Nestled in the rolling emerald landscapes of New South Wales, Moss Vale was once a humble country town overlooked by daytrippers and weekend travellers. Today, it emerges from the shadow of its nearest neighbour, the popular tourist town of Bowral. It offers visitors a gastronomic destination and the Southern Highlands’ first luxury art boutique hotel, Moss Manor.
Where is Moss Manor, Moss Vale
Moss Manor is located in Moss Vale in the picturesque Southern Highlands of NSW.
Moss Vale and the Southern Highlands are just under a two-hour drive from Sydney and 1.5 hours from Canberra. They are a popular destination all year round.
The eight luxury suites of Moss Manor are housed in the 1890 Georgian-styled ex-Council Chambers and Mayoral Residence at 1A Throsby Street, Moss Vale. Moss Manor has been used as both a home and a business location since 1971.
Moss Manor
Award-winning Luke Maloney Architecture renovated the classic building and added the impressive glass and black living and dining room at the rear of the building, allowing light and the beauty of the rear garden to merge with the colourful contemporary decor inside. Your eye is drawn to the beautiful tree that takes pride of place in the rear garden. During the renovations, the tree was moved from its location in what is now the Glass Room to its current location. A successful relocation! Guests can enjoy nights by the fire pit, sheltered by the gorgeous tree overhead.
With input from stylist Jillian Boustred, Louella Gratton-Smith (the owner and operator of Moss Manor) designed a beautiful art boutique hotel that provides a warm, comforting environment where guests can fully escape and recharge.
On arrival, just in time for a delicious afternoon tea, I met Louella and her Manager, Martine Folden. We had a lovely chat about the transformation of this beautiful old dame and local happenings in and around Moss Vale.
Afternoon tea should not be missed, and I recommend you plan your arrival for 3.30 pm. Each forkful of the decadent flourless hazelnut chocolate cake was an explosion of deep chocolate intensity and rich hazelnut notes that lingered like a delicious memory.
In the evening, I wandered down Argyle Street, the main street of Moss Vale, to enjoy dinner at Flour Bar. Flour Bar welcomes guests from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., beginning with morning coffee and pastries and continuing with delicious lunch and dinner menus. I was pleased to see the addition of local wines to the drinks menu.
Back at Moss Manor, I relaxed in the living room with a glass of port, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Book a Luxurious Stay at Moss Manor in Moss Vale
I spent one night in the luxurious ground-floor Ruby Suite, which features rich, antique furnishings, a noir-inspired bathroom, and lavish golden trim. The bathroom was well-stocked with Two Good toiletries, which are 100% made from natural ingredients and free of parabens. The bottles are made from recycled plastic.
After one of the best nights’ sleep I have had in a long while, I had to ask Martine Folden, the Manager, what Moss Manor’s secret was. Her answer is “The Micro Cloud mattress topper and pillows, together with their luxurious bed linen.
I can imagine reading by the marble fireplace during winter before heading out to one of the many excellent restaurants in the Southern Highlands.
My room had a small bar fridge, a Nespresso coffee machine, a carafe of water and wine glasses and a cheeky little chocolate Freddo frog on my pillow.
Exquisite artwork curated by Campbell Robertson-Swann of the Defiance Gallery is found in Moss Manor’s suites and living/dining rooms. All the artwork shown throughout Moss Manor can be purchased. Three pieces of artwork took my fancy, and if I had some more wall space, I would have brought them home with me.
The Suites at Moss Manor
When you are booking your luxury getaway at Moss Manor, the one question you will need to ask yourself is, what room should I book?
There are eight suites in total spread over two floors.
Check out my YouTube video of Moss Manor here.
Ground Floor Suites comprise of:
The King-size Ruby Suite, where I spent my night.
With its stand-alone Roman marble bath, the King-size Sophia Suite oozes luxury. The 36.5 sq metre suite has Ralph Lauren floor-to-ceiling linen curtains, and the luxurious marble ensuite has Two Good toiletries.
The garden queen-size bedroom suite RP Club, which is wheelchair friendly, has beautiful views over the gardens of Moss Manor. The decor is stylish, and as you enter, you feel as if you are staying in an English country hunting lodge.
The queen-size Rose Suite: I love the use of beautiful linen and silks in rose tones, which complement this beautiful ground-floor suite with its views over the garden.
First Floor Suites:
As you climb the central Victorian staircase to the first floor, you can’t help but admire the artwork on the landing and in the sitting area on the first floor.
The queen-sized bedroom Ivy Suite, with its floral curtains and flowery padded bedhead, contains two of my favourite works of art. The spacious marble bathroom, enhanced by the thoughtfully placed mirror, reflects the beauty of the outside world.
The queen-sized bedroom Bea Suite with its blue tones gives one the feeling of being in the Orient. Sunlight cascades into the bedroom from the north, dramatically highlighting the blue artwork that complements the refined marble fireplace.
The queen-sized bedroom Violet Suite – as you enter, the luxurious floor-to-ceiling rose-coloured curtains complement the flowery bedhead and the room’s sophisticated English manor home decor.
The queen-sized bedroom Daisy Suite transports guests to the Far East. Carefully chosen artwork makes the three Chinese ceramic vases on the marble fireplace stand out even more.
All suites at Moss Manor include a 2-course breakfast in the Glass Room.
Breakfast at Moss Manor
To kick start your day, Martine prepares a hot tea shot of ginger, turmeric, black pepper and chilli.
My two-course breakfast was a delicious start to the day. It began with a bowl of homemade granola topped with creamy yoghurt and a sweet, tangy berry compote—a perfect balance of crunchy and smooth. Next came a hearty plate of scrambled eggs, roasted vine tomatoes bursting with flavour, and avocado drizzled with spicy oil for an extra kick. It all came with perfectly toasted sourdough bread and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. A satisfying and flavourful way to fuel up for the day ahead!
Final thoughts
Moss Manor is the ultimate retreat for a midweek or weekend escape to the Southern Highlands of NSW. This boutique gem oozes luxury, offering an elegant and serene atmosphere designed to recharge your batteries. With just eight exclusive suites, every detail is crafted for comfort and style. Be sure to book early to experience this perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication.
For bookings, click here.
My stay at Moss Manor was hosted, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Related Reading: Top things to do in the Southern Highlands
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