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Some places need to be seen to be believed. The Grand Saddles Lodge – the Central Coast’s ridiculously opulent new getaway – is one of them: a glorious convergence of NYC glamour and English country estate energy, just 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD. On a recent visit, we were afforded a very special sneak peek at the new hotel: complete with 20 designer suites, a Gatsby-coded piano bar, a gorgeous farmhouse-style restaurant and a seriously divine day spa.
The latest addition to the Saddles Mount White estate, the lodge is the vision of businessman John Singleton, whose hospitality ventures were born out of a desire for a decent coffee close to home. If I had the resources to build the coffee shop of my dreams on my doorstep, I’d do the same. Now, alongside the acclaimed Homestead restaurant and The Barn events venue, the 28-acre estate is adding an overnight stay designed around good food, wine, wellness and the surrounding landscape.
During our tour, John explained that the new hotel is another extension of his desire to bring the good life as close to his home as possible. And again – he’s not the only person reaping the benefits. Less than an hour’s drive from Sydney, we’ve got a feeling this luxe hotel will be topping a lot of staycation hit lists this summer.
If your dream weekend escape involves a long lunch, a dip in a private plunge pool and a series of spa treatments followed by top-tier cocktails and live piano, The Grand Saddles Lodge is here to help. Bookings at the hotel are for a minimum of two nights, with a package that’s been designed to take the guesswork out of a weekend away. Each stay includes daily breakfast, lunch with house beverages, pre-dinner drinks at Ned’s cocktail and piano bar, and a five-course dinner with paired wines at the lodge’s signature restaurant, The Hawkesbury. A premium in-room minibar (ft. Loco Love chocolate and other carefully-chosen delights) is included, too.
If you’re not ready to lock in for a weekend, we’d highly recommend booking in for lunch or dinner at the on-site restaurant. Led by head chef Phillip Roberts, whose career includes ARIA and Oncore by Clare Smyth, The Hawkesbury serves seriously on-point dishes showcasing local seafood and premium meats and poultry, alongside herbs and veggies grown on the estate. Bookings for non-guests are available for Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch. Order the potatoes.
The 20 standalone suites are scattered between the trees, with interiors by Michelle Leslie Studio and architecture by White + Dickson Architects. Expect open fireplaces, private terraces, rich timber, leather and Australian artworks. Suites are split into three categories: The Gardens open onto secluded garden terraces, The Classics come with private heated circular plunge pools, and four Signature Suites are home to larger terraces, sun lounges, freestanding baths and bigger plunge pools.
And there’s a whole lot to do beyond your bedroom. The infinity pool, gardens, walking paths, day spa and gym give you a whole heap of reasons to stay on the estate, while the concierge can arrange boat trips along the Hawkesbury, visits to local oyster farms, guided fishing and walks. Two signature experiences, with return transfers, are included in every stay. Art enthusiasts can also join a guided tour of works from Singleton’s stunning personal collection, featuring Australian artists including Arthur Boyd, John Olsen and Sidney Nolan.
The Grand Saddles Lodge opens on November 2, 2026. Reservations are now available for stays of two nights or more. You can book over here.
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