ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY CLUB
Built by convicts in 1844, the fireplace at the Berrima Vault House has been warming visitors for nearly two centuries. But to enjoy the fireside comfort of the former Taylor’s Crown Inn, you’ll need to become a card-carrying member of the newly opened private club.
The fireplace – believed to be the largest original fireplace in the Southern Highlands – is at the heart of the members’ lounge, designed as a creative space for members to come together to work and play. Elsewhere, members have access to a series of private dining rooms housed in old jail cells, as well as a bijou cocktail bar – named after resident ghosts Hank and Molly.
Outside, The Vinery is (ironically) home to a craft beer garden, while the Rose Garden allows members to enjoy the bracing Southern Highlands air, while staying warm next to a roaring outdoor fireplace.
Upstairs, a three-bedroom private residence is available for the public to hire, with guests able to access member facilities for the duration of their stay. Alternatively, the public can experience a taste of the Vault House via Taylor’s Inn Café, where executive chef Tommy Prosser serves up a menu of comforting pub classics that champion local produce. Prosser, who worked at Michel Roux’s Waterside Inn before moving to Australia, combines classic French technique with nostalgic British flavours, in a nod to the country house charm of the property.
Founder Si Philby brought in a team of local and global creatives to bring the project to life, including the former global creative director of Soho House, Dan Flower.
“One of the silver linings to come out of the global pandemic is people have realised they don’t need to live in the city,” explains Philby. “They’re also a bit tired of working from home so are looking for somewhere they can hold business meetings, take business calls, have great WiFi with high-level data security, print, scan, whatever they need to work… but they also want to relax and socialise.”
Memberships start from $2400 per year, or you can rent the three-bedroom residence from $1200 per night (minimum twonight stay). berrimavaulthouse.com