Tenterfield's Luxury Chambers

It is situated two minutes walk from the main street. From the outside, it looks like what it used to be, albeit repainted: the Old Council Chambers. Previously working chambers built in 1884 for the historic town of Tenterfield in the Northern Tablelands, the building has been re-shaped into luxury modern accommodation.

The streets are quiet, and as we arrive there seems to be nobody about. Entering our designated Chamber, the attention to detail is immediately obvious. It is luxurious without being ornate. From the beautiful espresso machine to the multiple fireplaces (with fire-wood in place ready to be lit), this is the perfect weekend getaway.

Entirely self contained, each Chamber has an ensuite with a large romantic bath, king sized bed, television with complimentary Netflix and bicycles to make the short trip into town easier. The attention to detail is obvious in the magnesium salts provided by the bath to ease tired muscles and relax further into the solicitude, water and BnB style breakfast waiting in the fridge.

Bought two years ago at the brink of demolition, Steve and Bianca rescued the historic site and made it what it is today. The old structural elements remain, but the two separate now-art-deco apartments have been renovated and furnished leaving them sophisticated and utterly beautiful. Every correspondence I had with Steve prior to arriving at the Chambers was simple and accommodating.

Despite the quietness of the location, a short walk to town provides a number of dining options, and Steve and Bianca provide dining recommendations before your arrival. Of course, should you choose to buy a bottle of local wine and eat in, the kitchen is fully furnished.

To exercise after the three-hour road trip from the Gold Coast, we hiked the short steep climb to the summit of Bald Rock. Only half an hour out of town, this place feels truly remote, at the edge of the Girraween National Park. In the area are a number of other natural and historical attractions, such as Thunderbolt’s hideouts and the Boonoo Boonoo National Park.

If you are interested in shopping for old wares or furnishings, the town has multiple antique shops and boutiques within walking distance of the Chambers. The town of Tenterfield in itself is a cultural venture, with deciduous trees along the edges of the rusty paddocks on the way into town and old cottages lining the streets.

Day trips:

Girraween National Park

Bald Rock National Park

Boonoo Boonoo National Park

Mt Mackenzie Lookout

Thunderbolt’s hideouts

Eat:

The Barrelroom at Ballandean Estate (20 minutes drive)

The Commercial Boutique Hotel (personal favourite, and a five minute walk)

OP Winebar (wine – but it does breakfast)