Old World Charm meets Getaway Paradise
Travel review and critique by Claudia Sorace
Pictures and booking information are at the bottom of article.
Sometimes no matter how busy a person is they need some time away.
Personally, Europe tends to call my name like a long lost love when I return to Australia. Nonetheless, there are some truly beautiful and picturesque places within our ‘lucky country’ that one must take advantage of.
Whether you are passing through Victoria or a permanent resident of our vast and changing state, the Bellarine Peninsular is a place that you must visit.
It’s fabulous. Not fabulous in the sense that I’m saying that because I think everything is fabulous, I mean the place is genuinely fabulous; to the point where anyone who loves beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants doting in the bay views and quaint shops that sell the unique things you cannot buy within Melbourne city or suburban malls.
Luckily, working within the Public Relations realm comes with a significant amount of benefits. Sometimes it is as simple as being given a complimentary glass of champagne or a gift bag. Occasionally, however, something magical comes along and you are granted an experience that people win on daytime radio competitions and the like.
The hosts of the Springhill House Boutique Luxury Accommodation Estate in Queenscliff recently contacted me. They asked if I would spend a weekend indulging in their warm hospitality and provincial auberge. After doing what the entirety of our generation does, I opened my web page and swiftly googled who, where and what exactly was Springhill House. Let's just say I accepted in a prompt manner. After doing so, a close writing companion (Nick) felt the need to badger me until I asked the hosts if he could accompany me. Obligingly they agreed and I relented in allowing my colleague to share the weekend with me.
I had not been to the Bellerine Peninsular since I was a child and in complete honesty I could barely remember it. I hoped that it was the weekend away from all of the business I had hoped for: getaways are long sought after by everyone. As the week drew closer to our mini-trip I scrutinized the Bureau of Meteorology hoping that the enduring Winter would cease for two days and a glimmer of Spring could finally shine through, allowing myself to give Springhill House the review it so deserved. Perfect weather always accumulates to perfection in general experiences I've found.
That Saturday morning, I awoke to a glorious day beaming through my window, practically inviting the whole of Victoria to rejoice in the long awaited sunshine that seemed eternally lost after one of the coldest Winters in years; this was not an exaggeration. The drive down was a smooth one, my writing companion and I listened to George Michael, whilst feeling fruity with the glorious weather. It wasn't long before we arrived at Springhill House just as our in car navigation had directed us. Pulling in the drive I was instantly impressed by the crisp cream exterior of a Hamptons inspired, Heritage listed manor house exuding rustic charm. Ivy covers one of the annexes, a delicate flag of pink rose prints ruffles majestically above the front door.
An expansive deck wraps around the Federation inspired veranda, with French doors leading out to an alfresco dining area; the perfect place to indulge in your morning tea or coffee. We are introduced to the owners who will be our hosts for the weekend, a jovial husband and wife with a zest for life and a clear passion for this piece of Australian history.
They insist we must see our room, and my colleague and I are guided through their private residence (which is not normal practice, but I assume due to our status and the mutual agreement that I would review Springhill if I was impressed, that this is their way of extending a full and open welcome). Soon, after following our hosts through a magnificent country kitchen and tapestry-lined hallway, our room is presented to us.
The Bellarine Room: it reminds me of a fresh take on a Jane Austin classic. The linen is clean, crisp but neutral colours, the furniture antique and grandiose. Personally, I am a self confessed heartthrob to Melbourne's Windsor Hotel and the Bellarine Room does not disappoint or distinguish itself so differently, to a point where it is impressive. The room is immaculate. Both my writing companion and I automatically comment that this room is the most homely room we have ever stayed in. Nothing is stagnant or clinical, instead, the getaway has begun to feel like a home away from home and we have just arrived.
Our enthusiastic, professional hosts lead us back into the kitchen for lunch. They have prepared dainty sandwiches and again, although we know that meals are not usually included within boutique luxury accommodation, our hosts want to spoil us, they want to welcome us; and that they do. After delightful chicken and avocado sandwiches and a shared pot of Assam Bold Tea, our hostess ushers us outside. It is time to see the two other main Suites. Both are booked for the evening, however those guests do not arrive until two o'clock that afternoon and our zealous host wishes for us to peruse the premises; she is proud and has ever right to be so.
