A boutique hotel in the heart of Bathurst is the very last word in style and romance. By Lisa Doust.
Think of luxurious destinations and Bathurst doesn’t automatically spring to mind, unless of course you’ve experienced a stay at Bishop’s Court Estate.
Scenically located on a hilltop acreage overlooking the oldest township in Central New South Wales, this grand Victorian-style mansion dates back to 1870 and has been gloriously refurbished by owner Christine Le Fevre – a former interior designer with a passion for outstanding service and an incredible eye for detail.
“When I first pulled up in front of Bishop’s Court one morning in 2001, it was love at first sight,” recalls Christine, who had decided to create her very own boutique haven outside of Sydney after working for high-end hotels around the globe. “I was completely romanced by the property’s grandeur – the high ceilings, beautiful big rooms and the adjoining 100-year-old chapel.”
Christine’s decade-long love affair with the property is evident at every turn – from the rich colours and fine linen chosen for each of the six elegant guestrooms to the luxe products in the marble bathrooms and the understated European antiques throughout.
As writer Liz Cooper-Smith highlighted in the 2011 edition of Good Weekend magazine’s 52 Weekends Away, the delight at Bishop’s Court is in the detail: “Aperitif, chocolates, barista-quality coffee and biscuits wait for you when you arrive; the décor and design are perfectly executed; and the home-cooked meals, featuring local produce and wines, are truly gourmet.”
Not surprisingly, the property has picked up a TripAdvisor ‘Award for Excellence’ for the past two years running and is favoured by couples looking for a romantic retreat where luxury is a given.
“When people go away they want to enjoy indulgences that they don’t have every day of the week, like afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks,” says Christine, who runs Bishop’s Court with her partner, David Swan. “Also, we are passionate foodies and love to share the Central West’s gourmet treasures – we have top chefs and award-winning restaurants, wineries that are starting to get noticed and Stone Pine Distillery, which produces outstanding gin and vodka.”
To ensure that their guests get to really discover the region’s wonders, Christine and David have forged strong relationships with the best local chefs, providores, winemakers, beauty therapists and retailers. “We call them our ‘Experience Partners’,” says Christine. “The idea is that your experience of Bathurst will be heightened because you’ll be treated as welcome friends by each of our partners.”
Bishop’s Court offers mid-week and weekend packages, plus cooking classes and celebratory functions, which are held in the fabulous chapel. “The great thing about our location is that Bathurst is less than three hours away from Sydney but provides a true taste of country life,” Christine adds. “We have everything you need for a truly memorable getaway!”
(Take a look at the Bishop's Court Estate photo gallery)
Bishop’s Court Estate
226 Seymour Street
Bathurst NSW 2795
Ph: (02) 6332 4447
www.bishopscourtestate.com.au
AMAZING COUNTRY ESCAPES
Bishop’s Court Estate is a member of Amazing Country Escapes – a small group of luxury accommodation providers spread across Central New South Wales.
There are five properties in all – along with Bishop’s Court Estate you’ll find Arancia Bed & Breakfast in Orange, Five Frogs in Luxury Guesthouse in Carcaor, and Evanslea by the River and Wombadah Guesthouse, both in Mudgee.
Visit www.amazingcountryescapes.com.au
