Who says luxury hotels only come from glitzy brand-name properties? Tucked away in Australia’s Gold Coast hinterland, about an hour’s drive from the local airport, is a boutique gem that offers five-star service wrapped up in a designer package. We checked into Verandah House Country Estate to discover a chic little property nestled amidst stunning nature.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of Verandah House Country Estate

Verandah House Country Estate is the passion project of Queensland couple Judy and Laurie Pereira. The first-time hoteliers bought this homestead several years ago and turned it into one of the most stylish boltholes in the hinterland.

Tucked into a quiet cliffside corner of Tamborine Mountain, the property offers mesmerising views of rolling peaks, craggy volcanic cliffs, ancient rainforests – and, if you look hard enough, the Gold Coast skyline.

Country chic

Verandah House Country Estate buildings
The property promises guests an exceptional country retreat

The views are picture-perfect, but what the Pereiras have created with their hotel is laudable. Checking in here feels like staying at the country home of very chic, very hospitable friends.

Visually, Verandah House Country Estate is inspired by New England aesthetics – you’d almost expect it to be on the coast of Maine and in the pages of Town & Country. The intimate property features several white-and-mint buildings set around a verdant lawn (the firepit’s the perfect spot for cosy late-night conversations under the inky star-studded night sky).

Judy was once affiliated with Ralph Lauren Home and that sense of elegant Americana permeates every corner of the estate, albeit softened by nods to the property’s rural location. Think preppy striped wallpaper juxtaposed against equestrian art. All of this is situated within some of the most majestic natural panoramas you can imagine – mist-covered mountains and swathes of dappled green forests.

Having been sidetracked by a winery visit, we arrived later than planned, just as the sun began to set, casting a magical glow over the estate. Judy – fabulously dressed and ready for a night out – offers a warm welcome and shows us to our suite, setting the tone for the amiable service that infuses the rest of the stay.

Suites of distinction

Verandah House Country Estate interior of guest sitting room
Interiors here include an array of distinctly Ralph Lauren Home fabrics 

There are eight luxury guest suites here, each featuring sweeping mountain views, wood-burning fireplaces, bespoke European furnishings, and plenty of Ralph Lauren fabrics. We’re in one of the brand new Estate Suites, a sumptuously decorated home away from home. Everything here is rendered in light woods, patterned wallpaper, and soothing shades of whites, creams, and browns.

Entering through the main sliding glass doors, we step into a spacious yet cosy living area. Plush couches and armchairs are set around a heavy wood coffee table and fireplace, and an expansive dining table with a banquette set under a wallpapered feature wall. In the corner, the fully functional kitchenette has a full-sized fridge and oven, Smeg appliances, and an island that doubles as a breakfast bar. My favourite touches, though, are the local snacks and the tasteful wet bar.

The bedroom is equally chic and well-appointed, but it’s the expansive bathroom that really surprises. Alongside a walk-in rainshower, Appelles toiletries, and a double vanity are two roll-top baths facing a postcard window offering rainforest views (while maintaining privacy, of course).

It’s the little touches that make the suite feel like home, though. On the bedroom dresser is a wicker tray stocked with candles and a jewellery box; between the two bathtubs is a little stool set with Epsom salts and candles; and throughout, there are flashes of country chic in the form of equine-themed décor and artwork, plenty of little objects d’art, and even fashion books (I spot one about Louis Vuitton).

Relaxation and rejuvenation

Hot tub with views
While away the hours in the hot tub, complete with epic views

A stay at Verandah House is all about kicking back in style, and the hotel is fully set up to help guests unwind in comfort. The smart little spa may only have one room – with two massage beds, for couples – but it’s as beautifully designed as the rest of the property. Treatments here are in partnership with premium Australian brand Waterlily and are as restorative as they are relaxing. The VH Signature Massage, incorporating punchy essential oils, is delivered with light, flowing pressure that releases muscle tension and induces total calm.

To extend that state of zen, guests can also book a time slot for the infrared sauna, but for a real treat, book the cedar hot tub. Nestled in a corner of the estate, this is the perfect spot to while away a few hours while sipping local wines and enjoying the unparalleled views – though the central pool fringed by sun loungers and striped parasols is equally inviting.

For some good old-fashioned socialising, head for the clubhouse. Set within a converted barn, the clubhouse is a welcoming, rustic space featuring deep blue walls, deep leather sofas, a fully-stocked bar, and a chessboard – of course, there’s a stag’s head mounted above the TV.

Food for thought

Being a small, family-run estate, Verandah House doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but that hardly matters. Guests are free to use the barbecues, wood-fired pizza ovens, and weber smoker by the barn to whip up their own meals or ask the hotel team to organise catering.

Breakfast is another story. The indulgent affair involves freshly baked bread, croissants, and pastries from popular local bakery Franquette’s, along with all manner of fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola, and barista-made coffee. The feast can be enjoyed anywhere on the hotel grounds – we pick up our box from the little kitchen and spend a sublime hour enjoying it on our suite terrace while wrapped in our plush bathrobes, soaking in the fresh air and mountain views. Completing the idyllic experience is an unexpected visitor – Judy’s dog, who roams the property freely, popping in to say hello and to see if he can nab any food scraps.

Judy also organised an equally lavish picnic lunch that is still one of our favourite experiences from our trip. Lounging on the central lawn on a black-and-white gingham blanket – with sweeping views of the mountains and rainforests, we tuck into a spread of local cheese, charcuterie, olives, spreads, breads, and brownies – all accompanied by a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc.

Final thoughts

With exquisite designer suites, welcoming family owners, and a resident dog, Verandah House Country Estate is already well set up to be a luxe country retreat. But it’s the little moments – the lingering breakfast on the suite terrace, the spa moment – and the jaw-dropping views that really make this stay special.

Discover more about Verandah House Country Estate or Book through Booking.com

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