Hunter Valley, AustraliaPokolbin
Spicers Guesthouse
Sandstone country lodge
Pokolbin Hunter Valley, Australia
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Resort LocalOutside the door
The house
Spicers RetreatsSandstone country lodge
The lodge reimagines an Australian country homestead, built with reclaimed sandstone and outdoor firepits facing the Brokenback Range.
What it’s good at
Notable
Reclaimed local sandstone and ink-toned timber across a modern country homestead estate.
Listed
Sandstone lounge where Hunter Valley winemakers historically gathered beside an open fire.
What they say
Also in AFAR.
It’s an incredible property with lots of space, firepits in the winter, a tennis court, and beautiful kangaroo sculptures throughout the landscape.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Pokolbin's historic cellar doors and vineyards lie just down the road, within easy cycling distance across the valley.
The rooms
Rooms sit in low-rise pavilions, finished in ink-toned timber joinery with quiet outlooks over the surrounding grounds.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool
The outdoor swimming pool and heated spa tub sit on a paved terrace lined with sun loungers.
éRemo Restaurant
Regional Italian dishes are served across marble tables, and a twig chandelier hangs over the private dining room.
How it began
Opened in 1984 by Peppers as Pokolbin's first boutique retreat, the lodge long served as the meeting ground where winemakers debated vintages.
Hunter Valley
More like this
Spicers Vineyards Estate
“Fireside vineyard lodge”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.