Salter Brothers Hospitality has flagged the NSW Southern Highlands as the home to its inaugural flagship property to open under new-to-market hotel brand, Ardour Hotels & Estates. Following a $10+ million transformation, historic Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa will relaunch under the Ardour banner as Ardour Milton Park Bowral marking the brand’s official debut.
The Kingsford Barossa in South Australia had earlier been flagged as the first Ardour branded property, however that property – which featured in the TV series McLeod’s Daughters – continues to operate as Kingsford Barossa.
Back to the Southern Highlands, the multi-million-dollar investment by parent company, Salter Brothers, will see one of Australia’s most storied heritage estates undergo a bold and transformative evolution signalling not just a renovation, but the beginning of a new chapter as Ardour Milton Park Bowral. One where heritage meets contemporary luxury and the creation of a curated guest experience, deeply rooted in place and refined in every detail.
Formally revealed in 2024, Ardour Hotels & Estates is earmarked to become a portfolio of immersive luxury retreats “that celebrate life’s defining moments, located in some of Australia’s most breathtaking regional destinations.”
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Originally established in 1910 as a grand country residence, Milton Park has long held its place as a Southern Highlands treasure. Now, under the creative direction of boutique Sydney design firm MAC Design Studio, the estate’s transformation draws inspiration from the romantic countryside manors of Europe, infused with a distinctly modern sensibility.
Every element of the redesign has been carefully considered: the estate’s arrival experience will be transformed, with the reception relocated to the heart of the main house for a more elegant welcome. Guest lounges, the bar, billiards room, terraces, and private dining areas will all be luxuriously refreshed while honouring the original architectural bones of the manor. Milton Park’s signature offerings will evolve with the introduction of a new dining concept, day spa and wellness program to be revealed in the months to come.
Guest Rooms Redefined in Sensory Elegance
Ardour Milton Park Bowral will re-open with 44 guest rooms and an interior transformation. Rooms will be finished with rich timber textures, restored vintage furnishings, and layers of tactile luxury. Details such as bespoke wool carpets, marble and walnut finishes, brushed brass accents, and custom-curated minibars elevate the everyday to the extraordinary.
Tash Tobias, CEO of Salter Brothers Hospitality, describes the transformation as a statement of intent for what regional luxury in Australia should be.
“Milton Park has always held a special place in the hearts of so many. With the Ardour brand, we’re creating something that’s not just luxurious, but deeply meaningful – a place people will come back to year after year. This is a destination where time slows down, and the extraordinary becomes part of the everyday.”
“Ardour Milton Park Bowral is not just a new chapter for this estate—it’s a defining moment for regional hospitality.”
General Manager, David McDonald who is overseeing the property transformation, added that the re-branding of this iconic hotel to Ardour Milton Park Bowral marks the start of a new era of celebrated luxury, setting a benchmark for regional boutique hotels.
“With a commitment to redefining Australian luxury, we’re excited to be transforming Milton Park into a destination that blends its rich history with modern elegance to deliver an unforgettable guest experience,” McDonald said.
With works currently underway, the official opening of Ardour Milton Park Bowral is anticipated in early 2026.
