Barrenjoey House is Pip and Andrew’s first venue to offer accomodation and a more fine dining experience, which is a word I actually wouldn’t use to describe a meal here. Not because the food isn’t up to fine dining scratch but the term feels a little stuffy, maybe a little exclusive and expensive, which is the opposite of the overall experience here. Before we literally check in for a mini staycay (our house is ten minutes down the road) one must paint the picture of the iconic Barrenjoey House, which has held a place in local lore for over a 100 years. First built in 1923 by Albert Verrills as a restaurant and guesthouse for the Resch family it was the first Palm Beach residence to have a telephone (fun fact). It also was not surprisingly a sought after summer location during this time with Sydneys social set escaping the city summers with the likes of former Prime Minister Mr Billy Hughes.

It is this history that sets the tone of your stay and indeed adds a little romantic nostalgia to the heritage listed homestead. I found the informal approach of a guest house incredibly refreshing and it immediately felt like a more intimate ‘Boathouse’ experience. There is no traditional in room dining but as the lovely Anna at reception said if in the morning you want a coffee, pop on down the stairs and they will look after you (another fun fact, that actually happens).  With fresh fruit replenished daily and a complementary mini bar (with Bollinger on tap it would be rude not too) Anna also lets me know that if I feel a little snackish I am more than welcome to relax in the stunning lounge and rooftop courtyard, exclusive to guests, and order from the bar menu downstairs. The perfect rosé location if I do say so myself.