Located just an hour from Melbourne, in the pretty Macedon Ranges, LMG Collectionโs Cleveland Estate (formerly Cleveland Winery) officially reopened earlier this year after a multimillion-dollar renovation that will draw design lovers from across the country.
Set against a backdrop of native forests and pretty countryside (the famed hanging rock isnโt far), the hotel boasts 50 guest rooms and suites set amidst established gardens with the Victorian-era 19th century homestead the jewel in the propertyโs crown. โThe brief for Cleveland Estateโs transformation was not to create something perfect and definitely not pretentious,โ says Julian Clark, CEO of Lancemore Hotel Group and LMG Collection.
The refurbishment was overseen by design and art enthusiast Caroline Riddell-Clark and pays homage to the estateโs architectural heritage with a daring colour palette and fabulous collection of antique and modern pieces chosen to create eclectic, theatrical and collected interiors. Antiques and vintage curios are offset by modern touches including freestanding bathtubs and artworks by iconic Australian artists such as John Olsen and Russell Drysdale.
โFor decades, Iโve enjoyed collecting intriguing pieces from my travels around Australia and abroad. More recent finds โ big and small โ now inform the inviting interiors of Cleveland Estate, combining with the propertyโs historic features and abundant natural beauty to shape the next generation of guest experiences in the Macedon Ranges,โ says Caroline.
Not only can you stay at the main homestead but thereโs a series of accommodation buildings that surround it, including the Lakeview dwelling that features timber salvaged from wharves, bridges and other historic buildings.ย ย โLakeview exudes luxury and contemporary style. Despite its relaxed nature, every piece of furniture within it is a modern design icon,โ says Caroline of the accommodation that is finished with furniture from the likes of Knoll, Moroso, Minotti, B&B Italia, Rodolfo Dordoni and Patricia Urquiola.
โWe wanted the property, with its roots tied to Victoriaโs gold rush era, to transcend time and trends and reflect LMGโs love of art and design. Its architecture is distinctively Australian and, like Australia, the refurbishment offers a melting pot of design references from diverse cultures, countries and periods, each combining to create a truly unique and colourful personality,โ says Julian.
Outside the rooms thereโs an on-site restaurant and cellar door, cottage gardens, vineyard vistas as well as alpacas and highland cattle. The area is renowned for its food and wine culture and has plenty of other places to visit nearby including acclaimed restaurants, cafes, natural attractions, boutiques, antique shops and art galleries.
Photography: Benedetta Martini