A Central Coast escape at The Lodges, Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel

Bells at Killcare on NSW’s Central Coast is one of Australia’s most celebrated boutique escapes.

With 25 elegant Hamptons-style villas, suites and cottages, the 4.5-hectare property also offers fine dining at The Wild Flower restaurant, tranquil gardens, ponds and a lake, day spa, and pool. This year Bells launched The Lodges, four ultra luxe nature-inspired homes, all with two bedrooms, private plunge pools and views.

Traveller: Cathy Wagstaff & Bronwen Gora
Room: Bouddi Lodge
Address: 107 The Scenic Road Killcare Heights
Date: April 2024
Best for: Small groups and families, especially multi-generational, seeking privacy and luxury; couples who adore fine living in complete tranquillity.

The Signature factor

The Lodges epitomise stylish living. Impeccably appointed, cosy and comfortable, here I completely relax knowing every luxury is at my fingertips – from fine dining to soothing spa treatments or visiting any of the seven beaches dotted around the Bouddi Peninsula on which Bells is located. I sink into the couch of our stunning open plan area and gaze out across the balcony to treetops waving in the breeze.

The concept

The lodges embody co-owner Karina Barry’s vision to create “elegant, homely treehouses” offering “a complete departure from Bells’ iconic blue and white coastal vibe”. They also had to reflect the bushland surrounds and be grounded in nature. Enter local designer Michael Jones who parlayed Karina’s vision into unique tri-level stone and timber houses. Their setting amid a guest-only gated nature compound heightens the exclusivity.

On the ground level are two king bedrooms with ensuites, a sink area with fridge, and outside, a barbecue terrace and heated magnesium plunge pool. The floor above holds a full kitchen set at the rear of a divine open plan living area with balcony. Aside the balcony, a small flight of stairs leads to the rooftop deck with jaw-dropping coastal and bushland views. Natural fibres and materials feature heavily across furnishings and décor as does an earthy colour palette. The Lodges are big news for Bells which hit the radar after being acquired by adman John Singleton 2006. Current owner operators Karina and Brian Barry have added even more elegant touches since purchasing the property in 2017.

First impressions

Far beyond expectations. Simply driving into Bells’ elegant ironstone-boulder lined driveway and pulling up at the grand Manor House tells me we’re somewhere special. There are beautiful gardens all around and the premises have a distinct air of refined gentility. Our arrival experience soon takes on a magical quality as the Lodge manager Emma leads us into through the coded gateway constructed of century-old timber gateway and down a leafy path to The Lodges.

The lodge

Attention to detail and décor is outstanding. Even the key to the large handcrafted front door is attached to a handmade leather gumleaf pendant from local outfit Bouddi Leatherworks. Everything about the ground-floor bedrooms spells rest: soft deep carpet, pure linen bedspreads gracing king beds, the shades of deep greys and browns. Sliding doors open to a terrace with low slung chair overlooking gum trees. I’m amazed by the gorgeous ensuite. It is so large, the walls’ shiny deep green Spanish tiles contrasting dramatically with gleaming brass shower hardware, limestone floors and an oversized bespoke bath made of dark concrete. At the far end a door opens to a stone-walled open-air shower nook then out to our heated magnesium pool and barbecue terrace. So clever.

On the level above, we perch at the kitchen’s rustic island bench to enjoy the gourmet goodies included in our stay and marvel at the gorgeous open plan living area beyond. The room is light and bright, with a peaked ceiling. Premium décor abounds a four-seat dining table, lounges, large coffee table and big soft leather armchair. An eye-catching sleek entertainer’s bar runs along one wall. The small set of classic Penguin books above the writing desk opposite is just one of many lovely touches. At sunset we pour glasses of wine and venture to our rooftop deck. The wonderous view is truly amazing: vast swathes of bushland to Pittwater, Lion Island and city fading into a dusky sky. The following morning we find the large woven basket outside the front door filled with the day’s newspapers and a fresh loaf of sourdough.

Highlights from the mini-bar

I’m here to relax so am delighted to find several top-notch white wines and a rose in the bar fridge plus two excellent-looking reds on the lengthy polished countertop. There are also more gourmet snacks from Bells’ own deli and bakery, a bowl of fresh fruit, giant silver ice bucket and glassware. Lodge guests can either have their mini-bar pre-stocked as we did or use the credit on treatments in Bells’ on-site day spa.

Dining at The Wild Flower Bar & Dining, Bells at Killcare

This Mediterranean style restaurant more than lives up to its long-standing reputation for excellence. Spoilt for choice between a chef’s tasting menu and the a la carte option, we try items from both. Melt-in-the-mouth spinach and ricotta gnocchi – three scrumptious parcels tinged with burnt butter and parmesan – is followed by a main of grilled wagyu rump cap. Both are divine. The following night we find ourselves breaking the salt crust on an impressive whole snapper dish. Breakfasts are equally inventive with a full menu of exotic teas and superb coffee.

I wish I could take home…

…the heated magnesium plunge pool along with its elegant waterfall feature that we can switch off at night so as not to be disturbed by the noise. It would make the ultimate addition to my backyard and fit quite nicely.

Spa life

Housed in a small white cottage amid the gardens, Bells Day Spa menu covers many styles of blissful massages and facials, as well as hand and scalp treatments. Weddings are popular here and there are full packages for brides and grooms. Therapists use signature products from wholly owned Australian brand iKOU.

Staying in

Bells at Killcare has a sparkling blue 25-metre pool set amid a bright green lawn. There are two lanes painted on the bottom for serious swimmers and rows of sunbeds under classic blue and white umbrellas for serious lounging. We chuckle at the whimsy of the retro caravan which holds an honesty bar for pool patrons. As well as The Wild Flower restaurant, well-stocked deli and bakery, Bells’ Manor House also caters for special occasion travel with an elegant old world private dining room and function space.

Stepping out

Plenty of low-impact or long bushwalks lead right from the door of the lodges. These meander by eucalyptus forests and ancient rock formations while several lead to dramatic coastal boardwalks and hidden bays. The surrounding area is home to attractive hamlets with waterside restaurants and shops. Some of the Central Coast’s best beaches are just minutes away.

Insiders’ tips

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Green thumbs up?

A huge tick in this department. In addition to a laundry list of sustainability practices, Bells at Killcare was recently eco accredited by Eco Tourism Australia. More than 15% of the restaurant menu comes from Bells’ 500 sqm kitchen garden, eggs are supplied by a flock of around 40 chickens and a small orchard bears olives, quince and roses, the petals used in the restaurant’s homemade sorbet.

If only…

… the rooftop deck was larger! The space is big enough for only a few at a time. A larger platform would be more conducive to lingering longer, entertaining or sunbaking.

Final verdict

I wouldn’t hesitate to make a beeline back to The Lodges at Bells. While these luxurious nature-inspired homes are ideal for anyone, they are especially suited to busy people and those in need of a complete break. The setting is so peaceful, the atmosphere so calming and the lodges so impeccably beautiful as to make them the perfect location to stop, unwind and forget about day-to-day life.

Where is Bells at Killcare

About a 90-minute drive from Sydney atop one of the Central Coast’s highest ridges, surrounded by the Bouddi National Park near the region’s southernmost tip. If driving, using GPS is recommended as roads become quite windy as you draw closer to your destination. Guests can also take the ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe and arrange a transfer. It takes moments to drive to Killcare Beach on the eastern side of the ridge, or to the waterside villages of Hardy’s Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe in the other direction.

How can I book?

You can book directly on the Bells at Killcare website here.