PROPERTY PROFILE: SEQUOIA LODGE

THE HILLS ARE ARE ALIVE

SEQUOIA LODGE AT MOUNT LOFTY HOUSE HAS MADE ITS DEBUT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S ADELAIDE HILLS AND THE STUNNING PRODUCT HAS BEEN FIRMLY WORTH THE WAIT, AS JAMES WILKINSON EXPLORED.

Mount Lofty Estate in the Adelaide Hills threw open its doors in August to Australia’s most luxurious new accommodation offering, Sequoia lodge. The AUD$18 million addition has been several years in the making and the product is firmly one of the best luxury offerings the nation has ever seen. Overlooking the Piccadilly Valley, Sequoia features 14 luxurious, sustainably designed suites built with the latest in technology and comfort, such as fireplaces and room control panels, alongside natural artesian spring-fed stone hot pools, an infinity pool, new day spa and a campfire amphitheatre.

Sequoia is named after the three giant Californian Redwood trees planted by the original owner, Arthur Hardy, which remain on the property. The property is a passion project for Mount Lofty Estate’s popular owners David Horbelt and Malcolm Bean, who have turned an incredible dream into a stunning reality. Horbelt said the lodge offers guests an “unparalleled journey of discovery based around the region’s iconic food and wine, wellness, history and vast nature experiences allowing guests to delight in the sheer beauty of being”.

Sequoia lodge has made a stunning debut

“Malcolm and I are delighted to be able to build upon our world-famous luxury offering at neighbouring Mount Lofty House,” Horbelt said.

“At Sequoia, we have created an entirely new level of opulence, every detail has been carefully planned to take guests on a journey that will touch the senses, connect with the soul and create a pure sense of delight. He said Sequoia connects guests with the unique stories of the region’s place and they will experience a transcendental journey that revolves around the human senses and the desire to connect and socialise.

“The lodge and its offering were born out of our passion and deep connection with the beauty for this region, we wanted to share our desire to celebrate life and create a sense of place and connection with nature, combined with exemplary personalised service.

“Sequoia truly is unique. We’ve integrated the highest principles of luxury amenity and service with the natural beauty of one of Australia’s most applauded landscapes in the Adelaide Hills,” he said.

Sequoia is led by Mount Lofty Estate’s awardwinning General Manager, Jesse Kornoff, and a team of ‘Experience Hosts’, who guide guests thought a range of unique local bespoke activities themed around the pillars of food and wine, wellness, nature and history.

Kornoff said the experiences take guests on a “journey of learning and self-discovery” that celebrate South Australian stories and many of which are not available to the general public.

“From tasting the abundant local produce and fine-dining cuisine, wellness and rejuvenation to guided nature walks through the bush home of the world’s largest surviving koala population, star gazing, private helicopter tours and intimate tastings with some of Australia’s leading vintners, guests will feature centre stage in the region’s iconic attractions,” he said.

The 75sqm open-plan suites boast 180-degree views of the patchwork Piccadilly Valley below from every part of the suite. Rooms feature sunken lounges complete with stone fireplaces, opulent king-size beds with moon windows, expansive balconies with outdoor daybeds, a hidden television, elevated free-standing bathtubs, switch-glass privacy windows and heated floors.

Horbelt worked with local suppliers, craftsmen and artisans to bring the suites to life, which he said has created “a tranquil oasis with a calming colour palette punctuated by warm accents of wood and stone”.

Each suite features an original oil painting by resident artist Stephen Trebilcock, “renowned for capturing unique local native florals in incredible detail, colour and depth” according to Horbelt.

The carefully curated décor by Horbelt at Sequoia includes an exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities including Nick Mount glass, JamFactory ceramics, Jurlique products, Hahndorf Soap and OrganiQ bath salts.

Dining for guests at Sequoia is at the three-hatted and HM Award-winning Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, which offers a la carte and degustation menus, alongside one of the most exciting beverages lists in Australia, curated masterfully by Mount Lofty Estate’s Wine Director, Liinaa Berry.

Kornoff said dining options for lodge guests also include private dining on their balconies, elevated regional dining in the Sequoia lounge and access to regular private events.