A couple of weeks ago, Mr Paisley and I were lucky enough to be treated to a wonderfully indulgent and relaxing mid-week night away, at the lovely Lindenderry at Red Hill Boutique Hotel (just an hour from Melbourne and made particularly easy to reach with the new Peninsula Link freeway).
This was truly a “holiday at home” for us, however, as we actually live about 10 minutes down the road!
After a busy day at work, we bid adieu to the toddler and babysitter (thanks Mum!) and were soon turning down the tree-lined driveway of the hotel, admiring the winter vines as we drove.
A chilled bottle of estate-grown sparkling wine was awaiting us in our very spacious and comfortable Garden Room. All rooms have been recently refurbished in what could only be described as country luxe – a gorgeous pink velvet footstool, large desk, plump sofa with coffee table and quality bedding being the highlights! Lovely Appelles Apothecary & Lab goodies in the bathroom and a wide selection of T2 teas completed the feeling of being very well cocooned.
There are 40 guest rooms available in the hotel, which really makes it the perfect venue for a beautiful wedding weekend amongst the vines. I really like the intimacy of being able to “take over” an entire venue for a weekend of fun and frivolity with your nearest and dearest – no one need miss a minute of your special celebration. The hotel boasts several gorgeous lounges (all with open fires), a day spa, indoor swimming pool and stunning gardens so the opportunity to unwind and relax (in between the celebrating!) presents itself in many ways.
The Hotel would equally present itself as a wonderful location for a weekend getaway with your soon-to-be-spouse, or an indulgent mini-trip for your best girlfriends/bridal party, to say “thank you”.
Sharon (the Events Manager) and team genuinely love weddings and love where they work, so it is evident that any bridal couple would be in the best of hands.
We decided to order up an antipasto platter to enjoy with our wine, and the kitchen arranged it to be delivered to a nearby lounge with a beautiful roaring fire (the staff here are really keen for you to explore all of the areas of the hotel and nothing is too much trouble). Laden with brioche rolls (baked fresh at Lindenderry – yum!), cured meats, pickled vegetables, dips and a wonderful salmon terrine, I was most concerned that dinner was still ahead!
Very few winery restaurants are open mid-week around this area, so it was a treat to be so well looked after at The Linden Tree on a Wednesday night. Our waiter Dan, was knowledgeable about the menu and very helpful with suggesting wines to match our food. Mr Paisley enjoyed a restorative spring onion soup for entrée, followed by a duck main (with accompanying Pinot Noir, of course!), whilst I enjoyed a delicious and perfectly cooked blue eye fillet. We both finished the evening with an indulgent Affogato – coffee, ice-cream and a night-cap in one!
After a very pleasant sleep (probably a combination of supremely comfortable bed, a couple of vinos and the toddler at least 7.5 kms down the road), we had breakfast back in the Linden Tree Restaurant. A large buffet spread is on hand (every cooked item imaginable plus croissants, danishes, fruit etc) and the staff are attentive enough to send out that double espresso pronto, to really get the heart pumping first thing!
Having breakfasted, we decided to do a quick walk around the beautifully maintained gardens… past the little orchard (wave to some cows) and down to the lake (hello, geese!) Although being late Winter, there were vibrant Camellias, Jonquils and Early Cheer bursting forth. It was around this time that I declared to Mr Paisley that I was definitely the lady of a grand house in a previous life. I could get used to this… We are already planning a return visit in the glory of Spring, to really appreciate the grounds (the Cellar Door does wood-fired pizzas on weekends, so there is always an incentive to eat and then walk off the deliciousness!)
After a change in cast members (exit Mr Paisley, enter Grandma Paisley), we returned to the Hotel for a sumptuous High Tea. Andrew, the head of catering, was very obliging (another glass of that sparkling… no problem at all!) and again reiterated that every combination or permutation of catering can be arranged. We enjoyed gorgeous light and fluffy scones, savoury tartlets, handmade marshmallows, and mini fruit parfaits along with excellent tea. All in a luxury lounge with the fire going (yes, again) and the crazy, bitingly cold rain pouring outside.
But alas, as the adage declares, all good things must come to an end. I think it’s fair to say that Mr Paisley’s comment that “it felt like we were away for three nights” sums up the experience at Lindenderry. You will truly be taken with the beauty and decadence of your experience and with the professionalism and kindness of the staff.
Polka Dot Bride stayed at Lindenderry Estate as a guest of Lindenderry Estate for editorial consideration in accordance with our disclosure policy.
Images by Lindenderry At Red Hill
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