Old Leura Dairy, Blue Mountains

In the heart of the Blue Mountains, this is one of those rare special places which has to be seen to be believed! Old Leura Dairy is the result of a vision which has evolved over a 7 year period. Dilapidated and left as a ruin, this charming former dairy has been wonderfully and imaginatively transformed by a couple who could see the potential of this forlorn run down shack. The original worker’s cottage and milking shed were just oozing with stories, memories and history which have been brought back to life - and in addition, the newly built Straw Bale House and Studio have now been added, creating a unique blend of old with new.

Recycled materials have been used extensively throughout - many from the local demolition yard! Most of the fixtures and fittings are past loved objects - and each has its own story to tell - an old milk cooling vat is now an outdoor hot tub!

The cute and artistic little Studio is just the perfect retreat for two people - it has a kingsize bed, a clawfoot bath in the ensuite, a CD player, sunny courtyard and a small fridge, microwave and BBQ. The Milking Shed was the most fun of all to transform - and all the charms of its chequered history have been lovingly retained! The original barn doors are still in place - as is the original hayloft which now houses a fabulous kingsize bed, making this a cosy hideaway for a romantic couple. The open-plan living area (with full kitchen) can accommodate an extra two people in single day beds.

The original worker’s cottage - a charming 1920’s weatherboard cottage - has been transformed into a characterful 3 bedroom retreat - whilst the 5 bedroomed newly built Straw Bale House (main picture above) is, quite simply - a masterpiece of ingenuity! It has a solar design with half metre thick walls made of straw, ensuring warmth in the winter and a cool ambience in the summer. Timbers from an old jetty, a luggage rack from a 1927 Plymouth and rusted corrugated iron doors and windows from a nearby hospital - all add to its unique character.

The pretty town of Leura appears innocently unaffected by the visitors who come to enjoy its irresistible character and famous gardens. Exhibitions, festivals, painting and writing workshops are all held in Leura - it also has some wonderful cafés and a wealth of fascinating shops selling antiques and collectibles. Not surprisingly, many artists are drawn to Leura - and there are a number of galleries and craft shops worth browsing through.

PRICES Prices per person for 2 nights including gourmet continental breakfast from £70 in the Studio or £122 in the Milking Shed based on 2 people sharing. A minimum 2 night stay applies at weekends. Flights to Australia vary in price considerably depending on date of departure though there are always good deals on quality airlines. Fares on Qantas/British Airways, for example can start from as little as £699 including taxes and fuel surcharges. From April 2008, Qantas will be introducing its all-new Premium Economy cabin. With dedicated check in, 40" seat pitch, extra width and enhanced meal service, all this extra luxury comes at a suprisingly low upgrade cost. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.