Ben Huon Manor: Your Ultimate Guide to Southern Highlands Luxury Weddings, Weekend Getaways & Team Building
Imagine stepping through heavy oak doors into another era — where Georgian elegance meets modern luxury, and every window frames a view of manicured English gardens. Welcome to Ben Huon Manor, the Southern Highlands’ best-kept secret for intimate weddings, luxury weekend getaways, midweek escapes, and unforgettable team building retreats.
Just two hours from Sydney, this magnificent estate in the historic village of Robertson offers something increasingly rare: a chance to completely escape the modern world.
READY TO BOOK YOUR ESCAPE?
Ben Huon Manor Special Package with Cars on Demand
Executive Sedan Transport: Just $345 Each Way from Sydney
Exclusive Manor Experience: Book Direct & Save
Call Now: 1300 638 258 | Book Online →
Book Ben Huon Manor direct at benhuonmanor.com.au/direct-bookings to save on accommodation costs
Quote “Ben Huon Manor Special” when booking your luxury chauffeur service
What Makes Ben Huon Manor Special?
Built from the ground up by James Salmond and his father Mel in 1998, Ben Huon Manor is no ordinary accommodation. This five-acre Georgian-inspired estate was created with meticulous attention to every architectural detail — from the hand-crafted staircase (500 hours of work alone) to the reclaimed church pulpit reimagined as fireplace flanks.
The Manor Houses:
- Main House: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, grand lounge, library, dining room, country kitchen
- The Wing: 2 bedrooms, 2 private bathrooms, open-plan kitchen/conservatory
- Total Capacity: Up to 10–12 guests (adults only)
James Salmond, an antiques dealer and cabinet maker, has filled every corner with treasures collected over decades — royal painter portraits, Georgian-era furniture, and ornate stone finials from the University of Sydney. The result? An authentic time capsule where you’ll genuinely feel transported to the English Cotswolds.
Instagram Weddings & South Coast Weddings at Ben Huon Manor
The Perfect Intimate Wedding Venue
Looking for Instagram weddings that will make your followers stop scrolling? Ben Huon Manor delivers backdrop after breathtaking backdrop.
Why Couples Choose Ben Huon for Southern Highlands Boutique Weddings:
Intimate Exclusivity — Host up to 12 guests for your micro wedding
Instagram-Worthy Every Angle — Georgian architecture, manicured lawns, sassafras trees
Master Suite for Bride & Groom — Wake up on your wedding morning in Georgian luxury
Four Luxury Bathrooms — Ample space for your wedding party to prepare
Indoor & Outdoor Ceremony Spaces — Grand dining room or sprawling gardens
Chef Services Available — James can arrange exquisite sit-down dinners or afternoon tea
Your Boutique Wedding Day at Ben Huon
Morning: The bridal party gathers in the sun-drenched master bedroom with ensuite. Natural light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows as you prepare surrounded by antiques and elegance. Your photographer captures every Georgian detail — the ornate staircase, the duck-egg blue kitchen, the amber-paged books in the hidden library.
Ceremony: Exchange vows under the majestic sassafras trees (which bloom with star-shaped yellow-green flowers in spring) or in the elegant dining room with its grand fireplace. Either way, your ceremony backdrop screams timeless romance.
Reception: Champagne and canapés on the expansive lawn as golden hour light filters through the trees. Later, gather for an intimate dinner prepared by an arranged chef, served in the grand dining room at a table that’s hosted countless celebratory meals.
Evening: As guests retire to their luxurious bedrooms, you and your new spouse have the entire master suite to yourselves — complete with the finest linens and a bathroom featuring plush robes.
Perfect for:
- Elopements and micro weddings
- Intimate family celebrations
- Luxury destination weddings
- Instagram weddings that trend
- Southern highlands boutique weddings
- South coast weddings (just 45 minutes to the coast!)
