After a picturesque drive through the scrublands of Parra Wirra Conservation park as the sun set beside us, my husband and I arrived at Rowland Flat, Barossa Valley at dusk. Grand gates welcomed us to the private property of Le Mas Barossa. The stunning tree-lined driveway provided an instant talking point, building our excitement for our luxury stay.
On arrival to the lovingly restored farmhouse we were warmly greeted by the concierge and handed a delicious Le Mas Classic Dry Gin with tonic. We sat in the warmth of the carefully curated communal space, superbly emanating a contemporary Provençal farmhouse. The space is an expectational blend of luxury and comfort, and of modern with antique touches. This provided a perfect opportunity to settle and chat on the comfy sofa in front of the fire.
We were shown to our rooms through the restored farmhouse, inspired by the Mas throughout France. Le Mas is a reimagining of the 1857 Farm House that effortlessly balances a contemporary Provençal style. Whilst respecting the Australian land and its history it also manages to be a slice of Europe in our very own backyard.
The spaces that owner Geraldine has created is a testament to her brilliance. Le Mas holds both luxury and comfort in each hand and exudes both. The same goes for the balance of privacy and common spaces, and for the blend of contemporary and modern, and for European meets Australia. The list goes on for how Le Mas manages to be two things simultaneously and do both with expert brilliance.
Their intimate and exclusive onsite restaurant, The Orangerie, was another perfect opportunity to reconnect. Dinner was expertly prepared by French cook, and mother to Geraldine, Marie France. Entrée was a the classic French Onion Soup, paired with Rose Sparkling, main course was another French classic Coq Au Vin paired with Le Mas Grenache and to finish we enjoyed a creamy and sweet Crème Caramel. Our host for the night provided not only expert service, but recounted the history of the site and added to the romance of the stay.
Here we also met a couple from Perth who were dining on their last night of an 8 night stay for their 25th wedding anniversary. This lovely couple were repeat Le Mas Barossa guests, opting to spend such a special occasion at the luxurious yet cosy accommodation in the middle of the stunning Barossa Valley wine region.
After dinner we made out way back to our Deluxe King Room which was thoughtfully curated with French antiques and modern touches timelessly intertwined. A luxurious King size bed sat proudly in the centre of the room – later it would be like a giant cloud of comfort providing a wonderful nights sleep. Best of all were the heated floors of the bathroom – transporting me back to a long ago European trip, and the giant tub waiting patiently to be filled underneath a private window. Pure indulgence and a wonderful way to unwind and relax for a bath lover without a bath at home.
As morning broke, we had the opportunity to explore the expansive grounds. As we stepped out of the door to the back terrace, we were greeted by the sight of the magnificent fig tree, which is over 100 years old. As we continued on we were met with the vast lawns that continue down all the way to the Para River which runs along the property. This space is often used for weddings and functions, and in a previous life was a dedicated personal cricket pitch! The lawns are surrounded by stunning nature, the old ghost gum lining the river on one side or the idyllic vineyards on the other. Le Mas’ grounds are filled with character from the rich history of the land, which has been expertly incorporated and adds to the overall feel of the luxurious stay.
Continuing around the front of the property, we were greeted by a stunning rising sun over some of the oldest Grenache vines in the world, which are used to create their signature range of wines, some of which we were lucky enough to sample the night before. A particular favourite was the 2018 Grenache, which had been handpicked and aged in French Oak for 18 months.
Coming back to The Orangerie, the air was filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants and baguettes. The table was adorned with a colorful array of fruits, natural yoghurt, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats, transporting us to the heart of France. Sipping on rich, freshly brewed French press coffee, we indulged in the enchanting ambiance and savored every bite of the exquisite French breakfast, making this culinary experience at Le Mas truly unforgettable.
Le Mas Barossa is not just a place to lay your head; it is a testament to the power of shared inspiration and the art of crafting a harmonious blend. With its infusion of Provençal elegance and Australian spirit, this extraordinary luxury stay is an exceptional destination in the heart of the Barossa Valley, offering a truly immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Photo credit: Nick Lawrence
Le Mas Barossa
Rowland Flat, Barossa Valley
