Retreat into a rainforest romance

With tempting tubs, fireplaces and guaranteed seclusion, Lovestone Cottages at Montville turn up the heat on a winter getaway

IF you’re in the mood for a rainforest romance, a luxury love nest in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will set the scene.

Originally called Montville Grove, Lovestone Cottages were renamed and renovated with couples in mind by owners Tamara and Jonathan Large.

The romantic rebrand preserves a slice of local history, a nod to Montville’s first European settlers.

“In 2018 my husband and I set about transforming it into a luxury couples’ retreat,” Mrs Large said.

“In early 2020 we gutted and transformed the first cottage and at the same time rebranded the accommodation to Lovestone Cottages.

“The main house and property date back to 1906 and we named it Lovestone in honour of Hamilton Muirhead.

“Hamilton, his wife and five children came from Ayrshire in Scotland.

“The Lovestone Plantation was a massive 666 acres of trees planted on the Bargany Estate, where Hamilton learned his timber trade.

“The Montville area is also known for its rich and dense forests, so Lovestone seemed a fitting name for the cottages.

“Fortunately, Montville enjoys a far warmer climate than Hamilton’s native Ayrshire.”

While snow is thin on the ground in this neck of the woods, crisp winter nights are still an opportunity for couples to cuddle around the fireplace or sink into a steamy bath.

“Each cottage has a double spa, a wood fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, double showers and kingsize beds,” Mrs Large said.

“All verandas afford beautiful views of our escarpment, rainforest and Lake Baroon, and are equipped with a barbecue and a comfortable timber bar allowing you to take in the view over a glass off bubbly.

“Every window captures a unique view.”

Mrs Large said privacy was a priority.

“We deliver a complimentary fresh breakfast hamper on arrival and, of course, we’re always on call, but otherwise we let our guests just soak up the serenity in peace,” she said.

While many choose not to budge from that blissful bubble, attractions on the accommodation’s doorstep include the picnic-worthy Kondalilla Falls and a host of restaurants ready to woo with candlelit dinners and seductive fare.

“The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is such a wonderfully diverse region with outstanding local produce, which can be sampled at a wide range of cafes, restaurants and markets,” Mrs Large said.

“We have cooking schools, a winery and distilleries all close by.

“Almost next door to us is the Hinterland Great Walk, which is part of a network of spectacular walking trails and hikes for bird watchers and nature lovers.”