Your Instagram Wedding Photo Checklist
Planning an Instagram wedding at Ben Huon Manor? Here are the most Instagrammed spots guaranteed to make your followers stop scrolling:
The Signature Shots:
1. The Grand Staircase
- When: Morning light (9–11 AM) or golden hour (4–6 PM)
- Perfect for: Bride’s dramatic entrance, couple portraits descending
- Instagram gold: 500 hours of hand-crafted woodwork in every shot
- Hashtag: #StaircaseGoals #GeorgianElegance
2. The Sassafras Tree Ceremony
- When: Spring blooms (star-shaped yellow-green flowers) or autumn foliage
- Perfect for: Outdoor ceremony backdrop, first kiss moment
- Instagram gold: Majestic trees create natural cathedral effect
- Hashtag: #OutdoorCeremony #NaturalBackdrop
3. The Duck-Egg Blue Kitchen
- When: Morning breakfast shots or evening champagne prep
- Perfect for: Getting-ready photos, candid bridal party moments
- Instagram gold: Vintage charm meets modern romance
- Hashtag: #CountryKitchen #MorningGlow
4. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows in Conservatory
- When: Anytime — light pours through all day
- Perfect for: Silhouette shots, garden-view portraits
- Instagram gold: Gardens framing every angle
- Hashtag: #NaturalLight #WindowGoals
5. The Hidden Library
- When: Moody afternoon or evening candlelight
- Perfect for: Groom portraits, intimate couple shots
- Instagram gold: Amber-paged books, leather armchairs, vintage elegance
- Hashtag: #LibraryLove #VintageVibes
6. The Fireplace in Grand Lounge
- When: Evening reception, winter weddings
- Perfect for: Cozy couple shots, intimate reception moments
- Instagram gold: Reclaimed church pulpit flanking the fireplace
- Hashtag: #FiresideRomance #CozyElegance
7. Outdoor Lawn Table Setting
- When: Golden hour for maximum magic
- Perfect for: Reception tablescape, outdoor dining shots
- Instagram gold: Manicured lawns with estate backdrop
- Hashtag: #AlFrescoWedding #GardenParty
8. The Oak Front Door
- When: Arrival or grand exit
- Perfect for: Just married exit, arrival moments
- Instagram gold: Heavy Georgian oak creates timeless elegance
- Hashtag: #JustMarried #GrandExit
9. Master Bedroom Suite
- When: Morning getting-ready scenes
- Perfect for: Dress hanging shots, bridal prep, detail photos
- Instagram gold: Luxury linens, antique furnishings, natural light
- Hashtag: #BridalSuite #GettingReady
10. The Five-Acre Grounds
- When: Couple portraits during cocktail hour
- Perfect for: Wandering couple shots, romantic strolls
- Instagram gold: Rolling lawns, dappled sunlight, endless backdrops
- Hashtag: #CountryEstate #RomanticWanderings
Pro Photography Tips:
Best Times for Photos:
- Morning: 9–11 AM (soft light, dewy gardens)
- Golden Hour: 4–6 PM summer, 3–5 PM winter (magical warm tones)
- Blue Hour: Just after sunset (romantic twilight shots)
Weather Backup Plans:
- Rain? The conservatory and grand lounge provide stunning indoor alternatives
- Overcast? Perfect for even, flattering light on the grounds
- Sunny? Dappled shade under sassafras trees prevents harsh shadows
Photographer’s Paradise: “Every corner of Ben Huon Manor is Instagram-worthy. I’ve shot over 100 weddings, and this venue gives me more usable shots per hour than anywhere else.” — Sarah M., Southern Highlands wedding photographer
Weekend Getaways South Coast & Southern Highlands
The Ultimate Escape Just 90 Minutes from Sydney
Ben Huon Manor redefines what a weekend getaway south coast experience can be. While technically in the Southern Highlands, you’re perfectly positioned between the mountains and the beach — 45 minutes to stunning south coast beaches, surrounded by the highlands’ rolling hills.
Your Weekend Getaway Itinerary:
Friday Evening:
- Depart Sydney at 4:30 PM (beat the traffic)
- Arrive at Ben Huon Manor by 6:30 PM
- Greeted by James with a welcome tour
- Discover the wine and gourmet cheeseboard waiting in the kitchen
- Settle into your luxurious bedroom with crisp linens
- Dinner by the roaring fireplace in the grand lounge
Saturday:
- Wake to fresh eggs from the property
- Coffee on the terrace overlooking manicured gardens
- Morning stroll through Robertson village (3 minutes away)
- Browse antique shops and cozy cafés
- Afternoon wine tasting at nearby Southern Highlands wineries
- Return for pre-dinner drinks on the lawn
- Optional: Arrange chef-prepared four-course dinner (James’s specialty!)
- Evening: Board games in the library, whisky by the fire
Sunday:
- Leisurely breakfast in the conservatory
- Explore the five acres of grounds
- Visit Carrington Falls (25-minute walk)
- Reluctantly check out, already planning your return
Why Ben Huon is the Best Weekend Getaway South Coast/Highlands:
- Complete relaxation in a child-free environment (adults only)
- Feels like a month-long European holiday condensed into 48 hours
- Complete privacy (James lives in separate quarters)
- Every modern convenience hidden within historical elegance
- Walk to Robertson village amenities or stay cocooned on the estate
Discover more Southern Highlands experiences and South Coast attractions to combine with your Ben Huon Manor stay.
Midweek Getaway & Luxury Stay Team Building
Transform Your Team with a Midweek Retreat
Corporate teams are discovering what makes Ben Huon Manor the ultimate luxury stay team building venue: you can’t replicate this experience in a hotel conference room.
Why Midweek Team Building Works at Ben Huon:
Monday-Wednesday Availability — Avoid weekend crowds and premium pricing
Undivided Attention — Exclusive use of the entire estate
Natural Collaboration Spaces — Library for strategy sessions, dining room for presentations, gardens for walking meetings
Privacy for Sensitive Discussions — No corporate neighbors or hotel interruptions
Accommodates Up to 10 — Perfect for executive teams, leadership groups, or creative departments
Sample Midweek Team Building Programs:
Executive Strategy Retreat (2 Days)
- Day 1 AM: Arrive Tuesday 10 AM, settle into bedrooms
- Day 1 Lunch: Working lunch in the grand dining room
- Day 1 PM: Strategy session in the library, breakouts in the lounge
- Day 1 Evening: Chef-prepared team dinner, informal discussions by the fire
- Day 2 AM: Morning session in the conservatory
- Day 2 PM: Walking meeting through the gardens, depart 3 PM
Creative Department Offsite (2 Days)
- Brainstorming in the light-filled conservatory
- Quiet focus time in individual rooms
- Group critiques around the grand dining table
- Evening creative exercises inspired by the Georgian setting
- Photography and design team projects using the estate as subject
Leadership Team Alignment (3 Days)
- Extended strategic planning away from office distractions
- Morning sessions, afternoon individual work time
- Formal dinners fostering team cohesion
- Full immersion in a setting that encourages big-picture thinking
What’s Included for Team Building:
- Exclusive use of entire manor and grounds
- 5 bedrooms accommodating 10 executives
- Multiple meeting spaces (formal and informal)
- Fully equipped kitchen (or arrange catering)
- Outdoor spaces for walking meetings
- WiFi throughout (when you need it)
- Fireplaces for evening team gatherings
- Complete privacy and discretion
Why Teams Choose Ben Huon for Luxury Stay Team Building:
The setting itself facilitates breakthrough thinking. When your CFO is taking a strategy call while strolling through grounds reminiscent of Downton Abbey, and your creative director finds inspiration in the Georgian architecture, magic happens.
“You can’t think small thoughts in a space this grand,” one CEO told James after a three-day executive retreat.
Team Building South Coast: Combine Work & Play
Position Ben Huon as your team building south coast base and add coastal activities:
Day 1: Arrive at Ben Huon, team strategy sessions
Day 2: Morning session, afternoon team activities at Kiama/Shoalhaven beaches (45 minutes)
Day 3: Wrap-up sessions, depart
The south coast beaches are close enough for afternoon team activities but far enough that you won’t be distracted from your retreat objectives.
The Culinary Experience
James Salmond isn’t just your host — he’s a trained chef who met his wife at cooking school in 1980. The culinary offerings at Ben Huon are legendary among guests.
