STAY | A Quintessentially Australian Luxury Mountain Retreat

STAY

Phoebe White’s family has a long history with Mount Woolooma - she is the third generation to be the custodian of the distinctly Australian property Woolooma Glass House - the architect-designed residence her grandparents commissioned as their own private retreat in the 1970s. The luxury accommodation sits atop the mountain with breathtaking views which one arrives at after a quite adventurous trip as the house is accessible only via a 30 minute buggy ride. We spoke to Phoebe about her family’s history with the property, how her truest inspiration is nature and the wonderful life she leads living in Australian countryside.

Pictured, Phoebe White, owner of Woolooma Glass House. Photography: Simon Upton

I’m Phoebe White, a mum of two girls, living in the Upper Hunter Valley NSW. I own and operate a property situated atop Mount Woolooma; Woolooma Glass House.

Creativity to me, is our ability to express a version of ourselves through various mediums. At Woolooma Glass House, we welcome creative individuals from all over the world to come and express themselves through their various art forms such as painting, drawing, writing, music, ceramics or woodwork. We have woven some of these individuals’ artworks in the interior styling of the house, to add to the tapestry of the story of Woolooma Glass House.

My inspiration, typically speaking in most things, comes from nature. Whether it be interior styling and colour, I look to incorporate natural colours, tones and textures. In our linens, I will always look to use natural fibres such as cotton, wool or linen, which is why we are so thrilled to partner with CULTIVER for all our property linens.

Mt. Woolooma was purchased by my grandfather Michael White in 1972. He and my grandmother Judy White designed and built Woolooma Glass House in 1973. They enjoyed the house as a private retreat from the farm during their tenure, until the property was handed to my father Peter White, who opened the house up to guests looking for that remote adventure experience.

In 2017, my father handed the mountain down to me, at which time we decided to completely renovate the house and reopen it to guests looking for that unique, Australian accommodation and adventure experience. The house has two queen bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom, and 70s style sunken conversation pit living room around a fire cauldron, with spectacular views out over the Upper Hunter Valley.

The story goes that my grandfather took my grandmother for a drive around the recent purchase of Mt Woolooma, and drove to the top at a peaceful perch on the cliff edge, to look out over the working family property below. It was at this moment and at this location that Judy White announced that they would build a house here, to come and enjoy, and be inspired to write, paint, draw, whatever your creative passions may be. So they sought the expertise of John Suttor, a Sydney based architect, to bring this vision to life.

When we began the interior design phase of the renovation, it was our aim to have the house architecture to be the focus of the property, while allowing for an appreciation of the natural elements surrounding the property. So a very neutral and natural colour scheme was used, with mixed textures.  

With a mix of 70’s architectural lines, it was a lot of fun to invite artists to come and create some unique pieces for the house interiors. A few standouts are the custom sandstone stools handcrafted on site by ONE STONE (Tom Butterworth), the bedside tables by HAIG+SMITH (Ben Haig) and the ceramic curves by SOPHIE NOLAN.

I was very much guided by the natural elements of this property to bring that aesthetic to life. I appreciate natural products, so my aesthetic is always influenced respectively.

I think creating a space that feels welcoming and comfortable is key, incorporating colours and textures that do not generate a strong sensory overload. A space that is close to our natural habitat, should innately make us feel at home.

Also finding the balance between styling pieces to fill empty spaces, but being cautious to not clutter a room so that it feels claustrophobic and cluttered.

For accommodation, I believe adding small details of comfort to the amenities for the guest experience is paramount, to make them feel as if they are as comfortable in their own space. These may include CULTIVER throws in the living area, bathroom products like Aesop luxury hair care, body wash and lotion, CULTIVER linens such as hand towels, face cloths and large generous bath sheets.

The family start to everyday is WelleCo Super Elixir (Daily Greens), and always find time for movement, family and yourself, and drink a lot of water!

Visit: Woolooma Glass house
Photography: Nicola Sevitt