If you’re looking for somewhere just out of Melbourne to relax and get some R&R, put Lindenderry on your list. Here’s why.
The Location
Just over an hour’s drive from the heart of Melbourne and 20 minutes to Mornington.
The Hotel
Tucked away on 30 acres, Lindenderry is a place where you can forget about the rest of the world. Stroll through the gardens, past the lake, say hi to the ducks (watch the geese), or help yourself to a few games of pool or ping pong. Swim in the heated pool, hangout in the sauna, ease back with high tea in the expansive lobby, immerse yourself in a book in one of the many separate lounge rooms, or find a French courtyard to soak up a few rays. Head for the onsite cellar door and get yourself a tasting of the Lindenderry range, only available at cellar door or by direct order.
Get a Room
We were in a refurbished garden room on the ground floor looking out to the lake, to which we had direct access beyond our veranda; a generously spacious room with distinct English country style décor and a delicious fragrance of fresh flowers. This is a room you could happily sit in for a while, absorbing the serenity, and letting the shoulders drop. The bathroom has a huge spa bath and gorgeous Appelles toiletries. Room service is available 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday with the restaurant menu or a simplified all day dining menu. On weekends, breakfast, lunch, dinner and high tea is available from the restaurant, plus charcuterie and nibbles from the cellar door. There’s no risk of you going hungry here.
The Frills (Facilities and features)
Cellar door: A nice, lazy tasting experience in a French-inspired space with a beautiful ambiance. Sip and sample at the bar then settle in with a bottle and a charcuterie plate overlooking the winery. It will be utterly divine outside in summer.
High tea: A perfectly sized selection of sweets, savoury, tea and a glass of bubbles – everything a high tea should be. Gluten free available. Bookings essential.
Your view from Lindentree
Restaurant: Overlooking the vines, onsite restaurant Lindentree offers buffet breakfast for guests, plus ala carte lunch and dinner for guests and the public. Lunch is very popular with bookings advisable, likewise with dinner. By night, Lindentree turns on the romance and woos diners with soft lighting, attentive service and an intimate dining experience. We enjoyed some incredibly good dishes as we flirted with seafood, pork, lamb and matching Lindenderry wines. I won’t tease you with the menu because there’s a new one on its way.
Pool/sauna: Enjoy a few laps or just float away in the indoor heated pool, housed in glass with lots of natural light. Get some detox time in the sauna to make up for that afternoon at the cellar door.
Conferences and events: Lindenderry is well equipped for conferences and corporates events with a large variety of conference rooms and group accommodation available. An ideal spot for weddings too as the hotel can be segmented into wings to have you feeling like it’s just you and your world (without your world noisily interrupting everyone else’s). The grounds are stunning so it’s no wonder this is a popular choice.
Service
The staff are professional, humble, friendly and down to earth. Their relaxed nature rubs off on you the moment you arrive. Absolutely lovely.
Is it for you?
Spot on for anyone wanting to escape the world for a while and enjoy some peaceful timeout with pretty much everything you need to do it. Between the space, food, wine, facilities and activities, there’s no actual need to leave Lindenderry until you go home. With the exception of the loud floral curtains in our room, the biggest problem with Lindenderry is that one night is quite simply not enough. Go for two.
Lindenderry at Red Hill
142 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill
http://www.lancemore.com.au/lindenderry