Lily Pily Country House
House of dreams
Just outside the town of Bellingen on the mid North Coast is Lily Pily Country House, a luxury bed and breakfast that offers a relaxing and eco-friendly experience in beautiful surroundings.
Story by Lauren Broomham
Located on an 80-acre property complete with sheep and poultry, this stunning, contemporary country house sits on a ridge overlooking the Kalang River with sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Owners Brian and Felicity Sherratt, who are originally from South Africa, had lived in many exciting destinations around the world before being drawn to the country lifestyle of Bellingen. After finding their dream property, the couple set about building a unique, modern Australian bed and breakfast that would blend in with the natural surroundings.
Encircled by large tracts of rainforest, which was restored by a Landcare group started by Brian, the nearby river and bushland is home to many native birds and animals, including platypus, turtles, birds and water dragons. The house faces north along the ridge to take in the breathtaking mountain and river views. The architect-designed windows and doors on both sides of the building allow gentle breezes to cool the house and add to the feeling of light and space. Made from Zincalume and Hebel, its eco-friendly design earned Lily Pily a Green STAR accommodation rating from AAA Tourism in 2007.
Guests can choose from three individually furnished guest suites, each with their own entrance and a private veranda. Add in the soft queen and king-size beds with doonas, and crisp, white cotton sheets and they’re the perfect places to relax. Two of the rooms have luxurious ensuites with double spa baths and private views, while the third has a large shower and special access. Your comfort is assured all year round with split-system air-conditioning and heating, and television or a DVD player is available on request.
The spacious guest lounge and dining room, is simply yet stylishly decorated with fine furniture and eclectic pieces picked up by the couple during their travels in Melbourne, London and Singapore. Browse through the extensive library or relax with the wide selection of coffee-table books and magazines on one of the comfortable sofas. The cosy log fire keeps the large space warm and welcoming in winter, while air-conditioning cools the house in summer.
Felicity loves to cook and entertain, and the meals served up at Lily Pily are scrumptious – right down to the delicious home-baked treats offered for afternoon tea. Tasty homemade goodies and champagne are served on your arrival, with a complimentary gourmet breakfast served until noon on the veranda overlooking the river. Visitors can also enjoy an intimate dining experience at night, with a three-course silver-service meal by candlelight. To top things off, there are gourmet picnic baskets available on request.
Brian and Felicity have been running their bed and breakfast for over five years now and love making their guests feel pampered and refreshed. They can arrange for relaxing beauty, body and massage treatments in the privacy of your suite or if you’re feeling creative, art lessons with leading local artists. Guests are also welcome to cook on the outdoor barbecue, go for a picnic in the gardens or just lie back and enjoy a nap on the garden day bed.
And if you feel like venturing out, the historic town of Bellingen, with its beautiful heritage buildings, is just a short drive away. Eat in one of the award-winning cafes and restaurants, pick up some local produce at the nearby organic markets or visit the Old Butter Factory with its range of inspiring art, crafts and gifts. Looking for an outdoor adventure? Try bushwalking in the region’s world-heritage-listed national parks; surf, fish and swim at nearby beaches; or go canoeing and white-water rafting.
About halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and only 30 minutes from Coffs Harbour Airport, Lily Pily Country House is the ideal place for a quiet break from the everyday.
Lily Pily Country House
54 Sunny Corner Road Bellingen NSW 2454
Phone: (02) 6655 0522
Mobile: 0410 576 456
Email: felicity@lilypily.com.au
Website: www.lilypily.com.au
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