bay, stroll waterfront paths and check village attractions, including Mooch Inside for coastal decor items and clothes, and the corner Hardys Bistro (Old Killcare Store) for refreshments and light meals. Venture to Wagstaffe ferry wharf where local fishermen cast a line and pelicans hang out. Grab a Waggie Whopper burger with the works from Keron and her team at the Wagstaffe General Store.
What it costs
Minimum two-night stays; from $1200 a person for two guests; $750 a person for four guests. All rates are per night, fully inclusive. Children 0-2 years, free of charge; 3-13 years, $185 a night. Book a lodge stay by February 29 for year-long deals (excluding Easter, long weekends and Christmas peaks) of $599 a person a night based on four guests.
Susan Kurosawa was a guest of Bells at Killcare.
