There’s something so luscious about a cherry; a singular morsel bursting with flavour, meant to be savoured.

The same could be said about the cottages at Basalt—a luxury retreat tucked into the rolling hills just outside Orange, NSW, surrounded by cherry orchards that have been maintained by a family for generations. Much like the fruit it’s nestled amongst, Basalt offers a secluded experience of richness, simplicity, and place.

On clear nights, the in-room telescope offers front-row access to the stars above. I was lucky enough to witness a lunar eclipse while staying—an unforgettable moment made even more surreal by the clarity of the night sky.

Basalt’s story isn’t the result of big business or long-term strategy—it began with a birthday campout during COVID lockdown. Simon and his family took their kids up to an overgrown paddock and spent a night under the stars. “We woke up at sunrise and just looked at each other,” he told me. “We knew we had to do something with this.”

From that moment came the vision for Basalt. With the help of Mudgee-based architect Cameron Anderson, the family designed three standalone studios that would honour the view and the land. Inspired by the grafting techniques used in cherry orchards, the buildings feature sharp lines and subtle angles, creating a dialogue between architecture and agriculture. The result is seamless: the landscape feels like part of the room, and the room feels like part of the landscape.

Despite its seclusion, Basalt doesn’t let you feel disconnected. Every touchpoint is thoughtfully local—Academy Roasters coffee, Orange sourdough, local tea and spreads, and even marshmallows for toasting over the communal fire pit, which sits just behind the studios. In cooler months, I imagine it’s where friendships deepen and stories are shared.

This may be what struck me most about Basalt: beyond the architecture and breathtaking views, it is deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. Simon and his family don’t just live on this land—they live with it. And they’re passionate about giving back.

Recently, three local artists were invited to paint the view from each studio’s deck. The works will now be auctioned off, each accompanied by a two-night stay at Basalt, with all proceeds going to three local charities. “We’re all about supporting local,” Simon said. “We want to shine a light on the people having a go—farmers, artists, orchardists—everyone who makes this community what it is.”

When I asked Simon what he most hoped guests would experience at Basalt, he didn’t hesitate. “We want them to feel at home, but elevated—luxury that doesn’t ask you to behave a certain way.”

That’s exactly what I found at Basalt: an invitation to unwind, to reconnect, to sink into a slower rhythm and rediscover the things that matter. It’s luxurious, yes—but not because of opulence. It’s luxurious because of how it makes you feel: calm, cared for, and completely yourself.

Basalt is more than a getaway. It’s a testament to what can happen when dreams are pursued, land is honoured, and community is cherished.

Just like a cherry—sweet, vivid, and fleeting—it’s something to be savoured.