Under the command of internationally renowned award-winning interior designer, Greg Natale, the historic The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley has received a multi-million dollar refurbishment which has transformed the resort from quaint country manor to 21st Century sophisticated chic, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Hunter Valley region.
All 70 guestrooms and interior public spaces have been rejuvenated by Greg Natale and his team, combining classic country heritage character with contemporary elegance. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an intimate arrivals precinct, complete with Natale’s Hudson lounge chairs and tables, and Ralph Lauren lamps. The reception and atrium are coated in Natale’s Atlantic Blue wallpaper from Porter’s Paints. Continuing up the grand hall, the glass-domed ceiling has now become a classic congregational atrium area with a custom-built circular bench seat – a feature that adds to the drama and sense of arrival.
Interior designer, Greg Natale, said, “There is nothing better than arriving to a luxurious hotel room or suite that gives that sense of being transported into your own little oasis. With The Sebel Kirkton Park’s design, we were really careful to make sure the rooms were not ‘cookie-cutter rooms’ – we really wanted to create that sense of occasion by heightening the guests overall experience.
“The overall design is a carefully planned combination of patterns with whites and blues that link back to the common areas of the hotel. The black carpets and rich blue drapes offset the pops of gold the floor lamps and wallpaper. It’s very layered and it’s very decadent. It transports you to somewhere very much unlike your own bedroom and that’s part of the fun of a hotel stay.”
In addition to the guestroom makeover, The Sebel Kirkton Park has also updated its lobby, lounge bar and restaurant.
Guestrooms
With uninterrupted views across the manicured gardens of The Sebel Kirkton Park or the Brokenback Ranges, all 70 guestrooms are layered in rich fabrics, bold colours and drenched in natural light. Striking modern furnishings from Natale’s Hudson furniture collection and Axminster wool carpets have created a bespoke sense of homeliness and character true to the region.
Epoche Lounge Bar
The sunken central lounge area radiates from the fireplace creating a split-level space with intimate seating pods. Dark, Greg Natale designed carpets add to a sense of luxury in the lounge. Timber, luxurious upholstery, metals and stone all come together to create a decadent space for guests to unwind, socialise and enjoy the local produce on offer at Epoche Lounge Bar.
Epoche Lounge Bar also features an outdoor pizza oven and deck area overlooking Wyndham Estate.
Locavore Dining
With interiors inspired by the hotel’s blue and white china sets, Locavore Dining is The Sebel Kirkton Park’s new fine dining restaurant. Floor to ceiling windows have been treated with white timber shutters and a dark timber floor features a chic herringbone pattern – a hero of the space.
The refurbishment of the restaurant called for a new, elevated dining experience in line with The Sebel Kirkton Park’s new food philosophy. Sustainable farming methods are used to support the restaurant and bar, with 30% of the menu sourced from the hotels 70 acre grounds, and 50% from local partners/farmers. The wine list has been expertly crafted by 2016 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year Liz Silkman, chief winemaker from First Creek Wines.
Belinda Paterson general manager The Sebel Kirkton Park, said: “It is exciting to see The Sebel Kirkton Park embark on a new chapter with such an impressive transformation, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the Hunter Valley region. We congratulate the owners for their investment into updating this historic hotel and to Greg Natale and his team for creating beautiful spaces for our guests to enjoy for years to come.”