When we decided to build RUFFLES our first choice of architect was Chris Beckingham, well known for his beautiful homes and retreats in the tourist area of the Whitsundays. Our first challenge was to persuade him to accept a commission well south of his stamping ground. We felt sure that if he would agree to visit the site he would accept the challenge of such a beautiful place, in-fact the completed lodge follows closely his original concept from that first visit to the site.
When Chris first started work on Ruffles he had been responsible for 9 of the beautiful homes in the hills around the marina and hotel on Hamilton Island. He has now designed and built 16. His latest achievement has been the beautiful QUALIA, a 60 Pavilion 5 star Lodge built on North Point. When we were ready to start the design work on stage two of Ruffles, Chris had just been commissioned by Bob Oatley, the owner of Hamilton Island to design QUALIA so was unable to find the time to do more work for us. We then turned to our old friend Reg Smith, a senior partner with the large Sydney Architects, Allen Jack + Cottier. It was to our advantage that Reg was the partner responsible for their Brisbane office. Another major advantage to us was their experience gained when AJ+C designed ELYSIA, the award winning Spa and Health Retreat in the Hunter Valley. We have been extremely happy with their design of a state of the art Day Spa, Owners Cottage and 3 new Villas complete with their own plunge pools.
Ruffles - nature and luxury combine for perfect romantic getaways and executive retreats
At Ruffles our day spa, luxury accommodation and immersion in the wonders of nature combine to make it the perfect venue for all kinds of getaways and occasions, from romantic weekends to executive retreats and weddings, we have designed Ruffles with you in mind!
The main building is an extension of the Queenslander style with large veranda, stone walls, high ceilings and beautiful timbers. The use of aged timbers re-milled from 100-year-old wharves along the Brisbane river, add to the charm. The dining and lounge area is an ideal place for meeting before dinner. The large covered terrace also provides another place for dining during the warmer months and the poolside gazebo with its wood-fired oven is yet another great place for dinner or breakfast with views east across rambling hills to the ocean. The "garden gazebo", situated on a raised knoll with views in all directions and the sun all day, is an ideal place to relax with a book, enjoy a coffee or a complimentary drink from the fridge.
Located in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland, the Luxury 5 star Ruffles Lodge is sure to please with its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful secenery. Reserve your luxury accommodation with Ruffles Lodge today.
The Gardens
Ruffles Lodge has been built on 50 acres with 3 acres of garden and parklands, bush and forest of the Gold Coast HInterland as our neighbors. The tranquility and peace a beautiful garden instills is enhanced by the birds and animals that native plants and shrubs encourage. This is only enhanced by the inclusion of several water features, making it both a relaxing and inspiring place for executive retreats and other important occasions. For the golfing enthusiast there is a "par 3" golf hole with bunker, putting and chipping areas. Special attention has been paid to walks, whether it is the 1km track that surrounds the lodge or the extensive network of trails that extend for miles into the bush and forest surrounding the property. It makes for a very special private place from the moment you enter the security gate and drive the 1km to the lodge.
