Rest Private Escape: a luxurious country estate in Bathurst, NSW

Big open sky, crisp clean country air. A town full of old-school glamour and top-notch hospitality at every turn. Rich with green space and the finest things in life, I have found the dark horse of regional  NSW…, Bathurst. 

From the minute I started packing in Sydney, I was already a fan of this holiday. Throwing my stuff in a bag, not having to squeeze things into suitcases or trekking to the airport for ques, we simply jumped in the car, grabbed a cuppa and drifted off. 

A couple of hours down the road later, I was fully immersed. Fixated out the window on the yellow leaves of the maidenhair trees that shimmied, catching sunshine with green rolling hills and blue mountainous ranges as a backdrop.

For our accommodation, I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing Rest Private Escape, a plush and eco-friendly farm stay located just minutes from all the action of Bathurst town. This hidden gem is an ideal getaway for anyone seeking a touch of style and elegance in a serene, rural setting. The moment I arrived, I knew I was in for something special.

Rest Private Escape offers six beautifully designed eco-studios and one spacious three-bedroom villa. Created with luxury and modern privacy in mind, there are views from every window. The bathtubs are a trademark for this stunning property, soaking with stunning views and being present in the country is the best way to unwind from the city world. 

Rest Private Escape has options for those who need specific accessibility or want to bring along their furry friends. The farm architecture is stunning,  designed with solar-passive principles to promote natural ventilation and reduce energy use. It felt good knowing my stay was not only relaxing but also environmentally conscious. 

We were lucky enough to stay in the gorgeous three-bedroom villa, the modern touches are so magnificent. Deliberately designed to maximize the sunshine with floor-to-ceiling windows,  basking in natural light with your morning coffee was divine.  The views from the villa capture the best of what the farm offers, looking down to the cows in the paddock, the infamous open skies and the picturesque vineyard.

Ben and Kayla Fry, the husband-and-wife duo behind Rest Private Escape, are Bathurst locals with a deep connection to the land. Ben’s vision for this unique farm stay came from his love of the area. After having a great chat with Ben in the morning,  he suggested a family walk to try and find the resident alpaca, James. While we didn’t find James, we clocked up the steps and really felt our nervous systems reset as a family as we got the opportunity to earth ourselves without having to leave the farm. It really is a unique place where you can experience the joys of rural life without straying too far from the city.

Luckily Ben is as passionate about Bathurst as he is about the farm and the hot tips on activities he provided were perfect… Generously left in our room was a sample of the region’s finest wines and Gin and we were glad to learn we could visit them both! Only a 20-minute drive away, a nostalgic pub lunch in the quaint town of O’Connell was a real treat while we were galavanting around. 

It was an unforgettable encounter, visiting the cellar door of Mark Renzagilia’s wines, especially the journey through the country to arrive there!  Representing the pinnacle of Bathurst wines, you can find his wines gracing the menus of renowned Sydney restaurants like Quay and Firedoor. Mark is a great host, this is a must-do! 

Grange Distillery is truly an establishment that stands out for its award-winning gins and whiskeys. Located on a heritage estate dating back to 1823, with Shetland ponies to boot,  the distillery is also a functioning farm. Owner Toby adds a personal touch by hosting a tour before the tasting session. A must-try is the Rose Garden Gin, crafted from petals grown on the property—it’s truly something special.

Upon returning to the farm,  we spent the most exquisite afternoon playing the provided guitar, listening to records and playing cricket by the sunset. Each cabin is fully self-contained, complete with a sleek kitchenette and energy-efficient appliances. We loved cooking up a storm on the outdoor BBQ with our own private balcony. 

During our stay, Ben’s best advice was to just sit and savour the scenery. We truly plunged ourselves into the rhythm of country living. We wandered through the vineyards, collected fresh eggs from the barn, and hung out with the friendly livestock. It felt like stepping back in time to a simpler, more peaceful way of life.

We spent our last day sampling the fine dining options in the city, Bootleg fine dining restaurant was a real treat and Dogwood BX, American dining was delicious! 

We really needed more time to try all of the recommendations. None of us were ready to leave… 

Make sure you arrive with nothing planned though as Rest Private Escape greets its guests with a basket of complimentary local produce upon arrival. We’re talking fresh bacon, eggs, sourdough, tomatoes, and the above-mentioned selection of the region’s award-winning treats. If you’re looking for an opulent yet eco-friendly country retreat, I can’t recommend Rest Private Escape enough.

To book your stay or find out more, visit their website at https://www.rest.boxgrove.com.au/

We are also pleased to offer our readers a discount code, which will give you 15% off their stay at Rest Private Escape when booked via the website: NOMADE15