Greenhill at Figtree, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Nov 10th, 2003
Greenhill at Figtree was built in 1935 by the founders of the Illawarra steelworks and the Hoskins family. The historic art deco property features two massive houses set on a hilltop covered in lush gardens and huge fig trees. Located on the outskirts of Wollongong, the charming retreat is an ideal escape less than an hour and a half from Sydney.
Over the years many famous people have dropped into Greenhill. Queen Elizabeth visited in 1954 and it is said that she was only there to powder her nose. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester stayed at Greenhill on a private visit in the summer of 1946 while awaiting a ship back to the UK. Many of Australia's Prime Ministers have also dropped in, including Whitlam, Menzies and Howard.
Until 1997, Greenhill at Figtree was predominantly used as a meeting place by BHP executives, with the centrepiece being a huge 100-year-old mahogany billiard table still in use today. This would have been the room where many business strategies were discussed - and parliamentary decisions may even have been made there.
In 1998 the retreat opened its door to the public so guests could enjoy Greenhill's unique charm. There are seven beautifully restored rooms boasting leather chairs, sweeping verandahs and towering ceilings. Perched on the hillside is a second house, made up of 10 bedrooms and grand hallways.
The accommodation is nestled within a heritage-listed 'garden of Eden' designed by Australia's master green thumb, Paul Sorensen. The garden features original dry stone walls and some lovely old trees where guests can participate in tai chi classes, a game of croquet, badminton, volleyball or even bocce.
It's a delightful and cosy accommodation that - with all its yesteryear charm - is similar to a stay at your granny's house. The main difference here is that you can feel like royalty too, especially if you opt for their delicious three course dinner.
The facts:
Greenhill at Figtree have rooms starting from $150 including breakfast. A three course meal costs around $50. Tai Chi classes start from $15 dollars.
Greenhill at Figtree
Tel: 02 4271 1120
Qantas flies to Sydney from all capital cities and prices start from $222 from Melbourne and $461 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
