Building on the rich legacy of the property, London based designer Linda Boronkay has teamed up with Mac Design Studio in Sydney to design a new luxury hotel in the NSW Southern Highlands…
Former Soho House Design Director, Linda Boronkay has collaborated with interior architect Alan McMahon to transform the original 1892 guesthouse, Osborn House, to suit a clientele accustomed to the comforts, conviviality and nuances of world-class boutique accommodation. With a design approach which balances emotional impact and aesthetics, the focus is on guests’ optimal comfort and stylish interiors.
Image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
Situated two hours from both Sydney and Canberra, the property has hosted holidaymakers since the 1890s, welcoming guests off the steam train when the picturesque railway village of Bundanoon first became a popular holiday destination. The boutique hotel which opened in February, features 15 super luxury suites and seven newly constructed free-standing luxury cabins, each with a fireplace and balcony bathtub. The property sits within established gardens above the village, with spectacular views to neighbouring Morton National Park.
Image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
By no means did the design duo want to create a replica, but rather an important nod to the past, with the interiors being an eccentric interpretation of this. They sought to curate a space that would offer guests a long-lasting experience.
“Just like a certain song or fragrance can have an incredible emotional impact on us, we believe design has the same power to evoke positive memories and feelings,” said Boronkay. “The combination of reclaimed materials paired with rich and tactile fabrics, curated objects from around Europe and personal touches in the different spaces will make you feel like you are being embraced by an interesting individual.”
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- Image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
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- Image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
One of the greatest attributes of Osborn House is the sheer diversity of the suites and accommodation. You could return to the hotel on multiple occasions and enjoy an entirely different experience by staying in a different suite. Both designers wanted to stay true to the original architecture of Osborn House, to reinstate something that was authentic.
“There was a fine balance of what to keep and what to add,” said Boronkay. “Ensuring we were stripping back the original building only to where it was absolutely necessary.”
Image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
The wellness facilities on offer acknowledge the property’s former life as health retreat with a 25 metre lap pool, a state-of-the-art spa with four treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, cool plunge and gym. Osborn House aims to build on the rich legacy of leisure, tapping into its affluent and quirky history and the privacy of its hilltop location to create instant escapism for guests.
Image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
All suites enjoy glorious garden and forest outlooks. There are multiple premium dining and drinking experiences, including an outdoor terrace restaurant, a formal dining room, Dinah’s, and a bar lounge, George’s. A soon-to-open cooking school and market garden will be located in the grounds.
Main image credit: Osborn House / Alan Jenson
