Subscribe 
A Blue Mountains Icon Has a Stunning New Chapter
One of the Blue Mountains' most beloved heritage estates has entered a stunning new chapter. Lilianfels has reopened as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, and it looks gorgeous.
Lilianfels is the kind of heritage estate that feels like it’s been there forever, because it basically has. Originally built in 1889 as the grand summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, the iconic Blue Mountains property has spent well over a century as one of the region’s most storied addresses. After all these years, it’s still celebrated for its late Victorian-early Federation architecture, beautiful English gardens and those sweeping views over the Jamison Valley that never get old.
Now, as the second estate in Salter Brothers’ Ardour Hotels & Estates collection (joining Ardour Milton Park Bowral), it’s stepping into something new as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains.
Luchetti Krelle, the award-winning Australian firm behind the redesign, took their cues from eccentric English garden estates, which shows in every design detail. 89 guest rooms and suites have been reimagined across three unique colour palettes, each with their own moods. There’s bespoke bedheads, custom-textiles and statement furniture throughout that make everything feel fresh without losing any of that heritage charm.
The result is a striking mix of distinct colours and statement furniture that still feel rooted in the estate’s original personality. The reception and common areas have been freshened up too, with new interiors and a wine wall with its own intimate dining experience that we’d very much like to be sitting at right now.
But the addition we’re most excited about is The Lounge. This is a brand new central bar designed to be the beating heart of the hotel. It’s moody and sophisticated, with a menu that includes a four-cheese and truffle slider, steak frites, QLD spanner crab brioche and chef’s charcuterie. There’s also a caviar service and a roving cheese station featuring seasonal local cheeses, which sounds like the perfect way to spend a Blue Mountains afternoon. That being said, Darley’s Restaurant and Miss Lilian (the estate’s beloved fine dining and casual Southeast Asian spots) are staying exactly as they are, because some things don’t need changing!
Also, for anyone seeking some R&R, the spa is also getting a glow-up and will relaunch as an Èliva luxury day spa and wellness destination, so stay tuned!
Bookings are now open, and if you stay before 30th September 2026, you’ll score a complimentary glass of Champagne, $100 dining credit, breakfast for two and a 12pm late checkout. Honestly, what are you waiting for?
Like this post? Why not check out the new five-star hotel coming to the Hunter Valley, or explore the Southern Highlands’ most luxury accomodation?
