Luxury meets sustainability at Rest at BoxGrove

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
Rest is located on the outskirts of regional Bathurst.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
The studio’s distinct palette reflects its environment.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
Each cabin is solar-passive and runs on renewable energy.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
The eco-studios are perfect for a romantic getaway.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
Music lovers will appreciate the record player.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
A soak in the free-standing stone bath is irresistible.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
Slip into your very own private outdoor spa, fashioned out of bathtubs.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
Cook brekkie on the deck with your outdoor barbecue.

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.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
A range of delicious goodies awaits you upon arrival.

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.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.