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.
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 accommodation
with Ruffles Lodge today.