Optional Dining Experiences:
- Four-Course Chef’s Dinner — James prepares restaurant-quality meals featuring creamy scallops in sage butter, rib-eye with red wine jus, house-made sorbets, and perfect fruit tarts
- Afternoon Tea — Traditional English afternoon tea in the garden or conservatory
- Grazing Boards — Gourmet charcuterie and cheese spreads for casual gatherings
- Fresh Eggs — Collect eggs from the property each morning
- Self-Catering — Fully equipped country kitchen for guest use
Guest review: “The four-course dinner James prepared was f**ing perfect. Not exaggerating.”*
Watch the VIDEO HERE
The Grounds & Surroundings
The Estate:
- 5 acres of manicured lawns and parkland
- Majestic sassafras trees (star-shaped blooms in spring)
- Multiple outdoor seating and dining areas
- Dappled sunlight and dancing tree shadows
- Stone finials and architectural details throughout
Robertson Village (3 minutes):
- Charming cafés and antique shops
- Local shopping and restaurants
- Historic village atmosphere
- Walking distance to some attractions
Nearby Attractions:
- Carrington Falls (25-minute walk)
- Southern Highlands wineries
- South coast beaches (45 minutes)
- Mittagong and Bowral towns
- Berry and Kangaroo Valley
Getting to Ben Huon Manor: The Cars on Demand Advantage
Special Offer: Sydney to Ben Huon Manor
Executive Sedan Transport: $345 Each Way
Why stress about driving when you can arrive in style and start your luxury experience the moment you leave Sydney?
The Cars on Demand Ben Huon Package Includes:
Executive Mercedes-Benz or BMW Sedan — Arrive in a vehicle that matches the manor’s elegance
Professional Chauffeur — Corporate-trained drivers who understand luxury service
Door-to-Door Service — Pickup from your Sydney address, delivery to Ben Huon’s front door
Real-Time GPS Tracking — Share your journey with family or colleagues
Phone Number Masking — Complete privacy protection
Secure Payment Processing — Bank-grade encryption with 2FA
Flexible Scheduling — Coordinate pickup times with your stay
Luggage Assistance — Driver helps with bags
Work or Relax En Route — 90-minute journey becomes productive or restful
Why Choose Chauffeur Service Over Driving:
For Weekend Getaways:
- Start your escape immediately (no Sydney traffic stress)
- Enjoy wine during your stay without designated driver worries
- Arrive relaxed, not road-weary
- No parking concerns or navigation
For Weddings:
- Bride and groom arrive/depart in style
- Guests can fully enjoy the celebration (and wine!)
- Professional service matches the occasion
- Perfect for Instagram wedding photos with luxury vehicle
For Team Building:
- Executives can work during the 90-minute journey
- Start strategizing before you even arrive
- No one misses the exit or gets lost
- Team arrives together and ready to engage
For Midweek Getaways:
- Use travel time productively on calls/laptop
- Return to Sydney fresh, not exhausted
- No Monday morning parking lot conversations about weekend traffic
Booking Your Transport:
Call: 1300 638 258 (mention “Ben Huon Manor Special”)
Book Online: carsondemand.link/register
WhatsApp: +61 402 931 766 (international guests)
Quote Code: BEN-HUON-345
Simply mention you’re traveling to Ben Huon Manor and request the $345 each-way special rate for executive sedan service.
