Salter Brothers is investing more than AU$10 million in renovating the historic Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, with plans for a reopening under its new-to-market hotel brand, Ardour Hotels and Estates in early 2026.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, will be the inaugural flagship property under the brand, which will develop a portfolio of luxury retreats and heritage estates in regional destinations. Properties will have a special focus on elevated dining, wellness, events and impressive landscapes.
“Milton Park has always held a special place in the hearts of so many,” said Salter Brothers Hospitality CEO, Tash Tobias.
“With the Ardour brand, we’re creating something that’s not just luxurious, but deeply meaningful – a place people will come back to year after year. This is a destination where time slows down, and the extraordinary becomes part of the everyday.
“Ardour Milton Park Bowral is not just a new chapter for this estate—it’s a defining moment for regional hospitality.”
Milton Park, established in 1910 as a grand country residence, will be reimagined by Mac Design Studio, with a focus on blending its heritage elements with contemporary luxury, taking inspiration from countryside manors of Europe.
The hotel’s arrival experience will be transformed, with the reception relocated to the heart of the main house, while guest lounges, the bar, billiards room, terraces, and private dining areas will all be refreshed, honouring the original architecture. A new dining concept, day spa and wellness program will be revealed in the coming months.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral will re-open with 44 new-look guest rooms in two different colour palettes – sage greens and cobalt blues – with restored vintage furnishings, bespoke wool carpets, marble and walnut finishes and custom-curated minibar. A mural feature wall in every room pays homage to a famed weeping beech tree on the grounds.
“With a commitment to redefining Australian luxury, we’re excited to be transforming Milton Park into a destination that blends its rich history with modern elegance to deliver an unforgettable guest experience,” said General Manager, David McDonald.