Luxury Meets Sustainability At Rest At BoxGrove

Disconnect to reconnect at Rest at BoxGrove, without leaving an environmental footprint.

Thellie and Barry Renshaw bought the 68 hectares of land that would become BoxGrove, their family-run working cattle farm, in 1971. After decades of managing the farm, the couple handed it over to their granddaughters and Bathurst locals, Kayla and Melissa, in 2012. Under the watchful eye of the sisters and Kayla’s husband Ben Fry, BoxGrove has continued to grow and bloom.

Inspired by his connection to the property and love of the land, Ben and Kayla built the farm stay so others could experience its magic. Construction began on what is now Rest at BoxGrove in August 2022 and in December of 2023, the boutique eco-retreat was officially completed. Now, the stay is quickly becoming a new contender in the luxury accommodation market and one of the best places to stay in Bathurst.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW — BoxGrove was established in 1971 by the Renshaws.

Location

On Wiradjuri Country, around a three-hour drive from Sydney, Rest at BoxGrove is on the outskirts of the stunning regional town of Bathurst in NSW’s Central West region.

“I often refer to Bathurst as the dark horse of regional New South Wales. The fact we are so close to Sydney gives visitors the opportunity to discover the road less travelled without having to stay too far from the city," says Ben.

Style and character

It’s clear that the surrounding environment has played a pivotal role in the design of Rest, both architecturally and ethically. From the moment you enter your room, you’re greeted by tellurian tones; think browns like terracotta and burnt sienna, smooth creams and coastal whites, plus touches of muted pink and soft grey. These colours immediately work to ground and relax you. Add in linen textures and wooden accents and you’ve got yourself a palette that instills mellow quietude and earthly connection.

This feeling is only deepened by the sustainable ethos behind Rest. The solar-passive cabins are designed to be completely off-grid, with energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy and no wi-fi or cable television.

This purposeful detachment from modern tech encourages guests to reconnect, whether that be with each other, nature or personal hobbies. From walking through the onsite vineyard or greeting the farm’s cattle to reading a book outside or hanging out with family, connection is key.

“We want our guests to fully immerse themselves in the rhythm of rural life. When staying here, guests are encouraged to unplug, unwind and enjoy the simpler things," Ben says.

Rooms and facilities

Six suites make up Rest: four eco-studios and two access eco-studios. Each one comprises a king-sized bed, table and chairs, a small kitchenette and a separate bathroom.

Ben and Kayla have ensured you’ll have everything you need when staying at Rest. The kitchenette is small, but fitted with a mini fridge and sink, cutlery and crockery, kettle, toaster and plenty of bench space.

Along the opposite wall, a long wooden bench doubles as seating and storage. Inside, you’ll find extra pillows and blankets, while on top is a bespoke record player and a selection of vinyls. A table and chairs are set for four, with a television mounted on the wall that you can cast to. In the middle of the room, your cosy king-sized bed awaits at the end of each day.

There’s also a private bathroom, separated from the rest of the suite by a fogged glass door. You’ll be treated to a large rainwater shower, sleek vanity and free-standing stone bathtub with a floor-to-ceiling window for a soak with a view.

Outside, pull up a chair on the deck to admire the setting sun, which paints everything around you in a soft golden glow. You can also opt to sit around the fire pit (firewood provided) or slip into your private outdoor spa. Once you’ve chosen where to settle, admire the sprawling pastures of green in front of you, dotted with black Angus cows and mountains unfurling in the distance.

Also onsite at BoxGrove are Luxe hair salon, purpose-built wedding venue Barn , and a bespoke vineyard, with BoxGrove’s wine brand and cellar door, Vino , coming soon.

Food and drinks

Upon arrival, you’ll find the mini-fridge is stocked with goodies. Think locally sourced eggs, bacon and tomatoes, plus butter and milk. A fresh loaf of sourdough awaits you on the counter; all the ingredients required for a delicious brekkie cooked on your barbecue on the deck.

You’re also generously supplied with a bottle of wine from local cellar door Renzaglia , a small bottle of gin from Bathurst Grange Distillery and a slab of Mudgee-based Pebbly Path ’s delicious rocky road.

If you’re after something more substantial for dinner, take the 10-minute drive into town and visit one of Bathurst’s classic pubs. Looking for something a little more special? There are also plenty of great restaurants that are perfect for a romantic dinner date.

Does Rest at BoxGrove have access for guests with disabilities?

Two of the six eco-studios at Rest are specifically designed to suit those with accessibility needs. Each one features a wheelchair ramp, adjusted widths and heights inside and fully accessible bathrooms. All suites also have a covered car parking space.

Is Rest at BoxGrove family-friendly?

Couples with a small child can book one of the suites at Rest if they bring their own cot or bedding. However, all suites have only one king-sized bed, so there isn’t much room or privacy for families with older children.

Details

Best for: Couples keen for a romantic getaway.

Address: 119 Duramana Rd, Bathurst, NSW

Phone: 0431 425 889

Cost: Pre-pastoral pricing is $550 per night. Prices will increase in the 3rd quarter of 2024.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Luxury meets sustainability at Rest at BoxGrove