Glamping at its finest.
Sydney residents Cam D'Arcy and his partner Tasch got married in Mudgee and own a beautifully appointed holiday rental there, Abingdon House. "We just love the area, and being about to share it with people is pretty special," says D'Arcy of the central western NSW area.
They loved it so much they not only decided to expand their hospitality offering, but to do something completely new for the region "to keep things interesting".
The D'Arcys bought a 113-hectare property 20 minutes out of town that has undulating hills and ridges affording spectacular views. Here, they have created Sierra Escape, Mudgee's first glamping accommodation. They installed a Western Australian-made permanent eco-tent, plumbed it, connected it to power and set about creating a glamping experience.
In tents comfort at Sierra Escape.
The result is accommodation that, only a month into operation, has engendered superlative-laden guest reviews.
The tent features an oversized bath, expansive deck from which to watch wildlife, sumptuous bedding and plenty of insulation for warmth in winter and floor-to-ceiling windows for the cooling summer breeze. There's a barbecue and plenty of pots and pans, plates, cutlery, and of course, glassware to enjoy finds from nearby wineries.
Describing it as "off-the-grid accommodation for those who love the outdoors but still enjoy the comforts of a luxury hotel", D'Arcy says guests have particularly raved about those views.
Sierra Escape has received rave reviews from guests for its spectacular scenery.
"Both sunrise and sunset are sensational up there."
The D'Arcys have approval to install a further four of the Ecostructures tents, each discreetly away from the others and positioned for those views. They hope to have at least another one up and running this year.
Sierra Escape costs $350 a night. See sierraescape.com.au
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