![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/byng-ext-body.jpg\")
Comfort meets luxury at the Byng St Boutique Hotel. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n
To be honest, I\u2019ve been distantly stalking the award-winning Byng Street Boutique Hotel<\/span><\/a> since it opened in late 2019.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been delighted by proprietors Kristen and Thomas Nock\u2019s drive to bring luxury accommodation to Orange, as well as the unique juxtaposition of historical homestead Yallungah on the street front with contemporary architecture out the back.<\/p>\n And when I say \u2018distantly stalking\u2019, that was by no means my preference; every time I tried to book into the property during the lockdown years the hotel was heavily booked. It seems I\u2019m not the only obsessive in town.<\/p>\n This time, however, I have a booking, and once I roll into town after a four-hour drive west from Sydney, I\u2019m thrilled to discover the hotel \u2013 located in the heart of Orange\u2019s heritage precinct<\/a> and a short walk away from the main strip \u2013 is everything I could have hoped for.<\/p>\n Marvel in the juxtaposition of homestead meets contemporary architecture from the moment you step into the lobby. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n Once a proud family home, the 1896 William Lamrock-built property was purchased by the Nocks in 2014, with the intention of not only performing the ultimate restoration but also expanding it so the grandeur of the homestead could be shared with other luxury-loving travellers.<\/p>\n The paperwork I\u2019m clutching in my trembling hand (it\u2019s six degrees; I\u2019m freezing) tells me that key highlights of the restoration \u2013 the work of skilled local craftsmen \u2013 include facelifts on the slate roof, buff brickwork characteristic to the area, high ceilings, internal and external timber joinery, leadlight windows, and the modern extension to the rear designed to complement Yallungah\u2019s original period detail.<\/p>\n The hard work has paid off: the property is stunning.<\/p>\n The common spaces provide modern colours and textures. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n The walk from the carpark at the rear of the property can present many questions, chief among them \u2018I wonder how much a house costs in this street?\u2019, \u2018How does one put an extension on an apartment, exactly?\u2019 and, \u2018Who are the Nocks anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n If (beautifully restored) walls could talk, they would answer the final question with details of the duo\u2019s extensive background in the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n Thomas has over 30 years of hospitality experience across the globe from Switzerland and London to Sydney, while Kristen has spent her own illustrious career in many of Sydney\u2019s most celebrated hospitality venues.<\/p>\n Regular visitors to their family farm in Orange, the Nocks saw an opportunity to create a bespoke luxury hotel that speaks of the region and the colourful characters within it.<\/p>\n Sip hot beverages beside the fire. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n Nothing gives a country welcome quite like the glow of a fire, and it\u2019s the first thing I clock once I step inside the 22-room property.<\/p>\n The common spaces designed by Louise Spicer of Onefour Interiors beg me to go on a sensory journey filled with vibrant pops of colour, myriad textures and the artistic flair of the likes of Larissa Blake and Lara Scolari.<\/p>\n Couples sip hot beverages in the fire-lit guest lounge as they flip through the magazines fanned out on the tables, and there\u2019s an inviting scent (cinnamon?) that wafts through the air.<\/p>\n It smells like home, but a magnificent one with attentive staff.<\/p>\n Guests checking into the Byng Street Boutique Hotel have two options: history lovers can book a room in the Heritage Wing (if the Yallungah Suite<\/span><\/a> is available, aim to book it; it has its own verandah overlooking the gardens), while those who appreciate more contemporary design can select a room in the Modern Wing.<\/p>\n History lovers can book a room in the Heritage Wing. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n I\u2019m staying in a Modern Guest Suite on the upper floor, a spacious room featuring a king-size bed, lounge and a much-appreciated welcome pot of tea and cookies, as well as a lavish bathroom with a supersized standalone bath (a bath is available in a select number of Modern Wing rooms).<\/p>\n A kitchenette has plenty of tea, fresh juices and milk, but I\u2019m saving myself for the breakfast experience.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve heard a lot of talk about the a la carte breakfast experience in the Yallungah Dining Room<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s with good reason.<\/p>\n First, there\u2019s the space: a sundrenched room in the Heritage Wing complemented by a large woven textile artwork by Natalie Miller.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/byng-lobby-3-body.jpg\")
![\"Byng](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/byng-lobby-body.jpg\")
![\"Byng](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/byng-st-sitting-room-body.jpg\")
![\"Byng](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/byng-room-body.jpg\")
![\"Byng](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/byng-dining-body.jpg\")