Nestled high amidst the pines and ferns sits Leura Rose Cottage, definitely the “rose amongst the thorns”. With no detail overlooked, Leura Rose is your perfect sanctuary away from life’s busy demands.
Meticulously restored by Lorraine Allanson, Leura Rose is cosily tucked away in its own private nook, totally surrounded by a private lush rambling garden, with no disturbances other than the mesmerising calls of the currawongs and kookaburras and enveloped in the fresh mountain air, total seclusion, whilst everything you could require is at your fingertips.
Less than a minute by car or a short 5 minute walk to Leura Mall, this exquisite turn-of-the-century cottage is totally dedicated to relaxation and indulgence.
Leura Rose is the ultimate sanctuary from everyday life. Naturally, you have the whole cottage to yourselves and we go to great lengths to ensure that your privacy is undisturbed.
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Leura Rose is completely self-contained and well equipped with all the requirements you would need for a home-away-from-home, without the household chores.
There is never a need to leave other than venturing back into your car for your return trip back home.
Leura Rose comfortably accommodates two to four people in a beautifully restored cottage with every aspect of luxury and indulgence carefully thought through. The cottage has everything from a beautiful double spa, mahogany gas-log fireplaces in master bathroom and lounge room, finest linen, doonas, plump pillows, electric blankets, under floor heating and overhead heating in the master bathroom, centrally heated throughout, continuous natural gas hot water and all life’s requirements and necessities to make your stay relaxing and truly memorable.
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Serene bird calls, crisp mountain breezes and the gentle trickling of water softly cascading over the magnificent fountain welcomes guests to Varenna. Step back into a bygone era which captures the old world charm so perfectly with the modern comforts of today, and only a 200m stroll to Leura.
Varenna is a lavishly appointed and meticulously restored Edwardian residence set on 1800 square metres of private and secluded surrounding gardens and grounds.
Be enchanted by the grandeur and allow the soothing ambience of Varenna create that perfect stay. From the moment you enter the leadlight entrance, you are not only embraced by the warmth of the golden husk walls, but are soothed by the sounds of the soft piped music throughout which welcomes you in preparation for a stress-free stay.
Varenna caters splendidly for honeymooners, intimate romantic getaways or anywhere from one, two or three couples seeking a tranquil mountain getaway to escape the daily grind. Nowhere else can compare!
Consisting of three stunning bedrooms, all with their own theme and uniqueness. The rooms are made up of two queen-sized four poster beds and a queen-sized brass bed, soft lighting, plush electric blankets, crisp linen, fluffy duvets and windows draped in stunning curtains. Two bathrooms are available, the first bearing the original antique claw-foot bath tub and the second has the modern luxury of a double spa bath, both with sub-floor heating and toiletries to pamper every inch of yourself.
The entire house is centrally heated throughout. Three areas of dining are available - light and airy breakfast room, formal dining or alfresco with gas barbeque in the stunning garden amongst the birdlife. Varenna also consists of a fully-equipped laundry.
Formal lounge/dining room bathed in deep olive tones offers Austar TV, DVD/VCR incl. movies, CD player & CD's, books, games with an exquisite Jetmaster gas-log fireplace.
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Nestled within a totally private lush rambling garden and only an 80 metre stroll to Leura village, this exquisite turn-of-the-century cottage is totally dedicated to relaxation and indulgence. Strawberry Patch is the ultimate sanctuary from everyday life. Romantic, intimate and private, just perfect for honeymooners or couples needing to get away and unwind.
Strawberry Patch consists of a master bedroom drenched in deep ruby-red toned walls with a Queen mahogany four-poster bed draped with rich gold damask covered doona, finest linen, sheepskin electric blanket and the finest feather and down pillows. Double bed in second bedroom perfectly caters for the additional guest/s.
An exquisite double spa bath is delightfully placed, wrapped in a strawberry leadlight bay window with views of the lush secluded rambling garden, sub-floor heating set to the perfect temperature and recessed speakers to soothe the senses and aid your tranquil soak. Everything available to pamper every inch of yourself.
The cottage has a Jotul slow combustion wood fireplace and natural gas-log fireplace, reverse-cycle air-conditioning for year round comfort and continuous natural gas hot water. The open plan Tasmanian Oak kitchen consists of Bosch dishwasher and washing machine, which in turn leads one step up into the dining room. Through the ornate French doors you are led into the private courtyard and garden beyond, just perfect for that intimate morning coffee or late evening nightcap. A gas barbeque is also provided ready and waiting for that perfect alfresco experience.
Relax and unwind in the tranquility of the deep forest green drawing room with your port and a good book or perhaps one of many movies provided. The room also offers a TV, DVD/VCR, Hi-Fi incorporating 3-stacker CD player, CD's, DVD's books and games. |
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The properties have fully equipped kitchens with Continental breakfast provisions consisting of milk, bread, cereals, eggs, butter, biscuits, juice, teas, coffees and various spreads and condiments.
Complimentary wine, port and chocolates await you on arrival along with complimentary slippers and use of plush luxurious bathrobes during your stay. Telephone is also provided for all your local calls at both properties.
