A Bowral weekend escape

Chasing the sun and booking a holiday to somewhere warm like Asia works wonders (especially when you score a free pamper treatment). The promise of a week in your bikini in July makes those cool and dark mornings much more bearable.

But of course, most of us can’t afford to lie on a beach in Thailand for a full three months and that’s where method number two comes into play: embrace the chilly weather in all its glory!

It’s controversial, I know, but denial only works for so long my friend (believe me, I’ve tried that too). Forget moaning about the weather and book a weekend getaway to somewhere that does winter well (think open fires, red wine and comfort food). If you’re a Sydneysider, it’s hard to go past the Southern Highlands.

Just a 90 minute drive from the CBD, Mr LML and I arrive mid-morning and set out to explore Bowral.

Brrr!

Eat up
Raw and Wild Market and Cafe is our first stop. We work our way past the fresh produce and organic goodies, to discover the bustling cafe. It’s the sort of menu that has so many drool-worthy options that you could eat there every day for a week and still not try everything that captures your fancy.

Raw and organic might not be your usual thing but you have to give this place a try. We sample the quinoa crepes with ricotta, maple syrup and fresh fruit, and fresh juices and zucchini cake and give each plate a big tick of approval.

There was no stomach space on this visit but I love their breakfast degustation concept: five courses for the bargain price of $29 (minimum two people).

To the Manor!
We pull up the driveway of Peppers Manor House, a picturesque Southern Highlands estate in nearby Sutton Forest and I know we’re in for a fabulous stay. Not only is Peppers all about luxury, this collection of properties around Oz also have a passion for all things gourmet, which is pretty much my idea of weekend perfection.

The grand country house – originally home to the Katers, a pioneering grazing family and built in – exudes old world country charm.

Mr LML and I are lucky enough to be calling the Elizabeth Broughton suite home for the weekend. True to the original character of the property and located upstairs in the main building, we’re completely spoilt with gorgeous views over the estate, two sunrooms, a lounge room, formal dining area and a huge and modern bathroom complete with spa bath (who needs summer pool action when you have your very own spa).

Dragging ourselves away from the luxury of our suite is made a little easier by the prospect of the fireplace and comfy couches downstairs in the grand hall.

The space exudes classic, country elegance and I can see myself getting very comfortable here!

Peppers Manor House offers a bar and lounge menu from 12pm to 9pm, perfect for a post check-in meal. In my opinion, no winter getaway is complete without a dose of Devonshire tea and I’m ready to tick that off my weekend to-do list.

The scones are super small (and on the exxy side at $15 for two) but I’m all for quality over quantity and these little bundles of deliciousness served with double cream and strawberry jam are some of the best I’ve had in a long time.

There’s nothing wrong with staying put by the fire but if you feel inclined to get a bit more active, hit the tennis court, have a round at the impressive Mt Broughton Golf & Country Club next door or go for a stroll around the immaculate gardens. Or for all your pampering needs, book in for a massage or facial at the onsite Endota Day Spa.

Feeling well and truly relaxed, it’s time to think dinner plans. On a chilly evening, the last thing you want to do is venture too far for a meal so the onsite Katers Restaurant is a blessing.

Offering a varied modern Australian menu with a focus on seasonal local produce, there’s something to suit all tastebuds. And if you simply can’t narrow down your selection, the five-course degustation that Mr LML and I sampled could be for you.

The duo of lamb with medjool date, greens and goats cheese is the stand-out dish, closely followed by the seared barramundi with garlic mash, spinach and sauce Veronique. I’m all impressed when swapping the degustation dessert is favour of my preferred option, the cherry clafoutis with pistachio ice-cream is no problem at all.

Fast forward to the morning and with sun streaming through the big windows, the restaurant plays host to a buffet breakfast offering a variety of breads, pastries, cereals and fruits as well as heartier options like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms. Kick back with your brekky options, the papers and you might just feel relaxed enough to forget for a moment that you don’t live here!

A longer visit would be fabulous but a weekend soaking up the country air has been just enough to recharge the batteries and given me a reason to smile about the cooler weather.

And the fun doesn’t end when you check out mid-morning. Be sure to stretch your weekend escape and explore more of the region before you head home…

Southern Highlands hit list

1. Get a dose of Aussie sporting history

Legendary Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman spent his younger years growing up in Bowral so be sure to visit the famed Bradman Oval and if you’re a true cricket tragic, the onsite International Cricket Hall of Fame too.

2. Drink up

Move over Hunter Valley, did you know there are 60 vineyards in the Southern Highlands and 15 cellar doors? Take a drive and visit one or two or book a tour and embrace a handful without the need for a designated driver.

3. Shop to your heart’s content

From boutiques to antique shops, book stores to homewares, the main drag of Bowral offers plenty for hardcore purchasers and window shoppers alike.

4. Have a meal to remember at Biota

With two chef’s hats, our expectations for Biota Dining are pretty high but somehow the team manage to completely exceed them. With a paddock to plate philosophy, the quality of the produce shines through in every dish. We spy the kitchen garden on our way in, always a good sign!

There are five and seven course degustation options but two degustations in one weekend is too much even for Mr LML and I! Instead we opt for the three course option where you choose any combination from the list of savoury and sweet dishes for the bargain price of $58.

Service is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient and watching the chef’s in action in the open kitchen as we munch away on the house baked bread with smoked butter adds to the buzz.

Standouts dishes are the local sheep curd, asparagus, roe, hen’s yolk and rye; the glazed pork cheek; and fair-trade chocolate, raspberries, malt and cocoa crumb and carrot sorbet. I’m desperate to go back already.

5. Get ready to face reality

The award winning Gumnut Patisserie is well worth a visit. Their slogan ‘Life’s too short, eat dessert first’ is my kind of thinking but it’s the savoury options I’d go back for. If like us, you can’t squeeze in a meal here (too much food, not enough time!) pick-up some cold pies on your way back to Sydney and have them for dinner on your first day back to work – one mundane household task sorted!

Nicole and Mr LML stayed as guests of Peppers Manor House.