It’s not often that you find a property that invokes such style, sophistication and elegance without appearing pretentious.

bellachara boutique hotel in Gerringong does just that though…and it’s only a mere 90 minute drive from the city of Sydney.

You wouldn’t know it was so close to the city though, as the moment that you spot that gorgeous ‘Century Gothic’ signage and enter the driveway, you may as well be in the Italian countryside.

Something that strikes me is the attention to detail throughout the property. Dedicated creator and operator, Greg Currie, has certainly had a hand in every little part of this hotel.

The elegant black and white theming is highlighted by flashes of red and I find myself wishing that the weather would clear up so that I can take advantage of a spot on a sun lounge by the pool.

Check in is a very personalised experience and I escape the rain in the beautiful reception area where the staff highlight the features of the property including, the ‘belladayspa’ that is sounding very tempting on this wet day.

We make our way to our ‘Garden Room’ which overlooks the second pool on the property and the gorgeous rolling green countryside that is dotted with sheep and cows grazing.

The bold black and white stripes may be overpowering for some but I am completely enamored and consider wallpapering my apartment!

Everything is so crisp and clean and the tealight candles lit around the room envoke such a welcoming vibe.

A kitchenette complete with dishwasher and very spacious bathroom, featuring a generous sized bath, topped off the amenities in what would be our home overnight.

A large screen TV with a selection of Foxtel channels keep mum and I entertained while we get ready for our date with Monica Trapaga at bellachara’s ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ event in their restaurant that evening.

This property has truly captured the marketing mix perfectly.

From the streamlined design elements to the personalised service, the exquisite food offering to the special events…management really had all bases covered!

We head to the restaurant and are welcomed by smooth jazz and a warm atmosphere complete with bright red candlesticks and ambient lighting.

Ready for a trip down memory lane with the lady who had read ‘me’ so many stories during her time with ‘Playschool’ we were surprised at just how comfortable everyone seemed.

Were we in Monica’s lounge room rather than the bellachara restaurant?

Were we sitting around having a jam session and sharing tales with friends we’ve known for years or with a group of complete strangers and a wonderful woman who entertained me during my childhood?

Oh the stories that we were regaled with…

Monica told us of her time in New York City, shared stories of love, loss and life and truly engaged us on this wild, windy and wet evening in Gerringong.

Spoiling us with recipes from her cookbook “She’s Leaving Home”, we dined on true soul satisfying food including tapas, slow cooked sticky lamp shanks and Grandma Mary’s ‘Sans Rival Cake’.

A few more songs and mum and I are ready to retire to our room…and that fabulously large bed.

Another rainy day greeted us but, rather than mute the mood of the night before, bellachara cocooned us in a feeling of ultimate relaxation…and then there was the breakfast buffet.

A glorious selection of fruit, yoghurts, eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausages and oh so much more welcomed us in the restaurant, which I learnt had been converted from a barn and built in 1891!

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast followed by some time curled up reading the complimentary paper before we bid adieu to bellachara and promised to return…in nicer weather.

Journalist note: I stayed at bellachara boutique hotel whilst it was being operated by the very talented Greg Currie. The property has been renamed and will be known as the Mercure Gerringong headed up by acting general manager Michael Eggers, formerly of the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach.