It was never going to be a normal Christmas away from home in the bitter cold air of England sipping mulled wine and snuggling by the fire. Instead I embraced the hot summer days down the south coast of Oz and lapped up those afternoons on the beach as I experienced my first Christmas in Australia.

Whilst I missed my close family and friends over the festive period, I had nothing to complain about swapping snow and dark winter evenings for 30 degree heat. With 2 weeks off work I left Sydney for the holidays to spend time with my family who have a stunning home in the seaside town of Mollymook. Bringing my boyfriend along too, it was an opportunity to spend quality time together as we explored the local area and hidden gems such as Jones Beach. It was a Christmas break filled with fun events and family affair between Mollymook and the Southern Highlands.

Christmas Day reached scorching hot temperatures as we were welcomed with open arms to my boyfriend’s auntie’s beautiful farm in Berry. Overlooking the luscious green fields with cattle and kangaroos grazing side by side, we were treated to a delicious spread of food very much different to the traditional English Christmas roast dinner. To accompany the roast ham there were platters of lovely salads as well as plenty of seafood including a whole baked salmon with pesto herb crust and buckets and buckets of prawns – yum!

After a mezze of deserts featuring lots of fruit and my favourite pavlova, we soaked up the afternoon sun whilst we sipped our coffee and just about fit in a slither of Christmas fruit cake. Later the boys couldn’t help but get up to some fun and games as they towed each other across the lake on a wakeboard attached to the farm buggy!

Later that evening I got to FaceTime my family back in England who were just waking up for their Christmas morning. I sent home a personalised card with flowers and a bottle of bubbly for the family and I opened my little package of presents whilst on the phone to them. Despite missing them all very much back home, I’m so thankful to have such amazing family even on the other side of the world who have been so hospitable and welcoming to me during my first Christmas in Oz.

With my boyfriend travelling a lot for work, we like to make the most of our time together and indulge when we can. So I was incredibly lucky this week to be surprised with a stay at the luxurious Hotel Palisade upon his return from a 2 week trip away. Located on the Rocks at Millers Point, rooms feature views of the Harbour Bridge and city skyline with English themed decor adding to the charm and character of this Old Sydney Town retreat.

Staying on level 2 in the North-West facing George Power suite, our room featured a separate lounge, bathroom and mini bar including espresso coffee machine and plenty of naughty snacks (which we later tucked into following a few drinks!). Exquisite interiors such as a retro Marshall radio, an old English phone and artwork by local Australian artists made us feel right at home as we kicked back and relaxed after a long day at work.

Later we made our way to the rooftop bar for dinner and drinks at the highly rated Henry Deane restaurant. Having had a browse on their Instagram page, I couldn’t wait to checkout this trendy spot and what it had to offer. Aside from breathtaking views over the heart of Sydney, the bar boasts a menu of tempting cocktails and wines alongside sharing dishes from oysters and seafood, to steak and cheese. We opted for the crispy rosemary potatoes with roasted yeast mayonnaise accompanied by the grilled lamb cutlets. Perfectly paired with a few glasses of Tabali Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, the potatoes were crispy yet fluffy and the cutlets tender and tasty.

With a glass of wine in hand and the glistening lights of Sydney reflecting over the harbour, I could definitely get used to these heavenly heights to wind down after work every night!

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s beautiful Southern Highlands, who’d have thought such authentic European ambience could be discovered. Combining a passion for antiques alongside French cuisine to accompany exquisite wine produced on the estate, Mount Ashby exudes classic style which together formulates the idyllic setting for a weekend leisurely lunch soaking up the charming Australian countryside.

Owners Chris and Sally Beresford pride themselves on creating the perfect setting in which to enjoy the immaculately kept estate as you graze on a delectable French inspired menu carefully curated by Sally herself. Whilst guzzling a glass of wine and soaking up the sun, you can explore the vineyard and get to know the majestic family of geese making their characterful presence known on the reservoir.

An impeccable taste for French interiors is also reflected in the antique centre next door, in which Sally exhibits her antique tables made using trees imported from France. With a background in the rag trade and regular trips to Europe to scope out original pieces, Sally brings together antique furniture alongside touches of modern elements to formulate her unique style. This compilation of the old and new to accompany exclusively curated tables has drawn the attention of prestigious publications including Vogue and The Financial Times, establishing Beresford’s name in interiors from the highest of crituques.

With such attention drawn to Mount Ashby amongst socialites of the Southern Highlands and beyond, the estate is set to grow with a new event space being built to accommodate increasing demands of weddings taking place on the property. Set amongst the vineyard overlooking the reservoir, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque, romantic setting to take marriage vows. Meanwhile, the Pallete Cafe with its new summer special menu continues to bustle on the weekends, firmly proving itself as a little taste of France within the sweeping hills of Australian farmland.

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