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Interiors Addict on tour: Bells at Killcare

November 27, 2013

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A couple of months ago, as life started to get a bit sleepless and stressful in the lead-up to our wedding, Damian and I headed to Bells at Killcare for an overnight getaway.

Bells_08

It wasn’t our first visit so we knew to expect something gorgeous but it had gone up a few notches since our last stay and has now reached the very rare level of faultless (I’m one of those people who will always find something to whinge about, especially when something is pricey, and I’m a Pom after all).

Bells is couples-only and as weekend retreats from Sydney go, you can’t beat it. It’s less than an hour and half drive north of the CBD on the NSW central coast, which makes it absolutely possible to be there in time for dinner on Friday night, which we were. Because on top of everything that’s amazing about the accommodation, service and location, there’s also Manfredi at Bells, the on-site restaurant, which has retained its One Hat status since opening in 2008.

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There are no rooms at Bells, there are suites, cottage and villas. They’re all decorated in the same comfortable, classic, Hamptons style. Everything is top notch and good quality. No corners are cut. Instant coffee sachets? You must be joking. Their own blend bath salts with essential oils? Of course! I’m a big bath fan and let me tell you, this was the best bath I’ve ever been in!

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Since we were last there about 3 years ago, more accommodation has been added and the existing accommodation, as well as communal areas have been given stylish facelifts. The whole place has an air of comfort and relaxation. You really cannot help but unwind. Bells somehow doesn’t feel like Australia. You could be anywhere. The formal garden’s very English, the decor’s very Hamptons. But it doesn’t really matter where you are or think you are, Bells FEELS great. We were only there one night and we went home (reluctantly) feeling like we’d had a proper break.

Because you’re in your own, self-contained area, you feel like you’re in a home away from home; a really tidy and stylish home! And while it’s luxurious, it’s understated luxury, which makes it all the more easy to relax in.

No review of Bells is complete without mentioning the food (and frankly, it’s a crime to go there and not have dinner at Manfredi’s). We had the most beautiful meal, made all the more enjoyable with the knowledge that a lot of the seasonal produce comes from the kitchen garden, and by the impeccable service which made us happy to leave a generous tip. You know that perfect service where someone appears just as you think you might need something, but is otherwise invisible? Polite without being too stuffy and friendly without being fake? That!

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The food was insanely good. I couldn’t resist the suckling pig (funnily enough I don’t often cook that at home) which was delicious. Damian felt like something lighter and had a delicious fresh fish dish with a salsa verde which was mouth-wateringly good and anything but boring. I don’t recall exactly what else we had, other than it was all amazing. The wine list is seriously impressive too. Damian doesn’t drink wine so I was pleased that their ‘by the glass’ selection is generous which meant I could sample several!

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There is plenty to do, or not do, at Bells, with great beaches just down the road, a pool and spa on site and picnics and walking tours provided if that’s your thing. You can just opt, as we did, to do nothing though! The accommodation is so comfortable, with living and dining areas and decks, depending on whether you’re in a suite, cottage or villa, and tempting fires, you can’t help but want to retire there after dinner. And at this time of year I’m sure the place really comes into its own. Ah, the pool…

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So in summary, hand on heart, I cannot recommend this place to couples highly enough. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it (no, I didn’t pay this time around, but I did last time!). To me, Bells is the perfect, easy-to-get-to getaway.

Here’s a great video with some more information.

Disclosure: Damian and I were guests of Bells at Killcare and did not pay for our accommodation or meals. Positive coverage was not guaranteed. And now, after writing this up, I really REALLY want to go back. Sigh.

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🤣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❤️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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