How one man’s quest for a decent cup of coffee spawned a luxury resort

John Singleton’s quest for a decent cup of coffee close to his home at Mount White, on the NSW Central Coast, has become a rather grand affair. What began with Saddles restaurant in 2018 has grown into a destination in its own right, with a weddings and events venue, and now a luxurious 20-suite retreat, The Grand Saddles Lodge, which opens on November 2.

Set among 11.3 hectares of bushland, about an hour north of Sydney, the lodge is the latest chapter in the advertising entrepreneur’s love affair with the area, where he has lived for more than 25 years.

“Saddles started because I wanted a decent coffee close to home. I never imagined where that would lead,” Singleton says. “The Lodge is the next part of that story. The things I love most, from all over the world, gathered in the place I’ve always come back to.”

And he’s certainly not doing things by halves. Designed by White + Dickson Architects, with interiors by Michelle Leslie Studio, the lodge takes its cues from grand country estates and the property’s equestrian heritage. Rich timbers, leather, tactile fabrics and Australian art feature throughout, while the individually positioned suites have open fireplaces, private terraces and hand-selected vinyl collections.

There are three accommodation categories, starting with The Gardens, whose super king beds overlook secluded garden terraces. The Classics add private heated circular plunge pools, while the four Signature Suites have larger pools, freestanding baths and expansive terraces.

Singleton’s personal collection of Australian art, including works by Arthur Boyd, John Olsen and Sidney Nolan, is displayed throughout the lodge, with guided tours among the experiences available to guests.

Food is central to the offering, as might be expected from a venture that began with a restaurant. At The Hawkesbury, head chef Phillip Roberts, whose CV includes ARIA and Oncore by Clare Smyth, oversees a menu showcasing local seafood, premium meats and produce from the estate’s gardens. Guests can settle in for leisurely lunches and five-course dinners with paired wines, while Ned’s, an Art Deco-inspired cocktail and piano bar, offers a glamorous setting for an evening’s entertainment.

There’s also an infinity pool, gym and spa with five treatment rooms, Finnish sauna, domed steam room and cold plunge, with treatments featuring Australian organic skincare and native botanicals. For those inclined to venture beyond the property, experiences include cruising the Hawkesbury aboard the lodge’s private boat, visiting oyster farms, guided fishing and horse-related experiences in nearby Glenworth Valley, where guests can witness the running of the horses.

Singleton hopes guests will arrive for a weekend and find it hard to leave. Given what’s on offer, he may well get his wish. Two-night stays are from $3800 for two guests, including meals, selected drinks and experiences. See grandsaddleslodge.com.au