Southern Highlands icon relaunches as Ardour Milton Park Bowral

The historic property, long regarded as a favourite cool-climate retreat for Sydneysiders, will become the founding property of new luxury brand, Ardour Hotels & Estates

Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa has relaunched as Ardour Milton Park Bowral, the flagship property of Ardour Hotels & Estates – a new luxury brand from Salter Brothers Hospitality.

The new-look boutique hotel in the Southern Highlands is the result of a $10-million investment by Salter Brothers, with its comprehensive transformation led by Sydney-based MAC Design Studio.

“Milton Park has always held a special place in the hearts of so many,” said Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality in July 2025 upon the announcement of the relaunch. “With the Ardour brand, we’re creating something that’s not just luxurious, but deeply meaningful – a place people will come back to year after year.”

Originally built in 1910 as a grand private residence, Milton Park has long held its place as a New South Wales icon – known for its cool-climate gardens, aristocratic heritage and appeal as a refined escape for Sydneysiders. 

The reimagined Ardour Milton Park Bowral continues to draw inspiration from romantic European countryside estates, with contemporary additions and an elevated guest experience. Guests can expect a reconfigured arrival experience, relocated reception, and refreshed guest lounges, bar, billiards room, terraces and private dining spaces.

The 44 guest rooms have been redesigned in sage green, blush pink and cobalt blue palettes, layered with tactile finishes including brushed brass, timber, marble and wool carpet. Restored vintage furnishings and curated minibars feature throughout, while each room includes a mural referencing the estate’s iconic weeping beech tree.

The relaunch also introduces its signature dining destinations, Horderns and The Polo Bar. The Polo Bar’s dedicated charcuterie room along with a spa and wellness offering, Èliva Bowral, will follow in the next few months.

“We are eager to welcome guests back to Milton Park to showcase the depth of care that has gone into every detail, from the accommodation, our new spa offering to the dining experience at Horderns. This is just the beginning, with The Polo Bar’s charcuterie room and our new Èliva Wellness Spa set to follow and further enrich the guest experience,” said general manager David McDonald.

Launched in 2024, Ardour Hotels & Estates is being positioned as a collection of immersive regional retreats that blend heritage, luxury and a strong connection to place. The brand has been actively sweeping up some of Australia’s legacy regional properties as part of its expansion. Ardour Guesthouse Hunter Valley and Ardour Kingsford Barossa will open in mid-2026, with iconic Blue Mountains retreat Lilianfels currently undergoing a refurbishment ahead of its relaunch as an Ardour property.

Bookings are now live at ardourhotelsandestates.com.