Home Tour: Step Inside the Newly Revamped Osborn House

As soon as you set foot on the grounds of Osborn House in the Southern Highlands of NSW, you’re immediately aware of the natural beauty of the area.

Framed by rolling hills, manicured gardens and sweeping views, the hotel's architecture and design are crafted to seamlessly blend in with the surroundings. 

Capturing the omnipresence of the seasons was a crucial cornerstone ahead of the opening of the luxury five-star boutique hotel, which officially commenced business in 2022 and saw the sprawling 130-year-old property in Bundanoon completely restored. 

Whimsical Wonder

“The brief was to create a whimsical retreat, a slice of Oxfordshire in the Southern Highlands. With this in mind, the designers were entrusted to develop the concept for the hotel while paying homage to the history of the building,” Osborn House’s Marketing Director, Caitlin Aitchison, explains. 

While the overall aim was to make a space that felt like you were staying in someone’s private country home, somewhere curated, considered and personal that would “completely transport” guests, the original building required a lot of work. 

“We had to ensure [the building] thoughtfully retained a lot of the original heritage features which continue to make it so unique,” Caitlin reveals of the project. 

Linda Boronkay and Alan Mc Mahon from Mac Design Studio were determined to stay true to the original architecture of the property. To do this, the stylists embraced bold colours, patterns, original artworks and murals by Jai Vasicek, tactile fabrics, and vintage items to give the property character while also ensuring each main area of the boutique hotel had a distinct look.

“Historical details were reimagined and executed with a contemporary twist. This was balanced with a carefully curated interior,” Caitlin notes. 

“The entire property underwent renovation. We wanted to honour the old building and bring back the essence of its original glory. We did not want to create a replica, but rather a nod to the past and history of the building. Old details have been interpreted and reimagined in a contemporary manner.”

The centuries-old gardens of the estate also got a modern refresh, with the glorious gardens of Osborn House now serving as a resplendent and fresh backdrop to the hotel. 

“Following years of development, the landscaping around the property required a lot of attention. While the gardens were already beautiful and mature, there was a lot of work involved in getting it to where it is today.” 

“We extended the dining deck and added a bar to make the most of those incredible views, and constructed pathways to new additions to the property like the cabins and croquet lawn,” Caitlin says. 

A European-Inspired Stay

As for the 22 character-filled yet contemporary guest rooms, there are two unique experiences on offer — the cabins and the suites.

“The cabins are distinctively different from the suites. The architecture is contemporary while the interior is surprisingly rustic, all clad in recycled timber. This paired with a wood-burning fire is the perfect retreat to take in the natural beauty of the site,” Caitlin reveals. 

“While the suites are in the original house and are more European in style. They are all spatially unique, adding to the charm and eclectic style of the interior.”

Equally as memorable are the two entertainment spaces, the more formal restaurant Dinah’s and the casual offering, George’s Bar. 

“At Dinah’s, which was named after the house’s original owner Dinah Osborn, our Executive Chef transforms traditional rustic recipes into sophisticated, savoury dishes while showcasing what the Southern Highlands has to offer. The interiors combine custom elements with stunning vintage finds from Europe,” Caitlin says. 

As for George’s, it’s a more relaxed and casual vibe. “There’s a local produce-focused menu that champions the changing seasons and incredible produce which abounds in the Southern Highlands.”

Rest and Reset

Wellness also plays a major part at Osborn House and guests can unwind with a treatment at the ultra-luxe spa, catch a complimentary online Pilates class in the comfort of their own room, or float the day away in the 25-metre heated indoor pool and soak up the bewitching views of Morton National Park. 

“This really is where relaxed retreat and playful guest house meet. We haven’t created a typical hotel, Osborn House is the perfect amalgamation of a beautiful country home and a whimsical guest house", Caitlin exclaims.

PROJECT CREDITS

Photographer: Alan Jensen @alanjensen

Interior Styling: Linda Boronkay and Alan Mc Mahon of Mac

Design Studio: @macdesignstudio_sydney

Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan