“We need the tonic of wildness,” wrote Henry David Thoreau in his autobiographical and observational book Walden. A reflection on the transcendentalist author’s two years spent living in a cosy yet basic self-built cabin in the woodlands, Thoreau proposes that “we can never have enough of nature.”
Growing up, camping was my favourite type of holiday. No, not because I harboured a particular affinity for long-drop toilets or fumbling with tent poles, but for the very tonic of wilderness Thoreau wrote about almost two centuries ago. Indeed, my love of camping was in spite of its barebones way of travel, rather spurred on by a desire for immersion in nature and an opportunity for seclusion that most typical accommodation styles simply don’t afford.
Fortunately, times have changed and one needn’t forgo the creature comforts our soft-footed species has come to expect in order to experience the restorative benefits of nature. Located on the rolling hills of a cherry orchard just outside Orange, NSW, Basalt proves the tonic of wilderness can indeed be steeped in luxury.
Driving past Orange towards Mount Canobolas, the scenic road leading to Basalt is a series of twists and turns leading through vineyards, forests, and pastures. The property itself is discreetly indicated, with subtle signage almost blending in with the landscape. Ascending up a long winding driveway, the entrance to Basalt—named after the rich soil on which it sits—is cleverly engineered so that guests are not immediately aware of the full outlook the property has to offer. It’s only when we pull up outside our studio (‘Yonder’, which, tucked at the end of the driveway is the most private of the trio) and jump out of the car that we see that the grassy hills of the cherry orchard are a mere entree for the glittering lights of the town of Orange as well as Mount Bulga and the valley beyond.
Related: On The Road: How To Do A Sydney To Orange Road Trip In Style
The brainchild of Simon Rollin, a second-generation cherry farmer, Basalt makes the most of its surroundings. Recognising that even in the off-season there’s much to be enjoyed on the farm, Basalt uses its elevated vantage point to great effect. Perched 1100 metres above sea level, the 30-hectare cherry orchard is home to just three studios, each spaced around 80 metres apart.
Designed by Mudgee-based architect Cameron Anderson, each studio is inspired by the orcharding practice of grafting (wherein buds or twigs from an existing tree are fused to the stem of another tree). Crafted from rammed earth mixed with the aforementioned basalt soil and accented with wood and steel, the studios become one with the hillside; each oriented to make the most of its prime outlook.
Like its counterparts ‘Drifter’ and ‘Chaser’, our studio ‘Yonder’ belies its 43-square-metre footprint. Despite its compact nature, high ceilings and a clever layout means it feels more spacious than its square meterage suggests. A solid wood-framed glass door—accessible via keyless entry—reveals polished concrete floors and rammed earth walls complemented by spotted gum wall and ceiling panels. Interiors by Lisa Johnson Design Studio see a king-sized bed take centre stage, with a kitchenette (complete with a fridge, dishwasher, convection microwave, and induction cooktop) neatly tucked behind the headboard. The rain shower and separate toilet are neatly ensconced in the rear wall parallel to the kitchen counter—though it’s worth noting that the former is devoid of a door—while a stone bathtub is cloistered in an enclave in the front, overlooking the cherry orchard.
With our stay occurring right in the middle of winter—and the icey air and single-digit temperatures reflecting that—we chose to bypass the outdoor firepit in favour of enjoying the view from the comfort of the studio’s rammed earth walls. While Orange is a notorious food and wine destination, the view wins every time here. Those wishing to skip cooking for a night can arrange to have meals from local outpost Sweet Sour Salt delivered, ready to be heated up upon your arrival.
However, we wanted the full Walden experience… well, Walden if Thoreau’s definition of ‘simple living’ was accompanied by a glass of—complimentary—Swinging Bridge Pinot Noir. Wine in hand and view in front, we opted to make use of the kitchenette facilities to make a suitably simple barley, lentil, and vegetable soup, flavoured with rosemary, thyme, and parsley from the herb garden on the doorstep of the studio. One of the key drawcards at Basalt is that the entirety of the studio is oriented around the landscape; the simple act of making dinner is instantly elevated by the panoramic views. Followed up with Bennetto chocolate—one of the spoils from the complimentary minibar—consumed by the indoor fireplace, it’s a delightfully cosy way to spend an evening.
Come morning, wake up before the sun and take a walk around the orchard — the fresh countryside air worth braving the frosty temperatures for. While spring might be considered the most traditionally beautiful time to visit, there’s a certain charm to seeing the endless rows of cherry trees stripped of their leaves during winter.
A long soak in the luxuriously deep egg-shaped tub proved a pleasurable way to exorcise the winter chill from our bones, followed up with the provided continental breakfast spread; a fresh sourdough loaf from Racine Bakery, Pepe Saya butter, Beerenberg jams and honey, Academy Coffee Roasters coffee, Love Tea teabags muesli, milk, and a ready-made green juice. Like everything at Basalt, it’s simple yet thoughtful — prior to our check-in, our host Simon (co-founder of Basalt), even checks in to confirm our bread and milk preferences (rye sourdough and almond milk, please).
While we were almost loath to leave the bucolic setting of Basalt for even a moment, it would be remiss to spend a couple of days in Orange without having visited a winery or two. Fortunately, there are several excellent ones all within a short drive from Basalt (and each other). We opt for lunch at the newly opened Rowlee Dining & Bar which overlooks the estate’s lush vineyards, while the following day we enjoy an afternoon of sparkling wine with a cheese platter, oysters, and fresh bread within the moody Printhie Wine Bar (an elevated girl dinner, if you will).
For those who crave the holistic benefits of nature while being averse to giving up the comfort of contemporary life, a sojourn to the Central Tablelands region delivers everything you need (plus a little extra). Proving that the simple life needn’t be one devoid of life’s little luxuries, while recognising that unbridled (and unobstructed) access to nature is the ultimate luxury, Basalt delivers a restorative and relaxing getaway from the city. Transcendentalism never felt so good.
The lowdown: Basalt, Orange
The hook; why stay at Basalt?
Set on the rolling hills of a cherry orchard with unobstructed views of the valley beyond, Basalt offers a secluded getaway in the Central Tablelands region. A welcome escape from the urbanity of everyday life, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure you want for nothing during your stay.
Tell us more
Conceived by second-generation cherry farmer Simon Rollin, Basalt is located on a cherry orchard which is home to over 12,000 cherry trees, with its produce named ‘Cherries from Heaven’. The moniker is an apt one, considering Basalt’s lofty elevation; each studio—designed by Mudgee-based architect Cameron Anderson—frames panoramic views of the orchard and the Central Tablelands region.
Studios make use of thick rammed earth walls, with the high thermal mass material aiding in absorbing the heat of the day and radiating it at night to ensure a comfortable temperature (buoyed by the in-studio heating system). Steel roofs and spotted gum wall and ceiling panels exude warmth and further connect the space to its surroundings.
How to get to Basalt
Located in the shire of Canobolas, Basalt is a 10-minute drive from the township of Orange and is accessed via a scenic winding road. The drive from Sydney to Orange takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, with the route passing through the Blue Mountains.
Rooms and suites
Basalt is home to three studios (‘Yonder’, ‘Drifter’, and ‘Chaser’), each of which are oriented to face the valley and positioned 80 metres apart. Their generous spacing and staggered positioning ensures total privacy — we didn’t see a single soul during our time at Basalt, despite both other studios being occupied. There’s a car space next to each studio, making toting your luggage in and out easy.
Each 43-square-metre studio is equipped with a king-sized bed; a kitchenette with a fridge, dishwasher, convection microwave, and induction cooktop, as well as basic condiments (salt pepper, and olive oil); a rainshower and separate toilet; and a cleverly concealed storage space with an iron, hairdryer, board games, and spare essentials. For those wishing to stretch with a view, yoga mats can be found under the bed, while avid stargazers will be impressed by the telescope by the window.
Side note: despite the undeniably romantic nature of Basalt, it might not be the best fit for those ultra-new relationships where you’re still in the ‘I’m a perfect prince(ss) without a gastrointestinal tract phase’, as the clever compact layout of the studio makes it possible to hear when someone is ahem, using the facilities.
Despite the back-to-nature vibe of the studios, they’re not devoid of technological luxuries — there’s password-free Wi-Fi as well as a smart TV and Bluetooth speaker. We didn’t touch the later two; who needs to when there’s the rolling hills and a soundtrack of chirping birds readily available?
Both the king-sized bed and deep soaking tub (in its own window nook) face out towards the orchard and countryside.
There’s an in-studio iPad that addresses pretty much every question one may have, from queries about how to use the air conditioning and tips on starting a fire to places to visit in the region.
Bathroom products?
Bathroom products are by natural Australian brand Salus. Expect to find shampoo, conditioner, hand and body wash, and moisturiser in the shower area, as well as an additional hand and body wash at the bathroom sink and on the stool by the bathtub.
Comfort factor
Beds are overall comfortable, though we found them slightly indented towards the top. Likely from guests sitting in bed and watching the sunrise — something we were also guilty of! French linen bedding by Carlotta & Gee is breathable (not to mention stylish), though could be softer on the skin.
Inside, studios are warm and hot water is instantaneous — a must with the frosty temperatures outside. The indoor fireplace and additional blanket provided contribute to the studio’s cosiness.
Food and drink
As mentioned, there’s a continental breakfast provided for the first morning (although this is generous enough that the bread definitely lasts into the following day). The continental breakfast comprises a sourdough loaf from Racine Bakery, Pepe Saya butter, Beerenberg jams and honey, Academy Coffee Roasters coffee, Love Tea teabags muesli, milk, and a ready-made green juice.
There’s the option to have dinner from Sweet Sour Salt delivered prior to your stay, ready to be heated up upon arrival. Basalt also regularly offers seasonal dining experiences, such as collaborations with Printhie Dining or in-room three-course meals by acclaimed local chef Michael Manners.
Spa and facilities
A robust suite of facilities would go against what the experience at Basalt is about — but add some of the balt salts into the soaking tub and call it a spa if you must!
The service
While Basalt is self-contained, superb attention to detail and thoughtful considerations make the service feel omnipresent. Upon arrival, at the property, you ring a mobile number and the smartgate will memorise your number plate and automatically open for all subsequent entries and exits. Entrance to your studio is also keyless, with a unique code emailed to guests a couple of days before check-in.
Prior to our stay, Simon reached out to ask for our bread and milk preferences for breakfast, which was a nice touch. The little extras—such as the wine, chocolate, and marshmallows—take the feeling of care to the next level.
Sustainability initiatives
Reverse cycle air conditioning and instantaneous gas hot water systems are more energy efficient alternatives to conventional systems. The thick rammed earth walls also allow for better thermal regulation, keeping the space warm during winter and cool during summer.
Anything else?
The herb garden at the front of the studio is a lovely touch, and spruces up homecooked and pre-ordered meals alike!
AR Verdict
Offering a luxurious take on the simple life, Basalt is the ideal getaway from the city. Its impeccable vantage point and thoughtful details make a stay here feel truly special — seriously, it had me googling “how to become a cherry farmer with no experience” on the drive home.
The only complaint? Two nights simply isn’t enough.
Basalt is open for bookings, with studios priced at $550AUD/night on midweek nights and $605AUD/night on weekend nights, with a minimum stay of two nights.
Address: 1100 Pinnacle Rd, Canobolas, NSW, Australia
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Simon Rollin
