The Grand Saddles Lodge
A grand escape awaits as The Grand Saddles Lodge opens at Mount White this November
Just 45 minutes from Sydney, where the bushland of Mount White meets the waterways of the Hawkesbury and the Central Coast begins, The Grand Saddles Lodge will welcome its first guests on 2 November, unveiling an intimate 20-suite retreat where exceptional food and wine, richly layered interiors, restorative wellness and experiences rooted in the surrounding landscape come together.
Set among 28 acres of bushland opposite the acclaimed Homestead restaurant at Saddles, The Lodge is conceived for stays of two nights or more, and offers the rare pleasure of time well spent — from long lunches and evenings beside the piano to days exploring the Hawkesbury by boat or retreating to the privacy of a beautifully appointed suite.
A Stay Designed Around Life's Pleasures
At The Grand Saddles Lodge, the pleasures of dining and discovery are thoughtfully woven into every stay. Each two-night stay includes breakfast each morning at The Homestead, daily lunch with house beverages, pre-dinner drinks at Ned's and a five-course dinner with paired wines at The Hawkesbury, alongside a premium in-room minibar.
Guests can spend their days beside the infinity pool, wandering the gardens and walking paths, enjoying the spa or making use of the fully equipped gym. For those wishing to explore further, The Lodge's concierge can arrange experiences that reveal the character of Mount White and the wider Hawkesbury and Central Coast.
Two signature experiences are included in every stay, with return transfers in The Lodge's Mercedes Sprinter fleet. Guests might cruise the Hawkesbury aboard The Lodge's private boat, the Grace Kelly, visit nearby oyster farms, discover local walking trails, fish with experienced guides or venture into the landscape of Glenworth Valley to witness the running of the horses. Artworks from John Singleton's personal collection, including pieces by celebrated Australian artists such as Arthur Boyd, John Olsen and Sidney Nolan, are displayed throughout The Lodge, with guests invited to discover the collection through a guided art tour as part of their stay.
A Sanctuary for Restoration
Completing the experience is The Spa at The Grand Saddles Lodge, featuring five treatment rooms and a hydrothermal suite with Finnish sauna, domed steam room and cold plunge. Created in partnership with Synthesis Organics, treatments combine certified organic Australian skincare, native botanicals, aromatherapy and gemstones.
Inspired by the landscape and the changing rhythm of the day, signature rituals include the invigorating Sunrise, pairing dry body brushing and massage with a sculpting gemstone facial; Heart of the Valley, combining reflexology, massage and a tailored facial; and Sundown, a relaxing ritual of native botanical body polish and slow, flowing massage.
A Collection of Private Retreats
The Lodge's distinctive aesthetic is the work of Michelle Leslie Studio and White + Dickson Architects, whose collaboration draws deeply from the colours, textures and character of the surrounding Australian landscape. Set individually among the bushland, the 20 suites offer generous living spaces, open fireplaces and private terraces. Interiors draw on the romance of grand country estates and Saddles' equestrian heritage, layering rich timbers, leather, tactile fabrics and considered Australian art with contemporary comforts. Fine linens, hand-selected vinyl collections and thoughtful details lend each suite the warmth and character of a private country residence.
The collection spans three categories. The Gardens open onto secluded garden terraces, with super king beds positioned to take in the greenery beyond. The Classics offer private heated circular plunge pools, perfect for a quiet afternoon or a dip beneath the stars. The most expansive expression of The Lodge is found in four Signature Suites, featuring generous terraces, sun lounges, freestanding baths and larger private heated plunge pools.
Inspired by the Landscape
Silvered light filtering through the gums, the warm ochres of local sandstone, honeyed spotted gum and the muted greens and weathered greys of the bushland have informed a palette intrinsically connected to Mount White. The architecture follows the natural contours of the site, allowing the buildings to emerge gradually through the mature tree canopy. Arrival culminates beneath a striking glass-domed entrance, where sandstone, spotted gum and brass introduce the material language that continues throughout the property.
Inside, the craftsmanship of local makers and artists adds depth and individuality. Blacksmith Saul Thompkins has created the maître d' station, hearth work and bespoke metalwork throughout, while artworks by Central Coast artists sit alongside custom carpets, sofas and joinery designed by Michelle Leslie Studio. The result is an aesthetic that balances the romance of a grand country estate with a distinctly Australian sensibility — sophisticated yet inviting, and full of thoughtful, often unexpected details.
A Destination for the Table
Food and wine have always been at the heart of Saddles, and at The Grand Saddles Lodge they are woven into the experience of every stay. At The Hawkesbury, The Lodge's signature fine-dining restaurant, Head Chef Phillip Roberts — whose career includes ARIA and Oncore by Clare Smyth — leads a produce-driven menu drawing on local seafood, premium meats and poultry, and herbs and vegetables grown on the estate.
For Lodge guests, dining follows the natural rhythm of the day. Lunch is leisurely and generous, with lighter dishes designed for sharing, while evenings bring a more considered five-course experience accompanied by paired wines. The Hawkesbury also welcomes visitors beyond The Lodge for dinner on Fridays, lunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sunday lunch, with a dedicated tasting menu showcasing the kitchen's full expression. Outside these sittings, the restaurant remains an exclusive pleasure for Lodge guests.
An Evening at Ned's
As daylight fades over Mount White, Ned's brings a different energy to The Lodge. Inspired by the elegance of the Art Deco era, the intimate cocktail and piano bar is a place for well-made drinks, live music and evenings that needn't end too soon. Whether settling in for an aperitif or staying for another song, Ned's captures the spirit of an era when dressing for dinner and lingering over a good cocktail were pleasures in themselves.
The Next Chapter of Saddles Mount White
With the opening of The Grand Saddles Lodge, Singleton's vision for Saddles Mount White enters a new chapter, bringing together the acclaimed Homestead restaurant, The Barn weddings and events venue, and now an intimate luxury retreat within the 28-acre estate.
For those who have long made the journey to Mount White for a leisurely lunch, The Lodge offers a compelling reason to stay. And for those discovering Saddles for the first time, it introduces a destination where exceptional hospitality, beautiful design and the natural pleasures of the Hawkesbury come together in one memorable escape.
The Grand Saddles Lodge opens on 2 November 2026, with reservations now available for stays of two nights or more.