Whilst Leura's finest restaurants are located within minutes from both properties, the thought of dining in can prove to be a very attractive alternative. Intimate and romantic, the picture is complete with floating candles and flowers on the dining table, complimentary wine and chocolates ready and waiting, the perfect CD playing that sensual ballad and the glow and warmth of the log fire, the need to venture out sometimes becomes redundant!
The properties are perfectly located to Leura Mall should you care to arrive by train. Varenna is perfectly located right on the doorstep of Leura station, whereby Strawberry Patch is only a stone's throw away at the end of the mall. Leura Rose is only 5 blocks from Leura Mall. Alternatively, should you be driving, the properties are only 1.5 hours from the centre of Sydney.
Upon your arrival, there are no disturbances, just a crackling fire,
soft music and the flickering of lit candles setting the most romantic and intimate of scenes.
Your privacy is never invaded at either location and you have sole and exclusive use of the entire property during your stay.
"Your own slice of heaven in the heart of Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia".
Please direct your enquiries to Lorraine Allanson on +61 (0)430 496 755
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The majestic unsurpassed beauty of one of the world’s natural wonders the world heritage Blue Mountains. Breathtakingly beautiful and majestic yet rugged and rough terrain, sandstone escarpments carved by cascading waterfalls, ancient and awe-inspiring are only just a few words that encapsulate all that the Blue Mountains have to offer. Over a million years old and totally natural and unspoilt, the beauty and splendour of the Mountains is what has tourists flocking in droves year after year from all parts of the world. The blue hues circling the tree tops has tourists mesmerized for hours on end...
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Sunset on The Three Sisters, Echo Point, Katoomba
photographer Robbi Newman
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Scenic Skyway, Scenic World, Katoomba
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Sunset over the Mountains… perfect splendour
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Looking out at the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap Lookout
photographer Susan Wright (1993)
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Megalong is an Aboriginal word thought to mean ‘Valley below the cliffs’. Bathed in unspoilt splendour, magnificent adventures can be had on horseback and on foot through the Megalong Valley. Boasting the most breathtaking scenery and unsurpassed beauty in a rural Australian outback setting.
The Megalong Valley is renowned for its riding tracks offering everything for the beginner rider to the most advanced. Walking tracks are abundant with views as far as the eye can see. All you need to do is stop, relax and breathe it all in.
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Views of Megalong Valley
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| Aboriginal legend has it that three sisters from the Katoomba tribe fell in love with three men from Nepean tribe, yet they were forbidden to marry. The sisters were turned to stone to prevent the marriage and to save themselves from tribal banishment. To this very day in stone they remain, awaiting their transformation. A "must see" when visiting Katoomba. |
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Sunset from the Three Sisters
photographer Adam Taylor
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The Three Sisters, Katoomba
Bushwalks are plentiful in the mountains. There is a track suitable for everyone. Anywhere from the beginner perhaps starting out at Sublime Point Lookout in Leura which takes only 0.5hrs return trip, approximately 2.5kms in distance and has excellent views, to the experienced bushwalker venturing out and taking the challenge on the Overcliff/Undercliff walk at Wentworth Falls which covers National Pass and Valley of the Waters. This walk takes 4.5hrs to cover, is graded as a hard walk and is approximately a 6km circuit trip. The views are sensational capturing waterfalls, rainforests and a magnitude of bird life such as the King Parrot, Satin Bower Bird, New Holland Honeyeater, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo, The Laughing Kookaburra, Australian Magpie, The Pied Currawong, Lyre Bird. Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, just to name a few. For further information visit www.oztrek.com.au/pages/blue mountains fauna/birds.php The experienced bushwalker can even venture over to Blackheath and attempt the Govetts Leap walk which captures Blue Gum Forest, Perrys Lookdown and Pulpit Rock. This walk is for the experienced only, taking 10hrs and is a 15km circuit trip with again views and scenery to die for.
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Bushwalks
photographer Robbi Newman
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For comprehensive information on other walking tracks, please click here. Spectacular and breathtaking views are guaranteed, with amazing scenery and wildlife awaiting you around every bend. The mountain tracks have it all from cascading waterfalls, sandstone escarpments, the majestic splendour of enormous towering rainforests dating back over a million years old, soaring high into the sky as far as the eye can see, whilst in the background the soft calling of the bellbirds echoes, completing the state of total serenity and tranquility. Perhaps a pinch is required every now and then just to reassure yourself that you are not dreaming.
