Logger’s Rest: Top class luxury B and B

 

RIGHT: The impressive front view of Logger’s Rest.

 

ERIC SCOTT March 29, 2013

 

WHEN I saw the photo of Logger’s Rest B and B on

the internet it looked like a venerable heritage
building set in the middle of the countryside. Then, driving through Stanthorpe, along the suburban, home-strewn, Sugarloaf Road I thought I had the wrong address.But, after crossing the railway line, suburbia stopped, we moved back into the bush and there was Logger’s Rest in all its pristine glory.

It is a beautiful building with gleaming paintwork and all-round veranda, a circular red gravel driveway, with a huge log with signature frog attached resting in the centre.

Frogs in varying guises were a regular fixture in all parts of the house.

There were four of us on this two-day trek into the Granite Belt wine country and we were all impressed. Inside it was even better. There were heritage pale green and cream colours, half panelled walls, high ceilings, highly polished wooden floors and dark period style furniture and fittings.

But there was no smell of ancient wood and musty history, but that was explained by our host Sharyn - she built the place six years ago! Logger’s rest is an artful period reproduction purpose-built for the B and B trade. Half the house - dining room, lounge and four bedrooms were for guests and the rest for herself and husband Merv.

When we settled in it was decided unanimously that this had to be one of the best B and B places in Queensland.

Our bedrooms were spotless; spacious with a huge en-suite with a comfortably firm Queen Bed – and a cute little teddy bear at the end of each bed. Personal air-conditioning is installed and electric blankets are at the ready for the cooler months and a small flat screen TV. An added five-star extra was a daily towel and linen change.

There is also a bedroom with king or twin singles and full en-suite bathroom.

The sparkling clean lounge had tapestry-covered easy chairs and a big flat screen TV. There was a small book library and heaps of DVD’s and the wood burning stove, looked perfect for those cold Stanthorpe winters. We didn’t need them though because the sun shone for our March visit and it was beautifully warm.

But we did sit there and drink some of the wine we bought on our travels.

We wandered round the back to see the barbecue hut and the games room – another five star attraction. There was plenty of seating, a half size pool table, and a footie game – manual of course, no hi tech video games here. Then we found a sauna and a spa! Add to that a huge fridge to store the wines and beer bought en-route and heaps of glasses and guests could spend a happy hour or so partying.

After a day of driving and visiting relatives, we settled in comfortably and sat around the log table on the veranda for a glass of wine and the light evening meal we had brought along. Sharyn joined us and chatted as she told us about the place – and yarned about life and husband Merv.

Logger’s rest does not serve evening meals.

She is a very friendly and hospitable host.

After a great sleep we joined two other guests for breakfast – which had a menu as big as any hotel buffet: eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, spaghetti, tomato, hash browns, toast, cereals, fresh fruit salad fruit juice, innumerable styles of tea and perked coffee. There was enough to keep anyone going until mid afternoon and it was all freshly cooked in the kitchen next to the dining room.

Sharyn joined us for coffee and we had another pleasant hour of yarning – and we heard more about Merv.

Now, by this time we had seen nothing of the mysterious Merv and I began to wonder if he was an urban myth, but later that night after a full day of vineyard touring, looking at, tasting and buying wine, we relaxed outside and then Merv appeared, beer in hand.

What a character he turned out to be too – a true blue, down to earth, fun- loving bloke who had us all in stitches.

We had a fabulous couple of days and I would recommend Logger’s Rest wholeheartedly, not just for the comfort and amenities, but for the company of Sharyn and Merv too.

Logger’s Rest, 33 Sugarloaf Road, Stanthorpe, Qld 4380. Phone:  07 4681 2572.

Room rate vary from $150-$180 per room per night.

Website: www.loggersrest.com.au