Boxgrove country retreat review the ultimate in Australian slow travel.
Boxgrove Country Retreat offers a masterclass in how the modern Australian countryside farm stay should feel: slow, intentional, and deeply attuned to its environment.
It’s an antidote to digital fatigue and urban routine, offering simple luxury without excess.
For couples seeking privacy, creatives craving inspiration, or city dwellers needing recalibration, BoxGrove answers an unspoken need—to rest not just the body, but the mind.
I had never been to this part of New South Wales, and I was pleasantly surprised. Bathurst offers a plethora of fabulous coffee shops, bars, pubs and restaurants as well as warm, friendly people.
Known for Mount Panorama and car races, I did not have high expectations but it was so great to be proved wrong. Charles Sturt University has about 35,000 students on campus which means the town of Bathurst has a young, fresh energy.
Boxgrove is about 6 minutes drive out of Bathurst and offers a stunning location to breathe fresh air, walk in nature and really switch off. The entire property is off grid, so it is fully self sustainable and the pulse of nature beats softly outside the door.
Location and Setting
Just a 2.5-hour drive west of Sydney, on Wiradjuri Country, the historic town of Bathurst has been quietly reinventing itself as a destination for culture, food, and outdoor recreation.
Breweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table restaurants have emerged across the region, making it a perfect weekend escape for Sydneysiders. Tucked within this renaissance is BoxGrove Country Retreat—a serene sanctuary on a 170-acre working cattle farm that epitomises what modern rural luxury farm stay can look like.
The journey to BoxGrove sets the tone. After crossing the Blue Mountains, (a great place to stop for lunch) the landscape opens to rich pasturelands dotted with Black Angus cattle. The retreat unfolds on the edge of this farmland, surrounded by undulating hills and native bushland.
From every angle, guests are met with views that embody rural NSW—wide skies, gum trees shimmering in the sunlight, and the gentle hum of farm life.
While the retreat feels utterly removed from urban life, it’s conveniently close to Bathurst’s growing list of attractions.
A short 10-minute drive brings guests to the town’s cafes, galleries, and eclectic pubs, while day trips to nearby Hill End—an old gold-mining town wrapped in wild scenery—offer a dose of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts also find joy in the historic Bridle Track, ideal for hiking, camping, or 4WD expeditions along the Macquarie River.
The atmosphere at BoxGrove can best be described as meditative. The quiet rolls over you with each passing hour.
It’s not just the stillness that makes it restorative but also the sense of connection—between sustainability, luxury, and the landscape itself. As the sun sets behind the hills, the cabins glow golden, and a faint breeze carries the scent of eucalyptus through the valley – and you light your very own log fire in front of the cabin.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is stitched into BoxGrove’s DNA, not just as a buzzword but as a guiding philosophy. Known locally as “Rest at BoxGrove,” the retreat has been purpose-built with environmental consciousness at its core.
Every eco-studio runs on solar power, and rainwater is captured and reused on the land, ensuring minimal dependence on external resources. The farm’s philosophy aligns closely with regenerative tourism, showing how comfort and conservation can creatively coexist.
Waste reduction measures are evident throughout the property. Guests are gently encouraged to engage with mindful living—compost bins, eco-friendly cleaning products, and refillable toiletries are provided.
Even the building materials reflect care and locality: polished concrete floors for thermal stability, spotted gum timbers native to Australia, and terracotta tiles that echo the earthy tones of the region.
The retreat’s approach to food also amplifies its sustainable ethos. Instead of relying on imported luxury, BoxGrove celebrates its community through partnerships with local artisans and farmers.
The breakfast baskets brim with produce sourced within the region—fresh eggs from the farm’s hens, sourdough from Racine Bakery, and bacon from Trunkey Bacon & Pork, a family-run producer from nearby Orange. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that binds guests to the rhythms of the land.
We had a gorgeous complimentary bottle of pinot noir waiting for us. This sincerity and attention to origin help BoxGrove achieve what many luxury retreats strive for: authenticity wrapped in comfort.
Rooms and Design
The six eco-cabins at BoxGrove Country Retreat redefine the idea of countryside accommodation. Instead of rustic simplicity, they radiate earthy sophistication. Each cabin has been curated to reflect the surrounding landscape—warm tones of clay and granite, natural finishes, and thoughtful luxuries that never feel excessive.