Crimson Rosella
Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park
photographer Robbi Newman
Galahs
King Parrot
Rainforest interior featuring giant ferns,
Blue Mountains National Park
photographer Adam Taylor, Aubergine Productions
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| Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest single drop waterfall in the Mountains. The falls plummet approximately 180 metres onto the rocks below. For the real adventure seeker, try your hand at abseiling or rappelling, as it is known in North America and much of Europe. Canyoning is so unique to the mountains and lends itself beautifully with so many hidden treasures to unveil. Mountain biking and rock-climbing are also available, or for something on the leisurely side, perhaps a round of golf at any one of the numerous golf courses. Please direct your enquiries to the experts at the Blue Mountains Adventure Company at www.bmac.com.au |
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Abseiling
photographer Nick Rains
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Bridal Veil Falls, Govetts Leap
photographer Robbi Newman
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There are horse riding adventures to suit all, from the beginner right through to the experienced rider, and the mountains have it all. Spectacular scenery, fresh mountain air and horses catering for every age group and experience riding level. Details of stables are listed below:
photographer Hamilton Lund (2002)
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Blackheath
• Centennial Glen Stables – Ph: (02) 4787 1193
Megalong Valley
• The Megalong Australian Heritage Centre Ph: (02) 4787 8188
• Werriberri Trail Rides – Ph: (02) 4787 9171
Oberon
• High Country Trail Rides – Ph: (02) 6336 5123
O’Connell
• Yarrabin Holiday Ranch Ph: (02) 6337 5712
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The Blue Mountains has so much to offer. An endless supply of tourist attractions all at your doorstep. There are always things to do and see, and all set in the surrounds of unsurpassed beauty and history. “Mountain Whispers of Leura” properties are centrally located to all that the mountains have to offer, why venture any further!
The Zig Zag Railway,
Lithgow
photographer Nick Rains
Norman Lindsay Gallery
Faulconbridge
photographer Nick Rains
Art classes in the gardens
photographer Paul Blackmore
Views of shops in Leura Village photographer Hamilton Lund (2002)
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Perhaps just whiling away time and indulging in that wicked hot chocolate or Devonshire tea in one of the many various cafés Leura has to offer is your means of unwinding. Restaurants, antiques, gift and homeware stores along with boutique clothing stores are also at your finger tips. Visit www.leurabluemountainsguide.com/leura-restaurant.html for a listing of restaurants in Leura.
Or possibly your ideal means of relaxation and revitalisation would bemassage and therapy by candlelight in the many day spas conveniently located to both Mountain Whispers’ properties:
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photographer Hamilton Lund (2002)
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Rhododendron Gardens, Blackheath
photographer Nick Rains
Fresh apples in crates,
Blue Mountains produce
photographer Hamilton Lund (2002)
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SPRING IN THE MOUNTAINS
The mountains truly boast magnificent plant-life and vegetation. The annual garden festivals like the:
- Hazelbrook and Woodford Garden Festival from the 27th September to 5th October 2008
- Leura Garden Festival “Fleuralia” commencing from the 4th to 12th October 2008
- Blackheath Rhododendron Festival from the 1st to 2nd November 2008;
are renowned for their explosion of Spring colour and the magnitude and abundance of vibrant and breathtaking flowers and foliage have tourists venturing to the mountains in absolute awe, year after year. Many budding and avid gardeners lovingly open their private gardens to display all that has been kept warm and nestled below the soft earth waiting patiently for that fresh crisp morning and ray of warm sunlight to unfold the inner beauty and announce the arrival of Spring.
Leura Village Fair is also an annual event held over the 11th and 12th October 2008 and transforms the quaint strip into a bustling collection of fascinating art and craft stalls, plants and knickknacks, artisans’ wares, street entertainment and children’s rides, all of which are encased in wonderful aromas of freshly brewed coffees and sweets and foods from all corners of the globe wafting throughout. Whilst the cherry blossoms in all their beauty, are in full bloom creating the perfect canopy for that moment to rest and take it all in.
SUMMER IN THE MOUNTAINS
Summer in the mountains are like nowhere else. Offering warm balmy days capped with cool evening breezes. The perfect setting for a true Australian Christmas or for those wishing to escape the cold chills of the northern hemisphere. The mountains offer an abundance of outdoor activities from bushwalking, abseiling, rock climbing, canyoning, golf, tennis, art classes in the many beautiful gardens, to those just wishing to laze around in one of the numerous cafés watching the world go by.
AUTUMN (FALL) IN THE MOUNTAINS
The 13th Annual Blue Mountains Music Festival commences from the 14th to 16th March 2008 in Katoomba. The Festival sees musicians and song-writers venture to the mountains from various parts of the globe.
WINTER IN THE MOUNTAINS
photographer Paul Cosgrave
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The Blue Mountains once again comes to life with Yulefest during the months of June, July and August. Yulefest is the time to experience Christmas in the mountains. Many venues offer Christmas style celebrations with traditional dinners consisting of turkey, ham and plum pudding along with the carols, eggnog and of course who can forget old St Nick himself? The mountains’ atmosphere lends itself so perfectly to even that white Christmas that happens a few days throughout the cold winter months.
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The Winter Magic Festival is an annual event held in Katoomba, Blue Mountains from the 21st to 22nd June 2008. The township of Katoomba comes to life with the hustle and bustle of people flocking in from far and wide to either participate or just sit back and watch. It is the largest event on the calendar and is a celebration of the winter solstice which marks the change of seasons, the lengthening of days from the cold winter months to the onset and warmth of Spring. It also allows the community to come together to create a sense of unity.
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photographer Paul Cosgrave
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Beautiful autumn colours in the gardens at Mt. Wilson - photographer Sally Mayman, Turtle Pictures
Flower beds and ornamental statue, Gema's garden
photographer Susan Wright
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