VERANDAH HOUSE COUNTRY ESTATE

Stepping onto the grounds of recently renovated Verandah House Country Estate, owners Laurence and Judy Pereira have completely transformed their newly acquired boutique accommodation. Offering bespoke hospitality, together they have created a luxurious sanctuary for guests to relax and recharge. Set against a dazzling mountainous backdrop with southern views as far as Mt Warning, these eight classically decorated suites are truly stunning and there is something quite Catskills-like about the setting. With layers of Ralph Lauren soft furnishings, stunning artworks and thoughtfully curated pieces throughout, Verandah House is reminiscent of halcyon days and is the perfect place to wind down. No matter if the weather is cold and misty and calls for a crackling fire, or days are sunny and golden, Verandah House will not disappoint. Conveniently located 45 minutes from Gold Coast beaches and airport and an hour from Brisbane, you will be booking your next stay before you have even left.

We sat down with Judy to chat about their new venture. Welcome to the Scenic Rim. We are in love with your aesthetics! What prompted you to purchase and renovate Verandah House Country Estate (VH)? Are you first time hoteliers? It's been a lifelong dream to live in the country but over the years there was always an obstacle that seemed to get in the way. During the pandemic we loved discovering the Scenic Rim and its vast natural beauty. We have both spent years visiting the mountain with family, but until Laurence found a property for sale and coaxed me into an inspection, making the mountain home had never really occurred to either of us. Running a hotel of eight rooms was not at all on my radar. Until we arrived at the property that is! Immediately we could both see the potential in the buildings and grounds. When we walked out to the back of the property we saw possibly the most spectacular vista either of us had ever seen.

It was pretty much a done deal in that moment! We knew as first-time hoteliers we would have a lot to learn but with my Interior Design skills and Laurence's creative ability to build whatever he puts his mind to, we knew we could turn a run-down hotel into something very special.

How many acres is the property? Five acres. Though in saying that, because our backyard overlooks Beechmont, Lamington National park, Binna Burra and right down towards Mount Warning, I question the size of the land all the time! It really does feel like we are on hundreds of acres. The views transport you far beyond the actual size of the property.

Can you tell us about some key features of the estate that really sets you apart from others? We felt the mountain lacked high quality, luxury accommodation. Because we are privately owned, every detail is so important; from the luxury fit out and products we provide, to the grand plans we have to keep expanding our offerings. We provide good old-fashioned customer service, going above and beyond. We can often be found delivering coffees to our guests at 6am while they are watching the sun rise from the outdoor hot tub.

Our Day Spa, pool and hot tub are definitely key features. This truly is a special place whether you want alone time or to interact with others, we offer it all.

Please tell us more about your Day Spa... We work with the best therapists here on the mountain who, like us, want to provide a Day Spa experience that goes above and beyond the treatment itself. We have created the most beautiful experiences, offer the highest quality of products with a holistic approach. Imagine starting a facial with breath work and a meditation! We also have an infrared sauna. It's perfect in Winter but so beneficial for guests focusing on health any time of the year. I'm so excited about offering wellness retreats...stay tuned for that.

What do you suggest guests bring with them so they most enjoy their stay with you? A snug warm jacket, a beanie and Ugg boots for night times by the fire pit, swimmers for the cold magnesium pool and soaking in the hot tub or detoxing in the infrared sauna. Bring walking shoes for the rainforests and waterfalls, and a good book because we all need some time away from our devices. You won’t need a yoga mat, picnic rugs or baskets as we provide all of those for you.

How do you see VH continuing to evolve? This year we are hard launching our beautiful Day Spa, collaborating with incredible skincare brands to create experiences like no other on the mountain. Day packages, long table events, retreats, and our wine cellar and cheese room are already well on the way to completion. We want to start outdoor movie nights for our guests, and the wheels are in motion to create a mini tennis court and lavender field. We will be hosting high-tea’s and offering lavender scones and ice-cream, of course sourcing the lavender from our very own lavender field. Later in the year we will be launching an onsite homewares store. Our heads are spinning with ideas! We are so excited for the future of Verandah House Country Estate and making every guest’s stay a memorable one.

Verandah House Country Estate, 0448 590 081 13-17 Munro Court, Mount Tamborine, QLD

EMAIL contact@vhcountryestate.com.au

WEBSITE vhcountryestate.com.au

INSTAGRAM @vhcountryestate

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