The Rift has reopened, after 50 years as a private residence, and guests are now welcomed for retreats, corporate & private events. As one of the Southern Highlands original estates, The Rift was built in the 1870's with a separate Coach House.
The Rift was originally a private home. While operating as a guest house in the 1920's-30's the Rift hosted visitors such as Dame Nelly Melba. In the 1940's & 50's The Rift was occupied by boarding schools before becoming a private home again in the 1960's until 2005. The Rift was then abandoned & neglected until 2011.
Facilities:
The Rift is an elegant, tranquil setting ideal for small events, an easy 90 minutes drive from Sydney. The luxurious interiors , including 10 bedrooms & 7 bathrooms, accommodate up to 20 people. The two kitchens include a large demonstration kitchen with quality appliances and Aga oven, and a separate catering/guest kitchen in the Coach House. There are 6 open fires, Hydronic heating, Nobo electric heaters & under floor heating (in bathrooms).
The enclosed courtyard with barbecue and outdoor dining is surrounded by kitchen herbs and salad greens where guests are encouraged to pick your own seasonal fruit & vegetables.
The ballroom, with surround sound home theatre & 100" screen, converts to a presentation room seating 60 or banquet dining for 30.
Other facilites include: an expansive meeting/yoga room; separate Massage/treatment building and breakout rooms; private interview/meditation room and games room with professional size Pool table; playing field ideal for physical training, sports & group/team building activities; croquet/badminton lawn & various marquis locations.
General Information:
The estate includes 3 acres heritage gardens, with natural bush boundary, pond & fountain and is fringed by Mt Gibraltar park with bush walking trails, The Rift is walking distance to the centre of Bowral and is close to local cafe's and restaurants.
Self-catering or onsite catering available on request and there is an onsite car park for 8-10 cars & ample off street parking.