In the misted hills of the New South Wales Southern Highlands, a storied country estate is preparing for its next renaissance. Milton Park, long cherished as a refined cool-climate retreat for Sydneysiders, is set to reopen in early 2026 under a new name: Ardour Milton Park Bowral. The transformation marks the debut of Ardour Hotels & Estates, a new luxury brand from Salter Brothers Hospitality that promises to reimagine regional escapes through the lens of heritage, design and emotional connection.
A Landmark Reborn
Originally built in 1910 as a grand private residence, Milton Park has stood for more than a century as a symbol of aristocratic charm and quiet sophistication. Its sprawling gardens, mature trees and stately façade have welcomed generations of guests seeking rest and refinement away from the pulse of Sydney. Now, after a $10 million investment by Salter Brothers, the estate is being restored and renewed for a new era.
The comprehensive redesign is being led by Sydney-based MAC Design Studio, whose vision will marry the grace of European country estates with the warmth of contemporary Australian sensibility. The result will be a retreat that honours the property’s history while introducing a fresh dialogue between past and present.
For decades, Milton Park was synonymous with English-style gardens, weekend escapes and highland air that carried the scent of pine and rain. Under its new incarnation as Ardour Milton Park Bowral, that essence will remain, but the experience will be elevated redefined for travellers seeking intimacy, authenticity and artful comfort.
The Spirit of Ardour
The launch of the Ardour brand marks a significant moment for Salter Brothers Hospitality, whose portfolio already includes luxury and lifestyle hotels across Australia. Conceived as a collection of immersive regional retreats, Ardour Hotels & Estates is positioned to blend heritage with modern craftsmanship and a deep sense of place.
“Milton Park has always held a special place in the hearts of so many,” said Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality. “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.”
This philosophy underpins the transformation of Milton Park. Rather than erasing its past, the new design builds upon it celebrating its century-old charm while introducing modern layers of detail and experience. Ardour Milton Park Bowral will stand as the brand’s flagship, setting the tone for a collection that embraces serenity, craftsmanship and emotional connection to landscape.
A Redefined Arrival
Among the most striking elements of the relaunch is a completely reimagined arrival experience. Guests will be greeted by a reconfigured driveway that guides them through manicured gardens and into a newly designed reception area. The estate’s once-formal atmosphere will be softened into a more fluid sense of welcome, with open spaces, warm light and tactile materials inviting guests to settle into a slower rhythm.
The reception will relocate to offer expansive views of the grounds, framing the gardens as part of the architecture itself. Adjacent guest lounges, terraces and private dining rooms will be refreshed to capture the light and mood of the Southern Highlands elegant yet relaxed, stately yet personal.
A new bar and billiards room will evoke the atmosphere of classic country manors, blending leather, timber and brass with a palette drawn from the surrounding landscape. Each space has been considered not just for its aesthetic, but for its sense of occasion: a place to gather, converse and linger.
The Guest Experience
The estate’s forty-four guest rooms will undergo a complete transformation, conceived as serene sanctuaries where heritage meets modern design. Interiors will be dressed in hues of sage green and cobalt blue colours chosen to reflect both the cool climate and the deep botanical history of the estate.
Each room will be layered with tactile finishes including brushed brass, oak timber, marble and soft wool carpet. Restored vintage furnishings will sit alongside custom joinery, while curated minibars will feature local produce and fine spirits. A mural referencing the estate’s iconic weeping beech tree will adorn each room, a quiet tribute to the gardens that surround it.
In every detail, the design evokes a sense of intimacy the feeling of being both elsewhere and at home. MAC Design Studio’s approach embraces authenticity over opulence, using texture, light and craftsmanship to create a narrative of comfort.
Dining and Wellness
A new dining concept will debut with the relaunch, though details remain under wraps. What is known is that it will emphasise local provenance and seasonal ingredients, building on the Southern Highlands’ reputation for produce and fine dining. Guests can expect menus that reflect the rhythm of the landscape dishes that celebrate simplicity, freshness and artistry.
The spa, long a beloved feature of Milton Park, will be reborn under a new name and philosophy. A refreshed day spa and dedicated wellness program will form part of Ardour’s holistic offering, combining traditional therapies with modern wellbeing practices. Treatments will draw inspiration from the region’s flora, natural minerals and crisp air, reinforcing the estate’s connection to its environment.
This focus on sensory experience extends to every element of the property. Whether through the scent of timber fires in winter, the touch of marble in the bathrooms, or the view from a sunlit terrace, the new Milton Park is designed to engage the senses and encourage stillness.
A Vision for the Future
For General Manager David McDonald, who is overseeing the transformation, the relaunch is about more than design it is about restoring meaning. “We’re excited to be transforming Milton Park into a destination that blends its rich history with modern elegance to deliver an unforgettable guest experience,” he said.
That sentiment defines the ethos of Ardour: to create luxury experiences that feel timeless rather than transient. The reimagined property is not conceived as a hotel, but as an estate a living expression of its landscape and legacy.
The Southern Highlands have long been a haven for artists, writers and travellers drawn to their misty mornings and quiet grandeur. Ardour Milton Park Bowral will continue that tradition, offering a place where refinement meets reflection. It promises to be as much a retreat for the soul as a destination for the senses.
Heritage with Heart
When it opens its doors in early 2026, Ardour Milton Park Bowral will mark the beginning of a new era for Australian country luxury. The estate’s enduring beauty its tree-lined drive, its gardens alive with colour, its timeless architecture will remain, but through its transformation, it will find renewed purpose.
It will stand not only as a hotel, but as a symbol of how heritage can evolve without losing its essence. Under the Ardour banner, Milton Park will once again capture the imagination of travellers who seek more than comfort those who seek connection, craftsmanship and a sense of place.
Bookings and updates will be made available through the Ardour Hotels & Estates website, with anticipation already building among those who remember the estate’s storied past.
A century after its original construction, Milton Park’s next chapter is being written one defined by elegance, grace and the enduring art of hospitality.
Written by: Linh Giang Nguyen
Published on: 11th November 2025