Sona Molong
Once an old bank, Pip Brett and Nick Luelf’s new boutique accommodation in NSW’s Central Tablelands region is a luxurious and stunning getaway destination.
Photography: Milly Mead, Clancy Paine & Pip Brett
‘This is our take on modern Australian design—we wanted to create a home that functioned as beautifully as it looked,’ says Pip Brett. Photo: Pip Brett
Sona Molong is the ultimate backdrop for long delicious lunches and chats by the fireplace. Photo: Milly Mead
The interior has a soft and subdued quality, leaning in to the building’s history. Photo: Milly Mead
‘The twisting columns, fan shells over windows, original safe room and the pressed tin ceilings got us very excited. The feeling of the space is very special. I think it’s something that a building has or doesn’t.’ Photo: Pip Brett
‘The high ceilings and the light dancing through the sheer cafe curtains are ultra special.’ Photo: Pip Brett
‘We really wanted to celebrate the features of the old bank and bank manager’s house, rather than hide or delete them. It is the character of the building that first drew us to fall in love with it.’ Photo: Milly Mead
‘Molong is twenty five minutes from Orange and Nick I have been looking at property there for a number of years, as it feels like something magical is happening in that village—it’s a buzz with activity, history and beauty. I think it’s going to be the next big thing,’ says Pip Brett, pictured with her husband, Nick Luelf. Photo: Clancy Paine
When founder and owner of homeware and lifestyle brand Jumbled, Pip Brett and her builder husband, Nick Luelf, first drove past an old 1930s Commonwealth Bank branch in Molong, in NSW’s Central Tablelands region, it was a case of love at first sight.
Having just completed renovations on their ‘forever home’ on the outskirts of Orange, the couple serendipitously stumbled on the location just as they were starting to look for their next passion project. ‘Over a wine we started looking online and saw that the old Commonwealth Bank is Molong was for sale—we drove straight over and instantly fell in love. After about ten minutes there, Nick said, “I love it. I think we need to get it.” It was love at first sight. No joke,’ shares Pip.
Drawn to the unique Mediterranean Art Deco style of the building, which was originally built by architect Edward Hubert Henderson, the couple worked with Felicity Slattery from Studio Esteta, their third project together, to bring the building back to life. ‘We make the best team. Nick is function, I am form and Felicity is the brains. We love working with her and have just started plans for our fourth renovation together this week,’ says Pip.
During the design process, it was important for Pip and Nick to pay homage to the history of the building and its heritage features, creating a luxurious yet relaxed interior for guests. ‘This is our take on modern Australian design. We wanted to create a home that functioned as beautifully as it looked,’ she says.
Original design elements that shine and have been lovingly restored include the barley twist columns, decorative fan shells over windows, the original safe room and the pressed tin ceilings. ‘The feeling of the space is very special—I think it’s something that a building has or doesn’t,’ Pip adds.
The original bank has been transformed into a beautiful open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, making it a dream to cook and entertain in. The bank vault has been repurposed into a butler’s pantry, transforming it into a space where you can make your morning espresso and toast. ‘The high ceilings and the light dancing through the sheer cafe curtains are ultra special,’ says Pip.
Sona Molong sleeps up to 10 guests, making it the perfect destination for family and friends. The space is flexible with the option to make it more intimate and also accommodate smaller bookings. ‘It is the ultimate backdrop for long delicious lunches and chats by the fire with wine and marshmallows—we spent a lot of time making sure that you will have the ultimate nights sleep when you stay at Sona,’ shares Pip.
And if you’re up for a day out, Molong is the perfect base to explore the Central West; from the wineries, Animals on Bikes sculpture trail, Wellington Caves to Dubbo Zoo. ‘Our guests have also fallen in love with the village of Molong. Wander the streets, linger in the cafes, feast at the pub, shop up a storm. Relax, unwind and breathe in the country air with the perfect village escape.’
Book your stay at Sona Molong here.
The beautiful and fully equipped kitchen is equipped so ‘you can either cook up a storm or we can help arrange a chef to come instead,’ says Pip Brett. Photo: Pip Brett
Design details at Sona Molong. Photo: Milly Mead
Photo: Milly Mead
The original exterior of the Mediterranean Art Deco style building features decorative barley twist columns and fan shells over windows. Photo: Milly Mead
“We wanted to create a space that paid homage to the history of the building and its heritage features. It feels luxurious and relaxed at the same time.”
One of three luxury bathrooms at Sona Molong. Photo: Milly Mead
Sona Molong sleeps up to 10 guests and is the perfect escape destination for family and friends. Photo: Clancy Paine
Each of the five bedrooms has a unique feel, each with its own custom designed bedhead. Photo: Clancy Paine
‘We wanted to create a space that paid homage to the history of the building and its heritage features.’ Photo: Clancy Paine