Check in to Lindenderry at Red Hill

The hotel

Set amid 14 hectares of vines, orchards and virgin bush, Lindenderry at Red Hill retains a rustic country charm beneath its elegant 2017 refurbishment. A neutral palette and a sense of uncluttered comfort characterise the large rooms and numerous communal spaces, while an old-style atmosphere lingers with library Chesterfields, a full-size snooker table and multiple fireplaces. Attentive staff will direct you to the area’s many attractions or their favourite spots on the property – order a picnic basket and explore at your leisure.

The location

About an hour by car south of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is the city’s playground, with great beaches, scenery, cellar doors and restaurants championing local abundance. Centrally located Red Hill is a short drive to most attractions, including Pt Leo Estate’s spectacular Sculpture Park and restaurant (be sure to book) and Ten Minutes by Tractor winery.

The room

Lindenderry’s smoky-grey colour scheme and blonde timbers continue in the hotel’s 40 rooms and suites. We stayed in a generous ground-floor Garden Room, with direct access to the grounds via large sliding glass doors. Furnishing is limited to a two-seater sofa, coffee table and compact desk. Warm white linens and a working fireplace make it a cosy place for winter nesting following a luxurious soak in the two-person tub (Molton Brown products are standard).

Food and drink

Arrive in time for welcome drinks (from 5pm), including a complimentary glass of Lindenderry Wines’ excellent chardonnay or pinot noir. The wines are also available to taste at the onsite cellar door (open weekends), in your minibar or at The Dining Room, which has a well-priced, quirky drinks list with an emphasis on local producers; the same goes for the food. Put yourself in the hands of affable restaurant manager David Enticott, who will guide you through the ever-changing menu, or choose the dégustation option with matching wines (recommended). Don’t skip breakfast – the hotel’s buffet is superb.

Wellness

A spacious glass-walled wing houses an indoor heated pool with attached spa and sauna (open 7am – 7pm; later on weekends) or grab racquets from Reception and duel it out on one the two tennis courts. Staff can also direct you to the best walks and runs on the property. If you fancy something a little more challenging, general manager Carl Forrest is an amateur boxer and will lead BoxFit classes on request.

Business facilities

Lindenderry promotes itself as a conference venue for up to 80 delegates, with five meeting areas and recently upgraded facilities. Flexible dining spaces can be zoned to accommodate working groups or book the 10-seater private dining room beneath the Cressy Lounge, with curtained walls, high-backed chairs and a secret-society vibe.

Fun fact

It took 12 months of working with an Australian mattress company for the hotel to develop the perfect pillow-top bed. Goldilocks would be proud.

Perfect for

Romantic escapes or gourmet weekends

Number of rooms: 40, from Courtyard Rooms to Balcony Suites.
From: $320 per night, including full country breakfast.
Wi-fi: Free throughout hotel.
Parking: Ample – space for 200 cars.
Address: 142 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill.
Phone: +61 3 5989 2933