Originally built in 1889 as the grand summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, the heritage-listed estate holds a storied history as a high-society icon, long celebrated for its late Victorian-early Federation architecture, immaculate English gardens and serene atmosphere overlooking the famous Jamison Valley.
The Blue Mountains landmark has undergone a multimillion-dollar transformation to usher in a new era of contemporary luxury. The property debuts as the second heritage estate in Salter Brothers Hospitality’s prestigious Ardour Hotels & Estates collection – joining the recently unveiled Ardour Milton Park Bowral.
Salter Brothers Hospitality CEO Tash Tobias said: “Lilianfels embodies the very essence of Australian mountain luxury. For decades, it has welcomed generations of families, dignitaries, socialites, and celebrities, whilst standing as a beloved icon for the Blue Mountains region. This spectacular legacy is exactly what makes the estate so deserving of this thoughtful transformation.”
“Our vision for this project was guided by a profound responsibility to honour Lilianfels’ history and preserve its original character, whilst introducing world-class luxury hospitality,” she said. “It is far more than a redesign – it’s an evolution to continue the legacy of this landmark property with a vibrant new chapter.”
Award-winning Australian firm, Luchetti Krelle, has led the property’s new design, drawing inspiration from eccentric English garden estates to honour its rich heritage and renew its whimsy personality. Distinct new colours, striking details and statement furniture have been incorporated to enhance the property’s original character.
Key details include:
- Redesign of the estate’s 89 guest rooms and suites, featuring three unique colour palettes, each embracing a different mood. Unified details include bespoke bedheads, custom textiles, unique patterns, statement furniture and marble-topped joinery.
- Refreshed reception and common areas, including new interiors, a striking wine wall with an intimate dining experience.
- New central bar to be known as The Lounge – sitting at the heart of the hotel, this sophisticated take on a moody, after-hours atmosphere featuring unique cocktails, a curated selection of wines and elevated bar bites such as Four-Cheese & Truffle Sliders, Steak Frites, QLD Spanner Crab Brioche, and a Chef’s Charcuterie.
- Experiential dining inclusions such as Caviar Service; Cheese Experience – a roving cheese station in The Lounge dining area featuring seasonal local cheeses; High Tea – a continuation of the property’s tradition with elevated new elements such as gold-leaf touches, Caviar topped dishes and brioche bites.
Newly appointed Executive Chef Kam McManamey said the culinary experience and surrounding atmosphere will define much of Lilianfels’ transformation to an Ardour estate.
“Second to the visual transformation, our refined culinary experience is where Ardour luxury will really be felt by guests," he said.
"The Lounge has been created to become the heartbeat of the hotel. It’s an entirely new atmosphere designed to flow between pre-dinner cocktails, a three-course sit-down meal, or a late-night whiskey. Our new menu offers a much more elevated, contemporary take on classics, to blend old and new.”
Lilianfels’ renowned wellness spa is also part of the transformation – soon to be unveiled as an Èliva luxury day spa and wellness destination. It will follow in the footsteps of the new spa brand’s highly anticipated launch at Ardour Milton Park Bowral and InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
The estate’s beloved dining destinations – Darley’s Restaurant and Miss Lilian – remain untouched, continuing to welcome locals and hotel guests. Darley’s Restaurant is the Blue Mountains’ signature fine dining destination, renowned for its fresh, local produce and fine wines, while Miss Lilian offers a casual dining experience of playful Southeast Asian flavours.
Bookings are now open for the new Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains and can be made at worldsapart.club/ardour/
Background on Ardour Hotels & Estates:
- The Ardour brand has launched this year as a growing portfolio of boutique luxury lifestyle destinations focused on regional locations, elevated dining, world-class wellness and distinctive event spaces
- Each Ardour destination will offer a refined guest experience, deeply rooted in place and led by designs unique to its region. Every property in the Ardour Hotels & Estates portfolio will be led by a different Australian designer, hand-selected to bring the individual property’s vision to life
- Ardour Milton Park Bowral was the brand’s debut estate which followed a multimillion-dollar renovation of the cherished landmark in the Southern Highlands. The property which was originally established in 1910 and officially opened its doors on Monday, February 2 2026
- Following the success of Ardour Milton Park Bowral and unveiling of Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, Kingsford The Barossa and Spicers Guesthours will soon also join the Ardour portfolio – transformed into properties of celebrated luxury.
Brief history of Lilianfels Resort & Spa Blue Mountains:
- The property was first built in 1889 as the summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, the Chief Justice of New South Wales and one of the most powerful public figures at the time. He was appointed to the prestigious role in late 1886 and knighted by the Crown in 1887
- In the early 1900s, the estate earnt its reputation as a high-society icon, serving as the peak of summer retreats, long lunches and mountain escapes for most of Sydney’s elites. In 1901, it welcomed Queen May (then Duchess of York) during her royal tour to celebrate the Federation of Australia, and Sir Edmund Barton (Australia’s first Prime Minister) frequented across these years
- In 1992, the property experienced its first multimillion-dollar restoration by legendary hoteliers – and then owners – Ulrich and Monika Renner, which catapulted the estate back into the luxury limelight
- Across its history, it’s been known to welcome a long list of high-profile political figures, noteworthy Australian dynasties and several Hollywood stars seeking its secluded mountain privacy.
