Mountain retreat has front-row seats to iconic Aussie vista

CHECK-IN

The charming village of Leura in NSW’s Blue Mountains has long been a go-to destination for city-slickers yearning for fresh air, foggy mornings, bush walks and spectacular lookouts, just 90 minutes by car. Cloud Parade perched over the escarpment, offers quite possibly the most spectacular vistas of any holiday home in the mountains. Framed through large windows that run almost the entire length of the top level, be prepared to have your socks knocked off.

THE LOOK

The 80s house has had a top-to-toe makeover by interior designer and owner Josie Simpson of Altus Design Studio who bought the home in 2019. Along with those epic views overlooking the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom property sports a contemporary take on mid-century design including parquet flooring and a dark moody palette that befits its high-altitude surrounds. The cantilevered top floor makes it feel like you are floating above the clouds, hence the property’s name.

THE HOUSE

Good-sized bedrooms (which include a master with ensuite) sleep 10 in total with luxurious sheets, upholstered bed heads, down duvets, electric blankets and treasures collected by Josie. All guestrooms feature king beds aside from one of the two downstairs rooms which has twin beds. There are generous living spaces with cosy nooks and comfortable sofas that invite you to curl up with a book; graphic artworks including a specially commissioned piece by Iain Powell, and a dramatic black kitchen. The fully equipped kitchen offers a coffee machine and a selection of loose-leaf teas. Guests naturally gravitate to the open wood-burning fire (which is lit invitingly on arrival) where you could easily sit and gaze out over the ever-changing valley view for days. A 10-seater dining table begs for long leisurely lunches. All three bathrooms feature matte-black vanities topped with Caesarstone with grey terrazzo-style wall and floor tiles and Olieve and Ella amenities.