When to Visit Ben Huon Manor
Spring (September-November):
- Sassafras trees bloom with yellow-green flowers
- Perfect for Instagram weddings
- Gardens at peak beauty
- Mild temperatures for outdoor ceremonies
Summer (December-February):
- Combine highlands stay with south coast beach visits
- Long daylight hours for photography
- Ideal for team building with outdoor activities
- Air conditioning throughout keeps you comfortable
Autumn (March-May):
- Spectacular foliage colors
- Cozy fireplace weather
- Best time for midweek getaways
- Wine harvest season in nearby highlands vineyards
Winter (June-August):
- Ultimate fireplace season
- Most romantic weekend getaway south coast timing
- Wood-fired oven in full use
- Perfect for intimate gatherings
Guest Experiences: What People Say
“10 Stars Out of 5” “From the initial welcome, to the charcuterie board on arrival (which was more of a buffet than anything else) to the amazing ‘in-house’ 4-course dinner on Saturday, to the crisp bed linen, to the lavish garden and sophisticated interiors — Ben Huon Manor experience was so amazing!!! The only thing that was disappointing was that the weekend had to come to an end!!” — Nellie
Wedding Testimonial: “James, our host, exemplified exceptional hospitality through his warmth, generosity, and kindness. Additionally, his culinary skills were remarkable, as he prepared exquisite meals on our wedding day. We highly recommend staying at Ben Huon Manor for anyone seeking a truly memorable experience. We will definitely be returning for a wedding anniversary in the future.”
Corporate Retreat: “Ben Huon Manor was one of the most extraordinary stays I’ve ever experienced! Located in the quiet and tranquil Robertson in the Southern Highlands, you have no reason to feel anything but relaxed! Every detail has been carefully thought out.”
First-Time Visitor: “You will pinch yourself you are staying here. It’s so bloody fancy, yet you feel so at home. This is exactly the Southern Highlands experience you want. Manicured gardens, glorious manor, fireplace, fresh eggs, and incredible hospitality. James is a treasure.”
Planning Your Ben Huon Manor Experience
For Instagram Weddings & Southern Highlands Boutique Weddings:
- Book Early — Intimate venue means limited availability
- Book Direct & Save — Use direct booking link to avoid third-party fees
- Visit First — Schedule a viewing to envision your day
- Coordinate Vendors — James can recommend photographers, celebrants, florists
- Plan Guest Accommodation — 10–12 guests can stay onsite
- Arrange Catering — Chef services or external caterers
- Book Transport — $345 Cars on Demand special for seamless arrivals
Contact: James Salmond via direct booking
For Weekend Getaways South Coast:
- Minimum 2-Night Weekend Stay
- Book Direct & Save — Use direct booking portal for best rates
- Plan Activities — Robertson village, wineries, coast, falls
- Arrange Transport — $345 each way with Cars on Demand
- Coordinate Meals — Self-cater or arrange chef services
For Midweek Getaway & Team Building South Coast:
- Monday-Wednesday Often Available
- Contact James Directly for corporate rates
- Discuss Catering Options — Full-service or self-sufficient
- Plan Agenda — Balance work sessions with relaxation
- Book Group Transport — Multiple vehicles available from Cars on Demand
For Luxury Stay Team Building:
- Exclusive Use Guaranteed — Entire estate for your team
- Flexible Check-In/Out — Accommodate your business schedule
- Technology Needs — WiFi available, discuss AV requirements
- Dietary Requirements — Communicate ahead for catering
- Team Transport — Coordinate pickups with Cars on Demand
Special Packages & Offers
The Complete Weekend Package
From Sydney:
- Cars on Demand executive sedan: $345 each way = $690
- 2-night Ben Huon Manor stay: Book direct for best rates
- Add chef’s dinner: Additional cost, arrange with James
- Total: Premium weekend escape with direct booking savings
The Wedding Weekend Package
Your Intimate Wedding:
- Friday arrival via Cars on Demand ($345)
- 2-night exclusive manor use — Book direct & save
- Chef-prepared wedding dinner
- Sunday departure via Cars on Demand ($345)
- Up to 12 guests accommodated onsite
- Result: Complete wedding weekend in Georgian luxury with direct booking savings
The Corporate Retreat Package
Midweek Excellence:
- Tuesday arrival, Wednesday departure (or extend)
- Exclusive use for 10 executives
- Multiple meeting spaces
- Catering options
