Ideally situated at the alternate gateway to the upper Blue Mountains this idyllic retreat provides guests the opportunity to gain the best experiences of both sides of the mountains. Please note that Zig zag Railway is running every-second weekend 10 mins away . Please book in advance to avoid disappointment . Belle Hiltone is to be found nestled discreetly amidst a forest setting neighboring the Wollangambe Wilderness this fully self-contained abode allows guests the experience to awaken to breathtaking panoramic wilderness. The retreat is the perfect setting for an intimate and personalized stay. Come visit and discover why this retreat is like nowhere else in the Blue Mountains.
Instantly invoking feelings of peace this luxuriously appointed property immediately captures the essence of a mountain getaway. Nestled amidst the grandeur of the Upper Blue Mountains fresh clean air immediately helps soothe the wearied soul. Peaceful whispers of nature such as light breezes playfully rustling through the treetops within this sylvan setting follow. Clear unobstructed views across the valley beyond create an expansive backdrop to freedom. Set well within five forested acres towards the end of a private access road seclusion and privacy are assured.
Allow your mind to settle and take in all this natural setting has to offer. Enjoy the delights of a stunning star studded evening sky on a clear night. This is truly a delightful experience to be shared.
Thoughtfully planned from the ground up this stylish executive residence is extremely sympathetic to the natural surroundings. Little was spared in it's construction to carefully preserve as much of the landscape as possible. From worm farm composting, rainwater collection and careful design to capture and utilise as much sunlight within the living spaces as possible. This property embraced as many ecologically sensitive ideals as possible. The result is a charming and warm mix where modern chic meets a beautifully peaceful natural setting.
This recently completed home away from home welcomes guests with thoughtful and tasteful touches throughout. Locally sourced polished wood floors are an indication of the mission of sustainability. Soft rainwater collection provides an ecologically sound and luxurious touch for the spa tub. Generous and ample lighting through wide double insulated sliding doors to valley views beyond also provide warmth during cooler winter months. A large awning across the generous deck also serves to protect during the summer months. Considerate details are the essence of this designer home.
Centrally located for further explorations!
Many attractions are within easy reach from your private preserve at Bell. The historic mining town of Lithgow (20mins) is a short drive along the famed Bells Line of Road. There you may enjoy a meal from the many quaint eating establishments or purchase supplies from big box stores or more artisan oriented grocers.
Mount Victoria (9mins) is an easy drive away along the Darling Causway from which views into Hartley Vale may be glimpsed. At Mount Victoria several eateries such as the historic Mt Vic hotel may provide an evening meal. Another attraction is Mount Vic Flicks an iconic and popular feature of the upper Mountains. Providing a well stocked candy bar, hot soups, home-baked treats and hot drinks.
For the more adventurous iconic Mount Piddington (11mins) overlooking the beautiful Kanimbla Valley provides famed rock-climbing escarpments. Several bush-walking tracks descend the cliffs from Hornes Point and Fairy Bower reserve.
The original track through the mountains descends through the historic town of Hartley Vale established 1814/15 (8mins). Here you will find a pretty, tranquil village atmosphere stepped back in time. Nestled within the valley is the beautifully restored Comet Inn where a roast dinner by coal fired hearths may be relished. Memories of a bygone age when coal was the mainstay of the region. Today resident kangaroos bound across this secluded valley as you bring your gaze to the bluffs surrounding the vale.
The spectacular Jenolan Caves speak for themselves - a national treasure. An easy drive (under an hour) through undulating scenic grazing and pastureland. The oldest cave system in the world provides magical tours within and extensive trails and wildlife without.
Another short drive (15mins) away is the picturesque gardener's delight of Mt Wilson. Here stony impoverished earth gives way to rich volcanic soils. Towering trees canopying tree ferns line the drive up reminiscent of NZ's South Island. Springing forth is a small enclave of beautiful private gardens that may be open to the public depending on season. The old Turkish Baths may also appeal to the history buffs surrounded by bucolic scenes replete with grazing cattle.
The famed Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens (21mins from Mt. Wilson) offer another cool climate garden with spectacular valley views to investigate leisurely. From there a hop, skip and a jump is the peaceful Bilpin district famed for it's apples, walnuts, chestnuts, figs and other fresh produce (seasonal). Delicious pies are available by the roadside at Pie in the Sky.
The residence at Bell provides easy access to all these attractions and much more. Slightly beyond is Australia's Grand Canyon - Capertree Valley.
Newnes in the Wolgan Valley (just over an hour away within the Wollemi National Park) showcase glorious glow-worms in an old railway tunnel bored in 1907. Slightly off the beaten track but certainly well worth the visit.
On the other better trodden path of the Great Western Highway is the township of Blackheath (17mins). Home of the Rhododendron Festival and more cool climate gardens open to the public depending on season. The awe inspiring views of the Grose Valley may be seen from lookouts at Govett's Leap and Evan's Lookout. Both provide sensational walks especially the Grand Canyon Walk from Evan's (2-3 hours return). If there were to be one walk during your stay this would be it. For the more intrepid, canyoning and rock-climbing are also available.
The impressive Campbell Rhododendron Gardens are found north-northeast of the town. Extensive (46 acres) gardens comprised of Rhododendrons and Azaleas beneath a canopy of native Australian bush make quite a contrast between local and imported flora.
Within this historic town can also be found antique stores, artisan bakers and grocers along with several restaurants.
Further back the icon of the Blue Mountains - the Three Sisters (Echo Point) at Katoomba with the Jamison Valley as a backdrop can be found. Here all manner of tourist activities are proffered such as the the Scenic Railway, Scenic Cableway and Skyway (glass bottomed floor). Numerous walks such as the famed Six Foot Track to Jenolan Caves also begin here as well as less intensive day hikes.
Cafes, restaurants abound as well as all manner of curiosity shops and big box stores. This is the most developed of the mountain villages.
Leura and Wentworth Falls lie just beyond lending many more opportunities to explore and relax over a meal or shopping adventure. Leura is famed for it's historic buildings and quaint main street - recognised as the prettiest of the Blue Mountain villages. Both these areas provide the full charm of the mountains in their older homes and lush gardens. Walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty bring the walker to scenic outlooks - so many to choose from!
However, Leura Cascades (easy walk) is a must see as is the Valley of the waters walk starting at the Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls (more difficult).
Lastly, right from the back doorstep of your private retreat (just by the hanging swamp) is the Wollangambe Crater Walk. This is a serious hike that brings the walker to a pagoda-like rock formation on the opposite side of the valley. However, shorter day walks may also be undertaken to explore the Wollangambe Wilderness.
Features
For the botanically inquisitive an unusual Blue Mountains hanging swamp features on the hillside beyond the natural pond. Step into a quiet world of natural wonder to the backdrop of the Wollangambe Wilderness and quiet chorus of native frogs and bird-life including less well known Black Cockatoos, Rosellas and Kookaburras. Enjoy an abundance of native flora (Waratahs and assorted other seasonal native flowers) amidst your sanctuary. Wallabies are also frequent visitors to the Belle Hiltone at dawn and dusk. Truly a natural and wonderful setting.
