DESIGN CONCEPT
Armando Percuoco, the owner and head chef of renowned Sydney restaurant Buon Ricordo, engaged Pike Withers to design a villa at his country estate 'Valleyfield' in the Hunter Valley. Armando can be found on weekends cooking in a more relaxed atmosphere and tending to his olive trees.
At Valleyfield Escape you have the option to choose from a selection of delicious meals from Buon Ricordo before your arrival. A self catering breakfast is included in the tariff. The treats included Tetsuya’s ocean trout, Sonoma’s wood-fired bread and muesli, jams and condiments from Fratelli Fresh with olive and oil from the property.
As one of the sponsors of Sculpture By The Sea, Sydney’s premier outdoor art exhibition, it is no surprise to discover the sculpture garden at Armando’s Valleyfield Escape. In the tranquil bush surroundings of the 230 acre property sculptures can be found inside the villa and in the garden by Australian artists including Christopher Hodges, Paul Selwood, Anna Eggert, Robert Hague, Jacek Wankowski, William Eicholtz and Denese Oates.
From Valleyfield you can explore the wineries of the Hunter Valley, observe the monthly Wollombi cattle sales, go hot air ballooning or discover the nearby Yengo National Park with its Aboriginal rock engravings.
Or simply do nothing.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Solar hot water, filtered rainwater throughout.
FEATURES
The beautifully appointed villa, designed by Pike Withers consists of a large open plan dining / lounge room with log fire, DVD, CD, air-conditioning, telephone (there is limited mobile reception in the Valley), heated bathroom floor The Villa sleeps two people in a luxurious king size bed complete with Frette and Yves Delorme linen. Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for your comfort. Relax in the deluxe Spoon bath that overlooks the olive trees.
A massage in your villa can be organised for the ultimate relaxation. Local masseurs Lynn Wall and Peter Bawden are highly skilled.
The fully equipped chef’s kitchen stocked with the basic essentials allows you to prepare your own meal if desired.
The equipment includes multifunction microwave oven, 2 burner induction cook top, dishwasher, 248 litre fridge/ freezer, griller and BBQ.
LOCATION
Valleyfield Escape is a 120 acre property on Wollombi Brook, set among an olive grove surrounded by natural bush. A scenic two hour drive from the bustle of Sydney and a world away from the stress of the city.
RATES
12 March 2008 – 15 November 2008
Sunday to Thursday $350 per night
3 or 4 nights midweek stay $300 per night
Friday and Saturday $500 per night
3 days minimum stay on long weekends
