Historic Australian hotel relaunches after multimillion-dollar revamp

One of the most historic hotels in the Blue Mountains has entered a new chapter, with Lilianfels officially unveiled as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, after a refurbishment at the NSW property costing an undisclosed “multimillion-dollar” sum.

The heritage-listed property overlooking the Jamison Valley has become part of the Ardour Hotels & Estates collection. The revamp includes redesigned accommodation, refreshed public spaces and new dining and wellness experiences at the landmark estate.

Built in 1889 as the summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, chief justice of NSW and later lieutenant-governor, Lilianfels occupies a prominent place in the history of the Blue Mountains as a tourism destination. The grand house was designed by architect Varney Parkes, son of colonial NSW premier Sir Henry Parkes.

Darley named the property after his daughter, Lilian.

Few private residences can claim a more dramatic setting. The estate occupies a prominent site near Echo Point, overlooking the Jamison Valley and positioned beside one of Australia’s most famous lookouts.

The property was added to the NSW State Heritage Register in 1999, recognised for its architectural significance, its association with Darley and its role in the development of Katoomba as a mountain resort.

Alongside grand hotels and private residences that appeared across Katoomba in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, Lilianfels became part of the region’s transformation into one of Australia’s best-known mountain destinations. Today, the house remains one of the Blue Mountains’ most significant surviving heritage properties.

Ardour Hotels & Estates is a luxury brand launched by Salter Brothers Hospitality in 2024 after its acquisition of the historic South Australian Kingsford Barossa, an 1856 homestead with 16 luxury suites. Earlier this year, it opened Ardour Milton Park in Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands.

However, as Traveller reported and independent guests suggested in online reviews, the $10 million makeover has experienced teething problems.

Ardour Hotels & Estates joins Salter Brothers’ other brands, including Spicers Retreats and Bannisters Hotels.

Another of the region’s great landmarks, the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath, experienced periods of decline before undergoing an extensive restoration and reopening in 2014.

In Victoria, Burnham Beeches in the Dandenong Ranges has been the subject of multiple redevelopment plans over recent decades and is planned to become Australia’s first Six Senses property. Its long and complex journey has highlighted the challenges of adapting major heritage buildings to modern hospitality expectations.

Lilianfels’ story has been different, evolving through changing ownership and changing use while remaining closely tied to the Blue Mountains tourism story.

That process continues with Ardour. Australian design studio Luchetti Krelle has overseen the redesign of the property’s 89 guest rooms and suites, drawing inspiration from English garden estates while referencing the history and character of the original house. New furnishings, textiles and colour palettes have been introduced throughout the accommodation and public spaces.

A new central venue known as The Lounge has been created as a gathering place for guests, with an updated culinary offering including caviar service, a roaming cheese experience and a refreshed interpretation of the hotel’s longstanding high tea tradition.

Wellness facilities are also being given a boost, with the property’s spa to reopen under the Eliva wellness brand.

Two of the hotel’s best-known dining venues remain unchanged. Miss Lilian retains its South-East Asian-inspired menu and Darley’s Restaurant remains one of the property’s most distinctive features. Housed within the original 1889 residence, it allows diners to experience the building that once formed the centre of Sir Frederick and Lady Darley’s mountain estate.

Heritage records suggest the Darleys entertained extensively, and visiting dignitaries and members of royalty were among those welcomed to the estate during its early years.

The next chapter begins with new furnishings, new menus and a new name. The hard part – living up to that kind of history – starts now.

See worldsapart.club/ardour/lilianfels