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Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands - escape to the country

30/3/2016

29 Comments

 
Peppers Manor House Sutton Forest - five star elegance in the NSW Southern Highlands
The completely reimagined Peppers Manor House in the NSW Southern Highlands (image courtesy Peppers)
There's a part of this city girl that longs to escape to the country every now and then. One of my favourite destinations is the picturesque New South Wales Southern Highlands, which is within easy reach of Canberra, Sydney and the Illawarra.

The lush green hills and charming villages scattered throughout the Southern Highlands are reminiscent of places we have visited in England. The region also offers unspoilt national parks, waterfalls, walking tracks, cycling trails, and spectacular vistas - which can be enjoyed across four distinct seasons.

And, with several award-winning restaurants, and more than 150 food and wine producers, it's a mecca for food and wine enthusiasts.

The grounds at Peppers Manor House, looking to the Mount Broughton Golf Club
Reminiscent of the English countryside (image courtesy Peppers)
Last week, Peter and I had the opportunity to experience a delicious autumnal getaway at the newly refurbished Peppers Manor House at Sutton Forest in the Southern Highlands.

At 137 years young, Peppers Manor House has continually maintained a level of sophisticated elegance – but even the grandest of dames needs a little help along the way.

Officially re-launched on 16 March 2016 by Mayor Larry Whipper, this beautiful Southern Highlands property has been completely reimagined with a $4.5+ million upgrade, which was co-funded by a $500k Regional Visitor Economy Fund Grant from the NSW government. 

Bringing a contemporary touch to the heritage hotel, the refurbishment has modernised the sophisticated elegance that Peppers Manor House is renowned for. 

'Our goal has been to create a place for all seasons; a refined country escape that embraces the natural surroundings,' Peppers Manor House General Manager, Jesse Kornoff, explained. 

The refurbishment has brought about upgrades to all of the facilities, including the 43 guest rooms – which have retained 1920s sensibility and 21st century comforts, complemented by classic furnishings and luxe decor. No more Laura Ashley.

​A verandah has been extended to house a 
brand new indoor/outdoor conference, wedding and event space which seats up to 300 guests. It features a large open stone fireplace, rustic wooden bar, a fixed ceiling with heating and lighting; as well as drop down walls, a state-of-the-art sound system and modern audio visual equipment. 

Other changes to the property include a new casual dining venue, reception area, and lounge areas, as well as upgrades to the grounds, roads and car parks.

Our first look at Peppers Manor House - postcards and morsels...

The Good Things team was honoured and delighted when the email arrived inviting us to the re-launch of Peppers Manor House. We've driven past the Kater Road turn off on the Illawarra Highway so many times over the years on our way to visit Peter's mam, and have always wondered what the property was like.

​As you will see from my postcards and morsels, we were not at all disappointed.
Peppers Manor House Reception
Welcome to Peppers Manor House (image courtesy Peppers)
Vistas from the verandahs at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Vista from the verandah
A weekend of board games beside an open fire - delicious! At Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk
Relax and enjoy
Open fireplace and sofas by the fireplace on the indoor/outdoor event space at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
A cosy corner by the roaring fire on the new indoor/outdoor all-weather terrace
The sun-filled dining room at Kater's Larder at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
The sun-filled dining room of Katers Larder
Sit by the fire in one of the lounge rooms at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
One of the guest sitting rooms - perfect for board games
Vintage tennis racquet on the wall at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Anyone for tennis?
Guest lounge at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
The guest lounge room with warming open fireplace
The swimming pool and patio at Peppers Manor House
The swimming pool and poolside patio (image courtesy Peppers)
Bench seat in the gardens at Peppers Manor House
Sit and enjoy the birdsong in the garden (image courtesy Peppers)
Courtyard and ponds outside Kater's Restaurant at Peppers Manor House
The courtyard and pond outside Katers Restaurand and Katers Larder (image courtesy Peppers)

A celebratory degustation...

​Last week, the hatted Katers Restaurant hosted a Degustation celebrating the relaunch of the newly refurbished property, in conjunction with the launch of the Moss Vale Food and Wine Cluster. Together with local provedores, Executive Chef, John Shelly, prepared a menu showcasing the finest local produce from the Southern Highlands. Each course was perfectly paired with a local wine.
Executive Chef, John Shelly, Katers at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Katers Restaurant Executive Chef, John Shelly: 'It's a privilege to use such high quality local produce.'
Born in Tipperary, Ireland, Katers Restaurant Executive Chef, John Shelly, grew up eating food grown on the family farm. As such, he understands the seasonality of food, and has the utmost respect for farmers and food producers. 'It's a privilege to use the high quality produce from the Southern Highlands,' he said when we met at the launch. 
A degustation celebrating the Moss Vale Food and Wine Cluster held at Katers Restaurant, Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Guests enjoyed six courses celebrating local produce teamed with local wines

Showcasing the menu...

