A couple of weeks ago, we set off for a long weekend at Spicers Hidden Vale, located at Grandchester in the Lockyer Valley, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Brisbane. We needed a break and wanted a quiet couple of days of rest, relaxation, nature and fine food, and this promised to be the perfect solution, as indeed it was.
Spicers Hidden Vale is an Australian true country experience and really is a traditional, old style homestead that is beautifully renovated but takes you immediately back in time as you drive through the entrance. The homestead and its colonial cottages are set on 12,000 acres of land, and is still a working farm today.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Spicers properties, here is a quick rundown. Whilst all properties are unique, they are all luxurious and relatively small in guest numbers at any one time with a fine-dining restaurant and amazing day spa. This makes them the perfect venue for a couple’s wanting time alone, a weekend away or an exclusive retreat. They are also ideal spots to host small meetings, group gatherings, conferences or weddings as they are unique destinations but conveniently close to major cities, the staff are always outstanding, nothing is too much trouble and you are always assured of a warm and hearty welcome.
At Hidden Vale, there was a lagoon pool looking out over rolling, green countryside, a colonial style bar, than was home to a bar and games room complete with fireplace, outdoor BBQ area with wood fire ovens, and tables and chairs placed under beautiful old, shady trees, a market garden and animal nursery – all the trimmings of an old style farm.
The bush estate provides a number of trails for walking for all levels or where you can ride mountain bikes and take in the spectacular countryside. There is also a lap pool, again with views that are to die for, tennis court and bocce/croquet area as well as an archery facility, so there is plenty to do.
Exercise and adventure facilities and options are a must as you need to burn off the amazing food that you will no doubt eat. Homage restaurant was a delectable experience and we enjoyed a degustation menu matched with a selection of fine wines, and the food was truly out of this world. Melt in your mouth, fresh, local produce sourced from all the nearby villages and towns and fine-dining at its absolute best. Breakfast didn’t disappoint either and you could certainly be forgiven for wanting to spend the day seated in the same spot, as the views were outstanding. Spicers also offer lavish picnics that you can take out with you if you choose to venture out for the day and are worried about missing lunch.
Curl up by the fire with a good book, enjoy a glass of wine out by the lagoon, indulge in a decadent massage at Spa Anise and make sure you warm your hands or toast a marshmallow by the outdoor fire, whilst checking out the stars, before heading in to dinner.
The cottages are exquisite, all restored and with verandas that look out over the majestic countryside. Well appointed with everything you need, including a range of books, magazines and fluffy bath robes, the rooms are the perfect place to relax and read, or enjoy a glass of crisp wine and a fabulous cheese plate whilst looking out over the estate and enjoying being ‘back to nature.’
If you’re based in South East Queensland and are looking for a perfect get away or a great place for a small conference or event, then check out Spicers Hidden Vale. It’s easily accessible by car but you feel as if you have stepped back in time and are in the middle of nowhere; the ideal place to savour nature, rest, relax and rejuvenate.
