A Review Of The $20 Million Campbell Point House

At the end of a majestic driveway, lined with some 10,000 hand planted trees, there is a gentle dip. A proud private estate stands tall in that dip, and it may just take your breath away. This is Campbell Point House.

Details:

Campbell Point House
199 Matthews Road, Leopold, Vic

The property:

For those who have long dreamt of staying in an elegant, multi-million dollar luxury accommodation, Campbell Point House on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula is the only way to do it.

Surrounded by lush lawns and with a distant view of water, it’s hard to find the words to truly encompass the lavish beauty that is this place.

Originally built as a family home, the now-boutique hotel feels reminiscent of the Palace Of Versailles. Perhaps that’s why it’s been chosen several times as the backdrop to many TV shows, including Masterchef, Getaway and Unreal Estate.

Owner and visionary Aaron Parkhill assures building costs were shy of $20 million, but that doesn’t stop the quarter of a million dollar bill from appearing every year for maintenance. That’s on top of the five full-time gardeners, and a few robot mowers.

Upon arrival I make a note to spend hours roaming the magical gardens, but the real magic happens once I step inside.

The enormous entry and staircase (actually nothing is small here) makes my neck spin as I take it all in. I look down to see a myriad of checked tiles under my feet, as well as marble accents as far as the eye can see.

To the left there’s a light-filled conservatory, featuring a hidden chef’s kitchen and a quaint table set-up.

The rest of the ground floor is just as you’d expect. There’s a games room, complete with a full-scale pool table for a healthy post-dinner scrimmage, plus plenty of rooms for sitting, chatting and marvelling at your surrounds.

The rooms:

Up to my quarters.

Campbell Point House offers eight luxurious suites; the emphasis here is definitely on quality over quantity.

I was assigned the greatest and grandest of them all, the Master Suite.

An unassuming door on the top floor of the property opened to a set of stairs. Once atop, I am greeted with a light-filled room that I can confidently say is more than double the size of my Bondi Beach apartment.

As my bare feet stepped on luxurious jute flooring, a king bed reveals itself as the centerpiece. Behind it, a backdrop of his and hers walk-in wardrobes, inviting me to unpack and make myself at home.

The beds are as comfortable as they are grand, complete with butter-soft linens that almost demand a good night’s sleep. It’s clear that no expense is spared to ensure the Nirvana-esque fantasy is kept alive.

Each room comes fitted with its own private en suite, featuring a toilet, walk-in shower and vanity. The marble accents continue from the ground floor, with each benchtop handcrafted and imported using the finest finishes possible.

The food:

Guests at Campbell Point House are treated to a culinary experience that delivers the very best of the Bellarine Peninsula.

All produce is either grown at the estate’s potager garden, caught from the ocean, sourced from local producers or made onsite. Fresh doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Southern calamari with sage and soaked plum; dry aged snapper with mustard and potato; Crayfish and zucchini ravioli; dry aged duck with cumquats and bitter chocolate – although seasonal and subject to change, I can personally attest to the deliciousness of every bite taken.

And while I expected nothing less based on my experience so far, an in-hotel degustation of this calibre is seriously something to pay attention to.

Head chef Tobin Kent is understandably proud of what they produce at Campbell Point, and his team are thrilled to chat about how they have achieved an interesting, diverse, delicious and well-paired menu. As we quickly realised, all you have to do in this place, is ask…

Head chef Tobin Kent is understandably proud of every meal he presents

Morning brings homemade croissants and jams, sourdough bread, beautiful coffee, and eggs to your liking.

After breakfast, I take a winery tour before heading home feeling refreshed, spoiled and knowing this is how the other half wished they lived!

Getting there:

If you’re a Melbourne local, type Campbell Point House straight into the GPS and you’ll do the trip to the Bellarine Peninsula in 1.5 hours.

For those coming from interstate, your best bet is to fly into Avalon airport and hire a car. We chose a Toyota and boy, am I glad we did. The Kluger’s inbuilt navigation was pretty much the only reason that my backseat driving Mum and I got there in one piece…

The AT verdict:

If you’re in the mood to be treated like a VIP, this French chateau and English manor house hybrid is the hotel for you.

The room: 9/10

Whichever room you’re assigned is guaranteed to excite. No noise, privacy in all. And while the linen and finishes are all superb, perhaps a power board next to the bed for devices may be a good touch?

The food: 10/10

Extremely hard to fault. From the unexpectedly brilliant eight-course degustation (duck paired with bitter chocolate – who’d have known!?), to the conservatory breakfast, and the paired sparkling and cheese on arrival; the food here is worth the journey alone.

We rated:

Regional properties can sometimes feel a little lonely, and you can often have trouble passing the time between excursions. But with such detailed execution, and an incredible story to boot, hours can pass simply marvelling at the interior decor, let alone when you go out on foot to explore…

We’d change:

It’s a shame that the region doesn’t get to enjoy the spoils of the garden and head chef Tobin Kent, because the restaurant is not open to the public. Perhaps a special occasion chef’s table would work well?

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.

Hotel Review: Campbell Point House, Bellarine Peninsula