Inside, guests are greeted with interiors that balance comfort and sustainability. The colour palette of soft greys, muted greens, and golden wood echoes the farmland outside.
The polished concrete floors provide both texture and durability, while the feature wall of spotted gum adds warmth and scent. King beds are draped in flax linen in shades of eucalyptus, inviting long mornings and deep sleep.
The kitchenette, while compact, is smartly designed. A DeLonghi coffee machine with Nespresso pods, handcrafted ceramic dishes by local artist Peter Wilson, and all essentials for self-catering are provided.
While there is no dishwasher—a minor drawback for longer stays—the experience remains decidedly convenient for couples or solo travellers seeking simplicity.
Bathrooms, however, are where BoxGrove truly excels. Each ensuite fuses spa-inspired indulgence with panoramic pastoral beauty.
The freestanding stone egg bath, framed by a large box window, offers a view of Black Angus cattle grazing in the distance—a scene both surreal and grounding. Leif lemon myrtle toiletries add a hint of native botanical freshness, tying scent to setting.
Outside, each studio extends into a private spotted gum deck with a barbecue, small fire pit, and outdoor bathtubs partially enclosed in corrugated iron.
Evening soaks under the starry Central West sky are a highlight for many guests, with several describing it as the most rejuvenating experience they’ve had in NSW. Initial concerns about privacy have been actively addressed, with new screening and landscape planting underway.
What’s notable is how BoxGrove achieves accessibility without compromising design. Two cabins have been tailored for guests with mobility challenges, featuring ramps, grab rails, and accessible bathrooms. Each studio includes private parking and support for assistance animals—a thoughtful inclusion rarely found in luxury retreats.
Atmosphere, Experience, and Details
What sets BoxGrove apart from competitors is its dedication to cultivating serenity through detail. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that every element—texture, scent, sound—was chosen to reinforce rest. Even the absence of Wi-Fi and television in some cabins is intentional, encouraging guests to reconnect with simplicity, nature, and each other.
Instead of digital distractions, each cabin houses a Crosley record player stocked with classic and contemporary Australian vinyls—from Slim Dusty to Ball Park Music.
It’s a nostalgic touch that perfectly complements the retreat’s mood. Guests can sip wine as crackling melodies float through the cabin, or take their drink outside to the deck, where the only sound competing with the music is the gentle rustle of wind across the paddocks.
The absence of onsite dining, which some reviewers mention as a limitation, actually reinforces the retreat’s philosophy of self-sufficiency and slowness.
Guests can opt for DIY “dinner packs” filled with local ingredients, cook on their barbecue, or venture into Bathurst for modern Australian dining experiences. The retreat’s proximity to Bathurst also brings flexibility—ideal for those who wish to balance solitude with exploration.
Weddings at BoxGrove have become another hallmark of the property. The beautifully restored barn, vine-draped ceremony spaces, and sweeping views create a setting that is rustic yet refined. Guests reviewing wedding stays consistently highlight the farm’s versatility—ceremonies by day, starry outdoor receptions by night.
Food and Drink:
There is no restaurant on site at Boxgrove retreat but a fabulous coffee shop is a 15 minute walk, great t start the day, and Bathurst itself has many different cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars. Guests are provided with a lengthy list of things to do, places to go and even where to shop. A gorgeous complimentary bottle of Pinot Noir was left for us on arrival.
What Renae says:
Boxgrove Country Retreat Review.
Who Is Behind It: Boxgrove is a family run business that opened in 12971 and has been passed down through the generations.
Insider Knowledge: Champagne prices at the bottle shops in town are reasonable and it is worth grabbing a bottle to enjoy in the bath.
Renae says: I loved this relaxing stay at Boxgrove – I slept so well and just loved being away from it all, especially my phone.
Who should Stay at Boxgrove Retreat : Couples and groups of friends.
Who shouldn’t stay here: I would not bring young children, but others might.
Location: About 10 minutes drive from Bathurst.
Best culinary delight: The wagyu cook your own packs.
The Highlight: Sitting by the fire each night.
The best Instagrammable location at Boxgrove : The animals all love a photo and the natural surrounds are stunning.