The Degustation featured a delicate chef's amouse, followed by a sweet bell pepper soup with goat's cheese sorbet and chocolate chilli panna cotta (see below), which was served with Artemis Shiraz Viognier 2012. This was an interesting and exquisite-tasting dish, reminiscent of my gazpacho shots with mustard ice cream.

A simple and fresh-tasting plate of organic vegetables (pictured second below) was served with Mount Ashby Estate Pinot Gris 2014. 

Lamb back strap from Maugers Meats was accompanied by organic baby leek, roasted red onion, crushed kipfler potato and a rosemary jus. The lamb was a little chewy in my humble opinion. This dish was served with Tertini Private Cellar Collection Pinot Noir 2013.

Next, a slow cooked pork belly with confit baby fennel, baked rhubarb, cavalo nero and aubergine, which was served with Tertini Riesling 2014. While the pork and the accompaniments were nicely prepared and presented, my tastebuds felt that the combination did not quite go together. 

Dessert, on the other hand, was a superb bitter chocolate chestnut torte with hazelnut coffee ice cream and raspberries, and Mount Ashby Estate D'or 2014 to accompany.

And finally, methinks the piece de resistance, fresh locally-grown figs with a wedge of locally produced blue cheese and lavosh crackers (pictured third below). The figs were perfect, and the dish was beautifully plated. It was served with Bousaada Iron Bark Dessert Mead 2014.
Katers Restaurant Sweet bell pepper soup with goat's cheese sorbet, chocolate chilli panna cotta (image courtesy Peppers)
Exquisite! Sweet bell pepper soup with goat's cheese sorbet & chocolate chilli panna cotta (image courtesy Peppers)
Steamed vegetables from Moon Acres Organic Farm in the NSW Southern Highlands - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Fresh! Moon Acres farm organic vegetable harvest.
Figs grown in the southern highlands, served with blue cheese from the region - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
The piece de resistance. Fresh local figs with local blue cheese and lavosh.

Katers Restaurant is open for breakfast from 7am until 10am; and from 6-9pm for dinner. Katers Larder is open from 12pm until 9pm. High Tea seatings are from 12pm to 3pm, but 24 hours notice and reservations are necessary. Private dining can also be arranged. For bookings or information, telephone +61 2 4860 3102.

Stay tuned to Good Things...

Please watch this space for my upcoming article about the launch of the Moss Vale Food & Wine Cluster, the second of nine new Food & Wine Clusters of the NSW Wales Southern Highlands.

​The launch was held in front of an open fire on the indoor/outdoor terrace at Peppers Manor House.

Let's now take a peek at the Garden Wing...  

Among the newly refurbished rooms at Peppers Manor House are the Highland Queen Room; the Highland King Room; the Garden Wing Deluxe Room; Garden Wing suites; and the Elizabeth Broughton Suite which is located upstairs in the main house.
Silver Birch trees line the garden path outside the Garden Wing at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Silver Birch trees line the path outside the Garden Wing
Stylish mirror in the foyer of the Garden Wing at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
An embossed mirror in the foyer of the Garden Wing
Garden Wing room at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Our spacious room in the Garden Wing - charming decor, crisp linen and a very comfortable king-sized bed
View to the Silver Birch and lawns from Garden Wing Room at Peppers Manor House - Photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Dappled sunlight through the Silver Birch offers a delightful view
Elegant 1920s style bathrooms at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk
The elegant bathroom in our room in the Garden Wing. Note the walk-in shower.
A cheery posy of flowers at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
A cheery posy of flowers
Garden Wing Suite at Peppers Manor House
One of the Garden Wing suites, upstairs in the Garden Wing (image courtesy Peppers)
Lavenders in the garden at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
A garden bed filled with lavender near the Garden Wing

Statue in the garden at the driveway entrance to Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Moss covered statue in the garden bed at the entrance to reception
Chaise lounge on the verandah at Peppers Manor House - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Chaise lounge on the timber verandah
Peppers Manor House is in Sutton Forest in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. Turn off the Illawarra Highway onto Kater Road, 15 minutes from Bowral, and a short drive from Moss Vale. If you're driving from Canberra, allow just under two hours; and around 90 minutes by car from Sydney. For bookings, or to find out more information about Peppers Manor House, visit the web site or telephone +61 2 48603111.

Thank you...

The Good Things team enjoyed the launch of the Moss Vale Food and Wine Cluster, and an overnight stay, degustation and breakfast as guests of Peppers Manor House. We made our own way by private vehicle to Sutton Forest.

​Some of the images used in this article were kindly provided courtesy of Peppers Manor House (as captioned). The rest, including several that are not watermarked, are my own.

