27 September 2023

History, heritage and harmony make Peppers a Manor House for all seasons

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By Rama Gaind.

Peppers Manor House, in the Southern Highlands of NSW, still retains its original country charm.

There is merit in what Indian-born author Amit Kalantri said about everyone’s special day: “a birth-date is a reminder to celebrate the life as well as to update the life”.

Age does not depend upon years, but upon health, disposition, feelings and remembering the special moments in one’s life. How easy it is to forget you may never get back today, this life, so do something in this lifetime worthy of celebration.

That was the precursor to explore the Southern Highlands of NSW, well-known for its remarkable history and heritage, manifold landscape and colourful gardens. Even more noteworthy is the Peppers Manor House, which beckons you to indulge in a life at a grand country house that exudes an old-world charm.

This picturesque hotel in Sutton Forest is 15 minutes from Bowral, a scenic 90-minute drive south of Sydney and less than two hours drive from the nation’s capital, Canberra.

One of Australia’s grand country houses, built in 1926, it was originally home to the Katers, a pioneering grazing family, and has retained its original charm.

Sukhjeev Kochar, front office manager at Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forest.
Photo: Rama Gaind

First impressions as you make your way through the estate gates along the sweeping driveway is a sense of having stepped back into an era of elegance – with all the mod-cons. Manor House is impressive and commands attention.

Split into two areas, guests either stay in the garden rooms or in the main house, with its rumoured ghosts and ghouls. We’re in the former, and shown to our well-appointed room from where we can enjoy the views of the sprawling estate. Looking out the window, the setting is tranquil. Wait. Looking through the trees, what’s that activity in the distance? Who is the lady in white? A closer look … and yes … its the newlyweds, the groom is with members of the wedding party. There’s a flurry of movement as photographs are taken and the radiant bride can be clearly seen, bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. That’s good luck, to see the bride, that is. A good omen for me as it’s my birthday today.

Total relaxation

After a relaxing lie-in, it’s a leisurely walk downstairs to the imposing Great Hall with its nine-metre-high ceilings, towering glass windows with heavy curtains restrained on either side as a border to the neat courtyard garden outside. Fireplaces are a welcome drawcard from the outside cold. Then there’s the Broughton lounge, games room, the music room, bar and nookery, chess sets, taxidermy and quaint ornaments reminiscent of a level of stylish elegance.

Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands is an ideal setting for a wedding. Photo: Rama Gaind

Dining at the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide one-hatter Katers Restaurant is a treat. It’s named after the Kater family who owned the property for about 90 years, beginning with pastoralist Henry Edward Kater in 1878.

In the restaurant, executive chef Thomas Pirker is at the helm and takes pleasure in presenting a wholesome menu infused with creativity and a touch of adventure. Exploring authentic approaches to cooking, Thomas works closely with farmers and artisans to source local, seasonal ingredients with respect for the whole food journey.

If fine dining is not your preference, then opt for the Katers grazing menu. This is the food we like to eat when relaxing on a sunny afternoon in the courtyard garden. Alternatively, you can partake of traditional high tea indulgence when classic finger sandwiches, dainty pastries, sweets and homemade scones, locally-made preserves and a selection of fine teas and coffees take centre stage.

The breakfast is hearty and the hot chocolate with marshmallows was one of the best I’d ever had. It was actually piping hot – as it should be!

Southern Highlands beauty

The Great Hall at Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forest.

Peppers Manor House, nestling in natural surroundings, is a sophisticated country escape. According to the front office manager Sukhjeev Kochar, there was much to see and do in and around the hotel.

Looking to unwind? Then you won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of past times from chess, croquet, boules, badminton, billiards, tennis and swimming. Enjoy a nightcap over a game of pool, curl up in front of the log fire in The Great Hall with a good book. Another option is playing a round at the 18-hole Mount Broughton Golf Course adjacent to the house.

The villages of the highlands are proud of their local farmed produce, arts and hand works. Follow the market trail through different towns of the Southern Highlands.

The lush river valley of the Kangaroo Valley provides rugged bush walks and idyllic picnic spots. While some people come for the waterfalls alone, you can also experience the magnificent cliffs, caves and colourful wildlife of the highlands country and its national parks.

Nothing beats a mug of piping ‘hot’ chocolate, complete with marshmallows for breakfast at Peppers Manor House, in the Southern Highlands. Photo: Rama Gaind

Take the opportunity to enjoy the history and heritage of the region. Prison walls, historic inns, houses and churches pay homage to the highlands’ convict past. Discover the heritage trail walks, visit the historic village of Bowral, do some antique shopping, go on a winery tour, horse riding, mountain biking or trout fishing.

Limestone caves are a spectacular sight and the Wombeyan Caves are no exception. Explore the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve with a guide or go on your own nature walk adventure.

You also have to go to the Bradman Museum and explore the wine trails that cover 17 cellar doors in this popular region.

As a former general manager so rightly described it: Peppers Manor House is a place for “all seasons … where guest rooms will retain a 1920s sensibility enhanced with 21st century comforts complemented by classic furniture choices …”

DETAILS BOX

Peppers Manor House

Kater Road

Sutton Forest, NSW 2577

T: +61 2 4860 3111

Reservations 1300 737 444

E: [email protected]

W: https://www.peppers.com.au/manor-house/

Stay & Save package

Stay 2 nights and save up to 20%. Valid for sale and travel until 30 September 2019.

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