Australia’s most recent ultra-luxe eco-resort located at Evan’s Lookout amid the UNESCO world heritage Blue Mountains National Park, in the pretty alpine village of Blackheath.

Presenting luxury in harmony with its natural surrounds, Chalets at Blackheath is a boutique retreat that sits on 17 acres of bushland.

Previously Jemby Rinjah eco-lodge, a popular, award-winning wilderness getaway – the ownership dramatically changed in December 2019 when it was destroyed by the bushfires. The new owners rebuilt with a vision to establish a bush escape combining eco-conscious values with luxury and comfort on the seven-hectare site & the luxe eco-resort Chalets at Blackheath was born.

To revive the charred land was an extensive collaborative project. The owners worked closely with local experts, ecologists, and bush regenerators to restore the property sensitively. Hundreds of indigenous plants sprouting from the charred earth were gently removed so they could be cared for in a nursery during construction before being planted back when strong enough.

It was crucial an intrinsic connection between the occupants and the surrounding natural environment was created so the design was focused on a biophilic approach.

We wanted to create an atmospheric, dreamy space to relax and unwind; reconnect with nature whilst in the same breathe, excite guests to explore & enjoy the breathtaking wilderness at their doorstep.

Architecturally, the cabin exteriors are enfolded by charred timber speaks of a legacy past. The Shou Sugi Ban is a reminder that the natural world reigns supreme and the chalets, a place to reconnect with the natural world and explore; thus the selection of materials were kept organic and tactile, truly sympathetic to denote the connection to the land.

The interiors incorporate a fusion of modern Australian aesthetics, with two global sensibilities which are both strongly connected to the core defining elements we strived for with the chalets design; the notions of Wabi Sabi – beauty in the imperfect & Scandinavian minimalism, simplicity and functionality without sacrificing beauty to create this chalets unique Je ne sais quoi.

Lofty ceilings open wide to the bush drawing focus to the blackbutt timber frames and the hemp imbedded clay plaster which cocoons the walls.

Warmed by the cast iron Cheminees Philippe fireplace, each cabin features its own unique earthen rendered bed head wall – Cleverly hand crafted with pebbles and surrounding earth by Sydney artesian Tadelakt Sydney, these striking masterpieces ground and unifies each cabin.

Oversized ensuite bathrooms smoothly formed in limestone render wraps around a terracotta twin shower cove & recessed backlit mirrors.

The snug library offers extra creature comforts, community, local reads and feeds.

Exciting plans to develop the grounds & luxe experiences around Chalets at Blackheath are to come. Exploration never felt so good!

Builder by Maple Leef Design & Construct 
Architecture by James Southern
Special Finishes by Tadelakt Sydney
Landscaping by Garden Life
Outdoor sensory experiences by Therese Moussa, The Grounds
Photography by Dominic Loneragan  & Details by Natasha Lorenzen 
Rockcote Marrakech Ensuites by Custom Finishes Sydney
Window Treatments by Blinds By Peter Meyer & Piega Window Furnishings