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Visiting the Queensland Home of 007By John Crook
Whilst each of these historic settlements deserved much more than just a cursory glance, the purpose of this particular journey was to spend an evening, 007 style. Old Hidden Vale, still operates as a cattle property, and of recent years has developed a luxury rural retreat. With this property there has always been more than a hint of luxury on offer, even before Queensland seceded from the Colony of New South Wales.
That may sound a little far fetched but in actual fact author Ian Fleming befriended Sidney during the latter’s daring and adventurous days of the 30’s. A life of espionage, fast cars and gadgets, triple-marriages and mixing with the rich and famous, set the scene for the string of Bond movies. Obviously guests staying in the heritage cottages which are scattered throughout the manicured garden setting, spend time studying the newspaper clippings and checking on the other memorabilia which are part of the scene at Peppers Hidden Vale Retreat. But away from the exploits of that earlier resident, and to the main attributes which attract latter day visitors.
The series of cottages sit on a hill overlooking part of the property, each elegantly restored. Likewise, the study, lounge, bar and dining rooms have been delightfully furnished by present day property owners, the Turner family. The touch of the Peppers Group, which has management rights, is also to the fore, particularly by way of the welcome staff extend. Whilst the original homestead was destroyed by fire in 1921, a later owner built a single storeyed dwelling with wide verandahs and stunning views. With extensions over more recent times, one imagines that it has been returned more in line with ‘how the other half lived’ in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s of last century.
Socialising comes into effect around ‘G & T’ time, when most guests head towards the lounge bar prior to dinner. That in itself is an experience, with Sidney Bender creating magic in his kitchen. A recommendation is the Waygu beef which chef expertly prepares. Incidentally, it’s Waygu cattle which are bred on the 10,000 acre property. Out front-of-house, food and beverages manager, Jessica Jenkin extends the Peppers service. It’s during pre-dinner drinks in the comfortable lounge and then over dinner where guests share their exploits of the day, the bush walks, mountain biking, horse riding through to even participating in some on-farm activities.
Apart from R&R packages, Peppers Hidden Vale also has introduced a team, building program where bushman survival skills and Mission Impossible-style challenges are a feature.
After all, isn’t that how James Bond would fill in his day if he were in my shoes? What You Need to KnowPeppers Hidden Vale is located 60
kilometres south-west of Brisbane. Words and visuals by John Crook |
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TM
Passing
the grand homes of the coal mining city of Ipswich, and then the sleepy
Queensland townships of Rosewood and Grandchester, prepared me for what was
ahead.
It
was this style of living to which Sidney Cotton became accustomed, although his
cattle baron father, A.J. Cotton, had little idea that his son was to become
‘007’, James Bond.
Once
entering the driveway through the huge gates at the entrance of the property the
mood is being set. To the left are views of the ’real’ Australia, rich rural
landscapes and up ahead an oasis, the manager’s residence, tennis court,
cottages and the main homestead which serves as reception.
Accommodation
is such that guests sometimes find it difficult to leave the sanctuary of their
cottages, utilising the privacy of the balconies and verandahs, reading, sipping
on a wine and just plain relaxing. It’s that sort of place.
There’s
a series of packages from one-night Escape priced from AUD$229 per couple with a
full country breakfast in Cottons Restaurant.
I
opted to leave such challenges to those whom I genuinely thought may have been
in greater need of such activities, myself preferring to stay in the comfort of
the Chinese cottage, with a short stroll through the bush, a brief workout in
the excellent gymnasium and then readying for a glass or two of chardonnay prior
to dinner.