Luxury Meets Sustainability At Rest At BoxGrove

Disconnect to reconnect at Rest at BoxGrove, without leaving an environmental footprint.

Thellie and Barry Renshaw bought the 68 hectares of land that would become BoxGrove, their family-run working cattle farm, in 1971. After decades of managing the farm, the couple handed it over to their granddaughters and Bathurst locals, Kayla and Melissa, in 2012. Under the watchful eye of the sisters and Kayla’s husband Ben Fry, BoxGrove has continued to grow and bloom.

Inspired by his connection to the property and love of the land, Ben and Kayla built the farm stay so others could experience its magic. Construction began on what is now Rest at BoxGrove in August 2022 and in December of 2023, the boutique eco-retreat was officially completed. Now, the stay is quickly becoming a new contender in the luxury accommodation market and one of the best places to stay in Bathurst.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW — BoxGrove was established in 1971 by the Renshaws.

Location

On Wiradjuri Country, around a three-hour drive from Sydney, Rest at BoxGrove is on the outskirts of the stunning regional town of Bathurst in NSW’s Central West region.

“I often refer to Bathurst as the dark horse of regional New South Wales. The fact we are so close to Sydney gives visitors the opportunity to discover the road less travelled without having to stay too far from the city," says Ben.

Style and character

It’s clear that the surrounding environment has played a pivotal role in the design of Rest, both architecturally and ethically. From the moment you enter your room, you’re greeted by tellurian tones; think browns like terracotta and burnt sienna, smooth creams and coastal whites, plus touches of muted pink and soft grey. These colours immediately work to ground and relax you. Add in linen textures and wooden accents and you’ve got yourself a palette that instills mellow quietude and earthly connection.

This feeling is only deepened by the sustainable ethos behind Rest. The solar-passive cabins are designed to be completely off-grid, with energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy and no wi-fi or cable television.

This purposeful detachment from modern tech encourages guests to reconnect, whether that be with each other, nature or personal hobbies. From walking through the onsite vineyard or greeting the farm’s cattle to reading a book outside or hanging out with family, connection is key.

“We want our guests to fully immerse themselves in the rhythm of rural life. When staying here, guests are encouraged to unplug, unwind and enjoy the simpler things," Ben says.

Rooms and facilities

Six suites make up Rest: four eco-studios and two access eco-studios. Each one comprises a king-sized bed, table and chairs, a small kitchenette and a separate bathroom.

Ben and Kayla have ensured you’ll have everything you need when staying at Rest. The kitchenette is small, but fitted with a mini fridge and sink, cutlery and crockery, kettle, toaster and plenty of bench space.

Along the opposite wall, a long wooden bench doubles as seating and storage. Inside, you’ll find extra pillows and blankets, while on top is a bespoke record player and a selection of vinyls. A table and chairs are set for four, with a television mounted on the wall that you can cast to. In the middle of the room, your cosy king-sized bed awaits at the end of each day.

There’s also a private bathroom, separated from the rest of the suite by a fogged glass door. You’ll be treated to a large rainwater shower, sleek vanity and free-standing stone bathtub with a floor-to-ceiling window for a soak with a view.

Outside, pull up a chair on the deck to admire the setting sun, which paints everything around you in a soft golden glow. You can also opt to sit around the fire pit (firewood provided) or slip into your private outdoor spa. Once you’ve chosen where to settle, admire the sprawling pastures of green in front of you, dotted with black Angus cows and mountains unfurling in the distance.

Also onsite at BoxGrove are Luxe hair salon, purpose-built wedding venue Barn , and a bespoke vineyard, with BoxGrove’s wine brand and cellar door, Vino , coming soon.

Food and drinks

Upon arrival, you’ll find the mini-fridge is stocked with goodies. Think locally sourced eggs, bacon and tomatoes, plus butter and milk. A fresh loaf of sourdough awaits you on the counter; all the ingredients required for a delicious brekkie cooked on your barbecue on the deck.

You’re also generously supplied with a bottle of wine from local cellar door Renzaglia , a small bottle of gin from Bathurst Grange Distillery and a slab of Mudgee-based Pebbly Path ’s delicious rocky road.

If you’re after something more substantial for dinner, take the 10-minute drive into town and visit one of Bathurst’s classic pubs. Looking for something a little more special? There are also plenty of great restaurants that are perfect for a romantic dinner date.

Does Rest at BoxGrove have access for guests with disabilities?

Two of the six eco-studios at Rest are specifically designed to suit those with accessibility needs. Each one features a wheelchair ramp, adjusted widths and heights inside and fully accessible bathrooms. All suites also have a covered car parking space.

Is Rest at BoxGrove family-friendly?

Couples with a small child can book one of the suites at Rest if they bring their own cot or bedding. However, all suites have only one king-sized bed, so there isn’t much room or privacy for families with older children.

Details

Best for: Couples keen for a romantic getaway.

Address: 119 Duramana Rd, Bathurst, NSW

Phone: 0431 425 889

Cost: Pre-pastoral pricing is $550 per night. Prices will increase in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Luxury meets sustainability at Rest at BoxGrove