The Pardalote Suite is chic, cosmopolitan and sleek. It is the perfect suite for a romantic couple to book on a weekend away. The bold tones and soft furnishings allow for secluded privacy away from the property frontage. This suite is accompanied by two miniature terrace spaces with surprisingly similar form and function as the larger terrace. It's welcoming.
The Springhill Suite is located in the heritage listed sector of the property and reminds me of a scene straight out of a film that would star a biographic of Marie Antoinette. The French antique feel, mixed delicately with a private lounge and bathroom that includes a ceiling rain shower is impressive. This Suite reminds me of something you would see at the Waldorf Rome Astoria, but instead a rosella argues outside of the window and you realize you're in Australia.
Dinner is elaborate, after spending the afternoon with my friend and colleague Nick Grant (writer for the Column Granted), drinking tea and eating audacious canapés on the terrace. By this stage, a part of me genuinely thinks I couldn't possibly eat any more. Our gracious female host however lays a spread that nobody could refuse, the most delicious chicken and mango salad, with herbed potatoes and warm, buttered olive bread. The champagne is flowing and our hosts are telling us about the bones of Springhill House, its many colourful visitors over the years and we review before-and-after photos of their renovations; which is outstandingly impressive. The male host, the husband, leaves the table and exclaims he is going to make us all pancakes. Would anyone say no to midnight pancakes with every lashing of spread and cream and berries possible?
As I retire to my room to be enveloped by slumber, I am pleasantly surprised that the bed is as comfortable as the aesthetic coordination of the property and the room I occupy. Usually, when I am away from my own bed I generally don't sleep well, I think it's more of a security issue. However, Springhill House granted me the best "getaway" sleep I have ever experienced. It is my theory that because the property is so comfortable and homely, one can automatically and subconsciously relax as they would within their own personal environment.
The next morning I awake to the smell of tea, coffee and toast, but I am not disturbed by noise. I question why this is and the hostess wife of the family informs me that all rooms are sound proof, which I consider an incredible implementation. Seriously, I can't even count the number of hotels or boutique accommodations where I have laid awake listening the intimate goings-on or heated arguing of couples and families alike.
Today our hosts are taking Nick and I to see the surrounding area; the bay, the seaside. Lunch at a rustic organic cafe called Grow is on the cards in Point Lonsdale. The area is truly beautiful, this is a slice of Victoria that cannot be missed. The weather, still gloriously sunny allows for the most relaxing and wonderful afternoon.
But alas, it is Sunday evening now and the constraints of the 'real world' call us to return to Melbourne. I genuinely don't want to leave, but, by the same token, I'm feel like I've been away for weeks. That's the environment here: low intensity, grandiose opulence and gorgeous grounds that allow nothing but one to feel swallowed in a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Springhill House Boutique Accommodation Estate is a stones' throw walk from the seaside, cafes and restaurants and natural conservation parks. Its setting and landscape allows holiday makers cosmopolitan grandeur with the relaxation of a semi-rural seaside getaway. If you have a weekend in which you are planning to get away, I highly recommend paying a visit to this beautiful, spotlessly clean and highly organized Estate home.
If 'home is where the heart is', then Springhill house has seen more hearts than a cardiovascular surgeon. This my friends, is its greatest quality: warmth and heart, both in abundance and immeasurable within its’ grounds. Oh... and did I mention the fabulous taste?
Springhill is not an acquired taste, but if you don't like it? You really should acquire some taste.
Do so, and book yourself a piece of heaven.
To Book at 'SpringHill on Pardalote' please visit the links below:
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| The main reception 'Springhill' reception room. |
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| Point Lonsdale Beach Front |
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| Nick indulging in his inner beachside, hipster fashion movement |
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| The Front Entrance and Driveway of 'SpringHill House' |
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| The extensive gardens and relaxing running water sounds of 'SpringHill' |
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| View from the decking and seating between the blooming lavender |
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| Vintage cars line the main restaurant strip, assisting an old world charm feel |
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| Queenscliff Beach Front |
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| Front alfresco dining area of 'SpringHill' |
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| Chicken and Mango salad served by our gracious and friendly hosts |
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| Strolling throughout the Conservation water reserve |
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| The 'Springhill Suite' private lounge area |
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| In all seasons 'Springhill' is welcoming |
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| The majestic glow of early evenings at 'Springhill' |
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| The 'Springhill Suite' bedroom |
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| Midnight pancakes that no one could refuse |
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| 'Springhill Suite' bathroom with ceiling rainfall shower |
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| Nick and I relaxing in the reception room near the fireplace |
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