Tell me, do you enjoy escaping to the country? Have you ever visited Peppers Manor House in the New South Wales Southern Highlands?
29 Comments
Amanda link
29/3/2016 11:55:32 pm

This is a region of Australia that I've not managed to visit yet, but it's high on my list. When I do get there, this is exactly the kind of place I'd like to stay. I especially love that they've kept the smoke stains on the fireplace in the guests lounge room - very atmospheric.

Reply
Lizzy
29/3/2016 11:58:42 pm

Indeed, it's a beautiful property and a lovely part of the world, Amanda. You MUST come visit!

Reply
Simone Mason
29/3/2016 11:59:11 pm

Definitely going to show this to my husband, Lizzie. I think we need to visit Peppers.

Reply
Lizzy
30/3/2016 01:10:47 am

Perfect, Simone!

Reply
Tandy I Lavender and Lime link
30/3/2016 12:04:15 am

What an exquisite place. I just love all the old things used as decoration and that bed looked perfect for a weekend away 😀

Reply
Lizzy
30/3/2016 01:10:28 am

It was sooooooooo comfortable, Tandy. A beautiful place.

Reply
Ken Robertson
30/3/2016 01:56:00 am

Must admit we have never stopped in at Peppers there either. Your photos and descriptions tell me that we should.

Reply
Jeni from Northern Rivers Dreaming link
30/3/2016 02:34:14 am

We used to stay here, which apparently now is also run by Peppers *grin*.

http://www.pepperscraigieburn.com.au/

Reply
Jill Dyson link
30/3/2016 04:05:06 am

Great article about Peppers Manor House Liz. Lovely catching up with you and Peter there. Loved the degustation dinner :)

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:55:08 am

Thank you, Jill, for your kind words. It was lovely to catch up with you and Nick also!

Reply
@ChristineSalins (FoodWineTravel) link
30/3/2016 08:30:09 am

It's a lovely property isn't it, Liz, and it looks like it has been done up beautifully. Lovely post.

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:55:30 am

Thank you Christine for your kind words. Yes, it has been indeed! Well worth a visit.

Reply
John / Kitchen Riffs link
30/3/2016 01:19:15 pm

This sounds like a wonderful place! Lovely accommodations. great meal. Lucky you! Thanks for taking us along, virtually speaking. :-)

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:55:45 am

John, my pleasure. I wish you could come visit!

Reply
Eva Taylor link
30/3/2016 04:56:22 pm

This type of getaway is exactly what we love to do, understated elegance and great food (the pepper soup with goat's cheese sorbet & chocolate chilli panna cotta is exquisite). The public rooms are beautiful as is your room. Are the bathrooms spectacular too, like a separate shower, double sinks, bidet, gorgeous plush house coats? The weekday prices seem quite affordable too.

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:56:23 am

In my experience, Eva, bidets are not common in Australian hotels... Yes, this property is just beautiful!

Reply
e / dig in hobart link
30/3/2016 05:34:31 pm

ohhhhhhh how lovely. can I move in please? whata lovely time to visit too, with the birches changing colour. lucky you liz!

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:56:39 am

Very much so, E. One for you when come to the mainland?

Reply
Eha
30/3/2016 08:35:54 pm

Media have been somewhat slow to pick up on the beauty and amenities of the Southern Highlands [which IS part of Illawarra!] I believe we are the 7th most 'desired' area in Australia as most prices charged would certainly show! Truly 'elegant' living - oh yes - and only some 3 hours or less from Sydney! As for me, it has taken some time, but the perennial, unescapable and rich charm caught up way when!!!!

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:56:59 am

Oh yes, Eha, it is just beautiful!

Reply
Anna @ shenANNAgans link
30/3/2016 09:12:48 pm

It's so pretty! The figs with local blue cheese and lavosh.... HOLY MOLY!!! Exquisite. :)

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:57:10 am

Very much so, Anna!

Reply
Liz link
30/3/2016 09:31:00 pm

Wow, what a lovely spot for a getaway! And that food!!! What a treat for the palate. Thanks for sharing Peppers Manor House with us all.

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:57:25 am

Thank you Liz for your very kind words.

Reply
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
31/3/2016 04:25:23 am

I had to miss out on this because I was overseas so it was really nice to see what it was like.

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:57:47 am

Oh boo, I was hoping you would be there... we might have met finally!

Reply
sherry M link
1/4/2016 12:51:47 am

that looks like a lovely place to spend a weekend Liz. how wonderful. i really hate chintzy decor so this looks much more my style. and the food looks so delish. what a shame it is so far away for us.

Reply
Lizzy
3/4/2016 03:58:19 am

Sherry, I recommend a visit when you are next down this way. The Southern Highlands is paradise for food and wine lovers!

Reply
John B. Russell
3/4/2016 03:59:57 am

Read this with great interest. Have not been to Peppers for years. Must now go. Thanx.

Reply

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