Byng Street Boutique Hotel: a country manor that feels like home

Meet the historic Orange property effortlessly blending luxury and good old-fashioned country hospitality.

In a perfect world, we’d all have wealthy relatives with both a manor in the country and an obsessive desire to treat us to the very best of local hospitality for the duration of our oh-so-frequent visits.

Alas, while this may not be a reality for many of us, the good news is that there’s something even better: a historic property offering all the benefits of your imaginary family’s luxurious homestead, without any of the ‘so, when are you getting married/having a baby/having another baby?’ conversations.

Best of all, it’s in a wonderful spot: the NSW heritage town of Orange, home of fantastic produce and cool climate wines.

Comfort meets luxury at the Byng St Boutique Hotel. (Image: supplied)

To be honest, I’ve been distantly stalking the award-winning Byng Street Boutique Hotel since it opened in late 2019.

I’ve been delighted by proprietors Kristen and Thomas Nock’s 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.

And when I say ‘distantly stalking’, 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’m not the only obsessive in town.

This time, however, I have a booking, and once I roll into town after a four-hour drive west from Sydney, I’m thrilled to discover the hotel – located in the heart of Orange’s heritage precinct and a short walk away from the main strip – is everything I could have hoped for.

Marvel in the juxtaposition of homestead meets contemporary architecture from the moment you step into the lobby. (Image: supplied)

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.

The paperwork I’m clutching in my trembling hand (it’s six degrees; I’m freezing) tells me that key highlights of the restoration – the work of skilled local craftsmen – 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’s original period detail.

The hard work has paid off: the property is stunning.

The common spaces provide modern colours and textures. (Image: supplied)

The walk from the carpark at the rear of the property can present many questions, chief among them ‘I wonder how much a house costs in this street?’, ‘How does one put an extension on an apartment, exactly?’ and, ‘Who are the Nocks anyway?’

If (beautifully restored) walls could talk, they would answer the final question with details of the duo’s extensive background in the hospitality industry.

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’s most celebrated hospitality venues.

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.

Sip hot beverages beside the fire. (Image: supplied)

Nothing gives a country welcome quite like the glow of a fire, and it’s the first thing I clock once I step inside the 22-room property.

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.

Couples sip hot beverages in the fire-lit guest lounge as they flip through the magazines fanned out on the tables, and there’s an inviting scent (cinnamon?) that wafts through the air.

It smells like home, but a magnificent one with attentive staff.

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 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.

History lovers can book a room in the Heritage Wing. (Image: supplied)

I’m 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).

A kitchenette has plenty of tea, fresh juices and milk, but I’m saving myself for the breakfast experience.

If you’ve heard a lot of talk about the a la carte breakfast experience in the Yallungah Dining Room, it’s with good reason.

First, there’s the space: a sundrenched room in the Heritage Wing complemented by a large woven textile artwork by Natalie Miller.

Enjoy the a la carte breakfast experience in the Yallungah Dining Room. (Image: supplied)

There are the dishes too: two courses, if you don’t mind, plus all the fresh juices and flat whites you could possibly fit in (you start with granola then choose a main that makes an artform out of fresh, local produce).

My favourite thing? The staff, who can somehow always anticipate when you need them.

I don’t mind admitting that leaving The Byng Street Boutique Hotel is a struggle (the happy decor, the country hospitality!). But since my newfound rich imaginary relatives won’t be selling anytime soon, I can keep coming back again and again – even if they do charge me board.

For further information, visit byngstreethotel.com.au