- Coordinated transport for entire team
- Outcome: Productive retreat in inspiring surroundings
Key Information
Address: Robertson, Southern Highlands, NSW (exact address provided upon booking)
Distance from Sydney: 90 minutes / 2 hours depending on traffic
Distance from Canberra: 2 hours
Distance to South Coast Beaches: 45 minutes
Capacity: 10–12 guests (adults only, 13+ years)
Bedrooms: 5 (1 king ensuite, 2 queens sharing bath, 2 twins/kings with private baths)
Bathrooms: 4 luxury bathrooms
Check-In: Flexible, coordinate with James
Check-Out: Flexible, coordinate with James
Minimum Stay: 2 nights on weekends
Amenities:
- Fireplaces throughout
- Air conditioning
- Full kitchen facilities
- BBQ and outdoor dining
- Laundry facilities
- WiFi
- TV and entertainment
- Fresh flowers from gardens
- Luxury linens and robes
Not Suitable For:
- Children under 13
- Large events (12-guest maximum)
- Party/loud gatherings
Book Your Complete Experience
Step 1: Reserve Ben Huon Manor
Book Direct & Save: benhuonmanor.com.au/direct-bookings
Booking directly with Ben Huon Manor saves you money compared to third-party booking platforms
Alternative: Book via Airbnb if preferred
Step 2: Arrange Your Transport
Call Cars on Demand: 1300 638 258
Book Online: carsondemand.link/register
Quote: “Ben Huon Manor Special — $345 each way”
Step 3: Coordinate Details
- Pickup time from Sydney
- Return journey timing
- Any special requests
- Meal arrangements with James
Step 4: Arrive & Escape
Your luxury Southern Highlands experience begins the moment your chauffeur collects you from Sydney.
Share Your Ben Huon Experience
Ben Huon Manor is inherently Instagram-worthy. Every angle, every room, every garden view deserves to be captured and shared.
Instagram-Worthy Spots:
- The grand staircase (500 hours of craftsmanship!)
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views
- The duck-egg blue kitchen
- Library with amber-paged books
- Outdoor table settings under sassafras trees
- Georgian architectural details
- The hidden drawing room
- Fireplace scenes (especially winter)
- Morning light in the conservatory
Hashtag Suggestions: #BenHuonManor #SouthernHighlandsWedding #WeekendGetawaySouthCoast #BoutiqueWedding #SouthernHighlands #Robertson #InstagramWeddings #LuxuryStay #MidweekGetaway #TeamBuildingSouthCoast
Tag & Share:
- Tag @benhuonmanor on Instagram
- Share your experience on Southern Highlands tourism social media
- Use location tags for maximum visibility
Why Ben Huon Manor is Worth the Journey
In a world of cookie-cutter hotels and generic Airbnbs, Ben Huon Manor stands apart. This isn’t accommodation — it’s an experience that transports you across time and geography.
Whether you’re planning:
- Instagram weddings that your guests will never forget
- Weekend getaways south coast that feel like month-long European holidays
- Midweek getaways to recharge between hectic work weeks
- Team building south coast retreats that actually transform your team
- Luxury stay celebrations for milestone birthdays or anniversaries
- Southern highlands boutique weddings with intimacy and elegance
- South coast weddings with highlands sophistication
Ben Huon Manor delivers an experience that justifies every kilometer of the journey from Sydney.
And with Cars on Demand’s $345 each-way executive sedan service, that journey becomes part of the luxury — not a stressful prelude to it.
Ready to Book Your Escape?
Ben Huon Manor:
Contact: James Salmond
Book Direct & Save: benhuonmanor.com.au/direct-bookings
Direct booking saves you money vs third-party platforms
Cars on Demand Transport ($345 Special):
Phone: 1300 638 258
Online: carsondemand.link/register
WhatsApp: +61 402 931 766
Quote: “Ben Huon Manor — $345 Special”
Start planning your Southern Highlands escape today. Whether it’s an intimate wedding for 12, a weekend getaway for your closest friends, a midweek escape from reality, or a team building retreat that actually builds your team — Ben Huon Manor awaits.
Just 90 minutes from Sydney. A lifetime away from ordinary.
Cars on Demand has been providing premium airport transfers and executive transportation across Australia since 1990. We’re proud to partner with Ben Huon Manor to offer seamless travel experiences for weddings, corporate retreats, and luxury getaways. Book your $345 executive sedan service today and arrive at Ben Huon Manor in the style this magnificent estate deserves.
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