Logan Brae Retreats
Asia Upward and her husband, Sam Edwards, were craving an escape from the city, so they designed Logan Brae Retreats – a series of boutique cabins in the Blue Mountains, to share with others feeling the same pull to nature.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Hande Renshaw & Asia Upward
Inside Woodland Cabin. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Rolling hills, endless farms, and iconic Australian bush create an awe-inspiring view. Views matter to us; they define our holiday experience. When property hunting, it's all about that unbeatable view!,’ says Asia Upward. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘We took on the challenge of renovating the existing structures, reimagining their appearance and refining the interior spaces to craft a one-of-a-kind, inviting guest experience.’ Photo: Asia Upward
“Unwinding can be tough, but the benefits are vast. This fuels my passion for providing guests with the same. I aim for our cabins to offer profound peace and relaxation. It’s an escape, a recharge, a transformative nature connection I want them to experience.”
Logan Brae Retreats draws inspiration from American log cabins and Southwestern style. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘The ultimate aim was to construct a space that not only visually captivates, but also infuses a sense of spirited enjoyment, effectively transporting visitors to a new world of leisure and delight.’ Photo: Asia Upward
An outdoor bath sits outside a cabin. Photo: Asia Upward
‘By integrating whimsical features like cargo net hammocks near the mineral plunge pool, I tapped into the childlike wonder within all of us.’ Photo: Asia Upward
Woodland Cabin is perched high at Mt Kanimbla. Photo: Hande Renshaw
‘Views matter to us; they define our holiday experience. When property hunting, it's all about that unbeatable view!’ Photo: Asia Upward
As with many city dwellers who crave the chance to escape the busy hustle, Asia Upward and her husband, Sam Edwards felt a calling to completely switch off and become immersed in nature.
‘Living in Sydney and working 7am to 5pm left me with little personal time. Struggling to feel grounded, I found my true self in nature – it’s has an incredible healing power, which reconnects both with oneself and others,’ says Asia.
Asia and Sam decided to renovate a set of boutique cabins in the Blue Mountains – a place where they could completely shut off and also offer the same for guests craving the same.
‘My husband and I were the creative minds behind the design of the cabins. We took on the challenge of renovating the existing structures, reimagining their appearance and refining the interior spaces to craft a one-of-a-kind, inviting guest experience.’
The couple chose Mt Kanimbla for Logan Brae Retreats for its uniquely stunning landscape. ‘Rolling hills, endless farms, and iconic Australian bush create an awe-inspiring view. Views matter to us; they define our holiday experience. When property hunting, it's all about that unbeatable view!’ says Asia.
Logan Brae Retreats includes four cabins: The Machinery Shed, Woodland Cabin, Hilltop Cabin and The Lodge. Asia was specifically drawn to inspiration from American log cabins and Southwestern style when designing the boutique cabins.
‘The design strikes a balance between comfort, opulence, and a touch of playful exuberance. The ultimate aim was to construct a space that not only visually captivates but also infuses a sense of spirited enjoyment, effectively transporting visitors to a new world of leisure and delight,’ shares Asia.
If you choose to venture out – the outdoor adventures are literally on the doorstep: hikes, exploring national parks, canyoning, and rock climbing. There are also beautiful wineries in Megalong Valley if your preference is to slow down.
‘If you're up for it, there’s also horse riding in Kanimbla Valley, or exploring Jenolan Caves, Mayfield Gardens, and the mesmerizing glow worm tunnels. There's a plethora of exciting things to keep everyone entertained!’