Country Guesthouse Schonegg

- A Taste of Europe on The Bush Capital's Doorstep

Champ Magazine was invited to check out Country Guesthouse Schonegg, just outside Canberra, Australia. This award-winning Bed and Breakfast has style, art, sumptuous accommodation and gourmet, international cuisine that is worthy of a premiere restaurant. Let me take you through Schonegg and showcase what you should come and experience for yourself.

On Arrival

As soon as you arrive at Schonegg you feel the city or travel pressures disappear. It is a lovely estate-sized property, with enough rural influence to make you feel away from it all and a style that makes you feel like you are at a modern, contemporary establishment. It has all the trimmings and attention to detail of a modern, european-style guesthouse.

Cafe Schonegg - More than a Cafe

Cafe Schonegg offers truly gourmet food. While modestly named as a Cafe, Schonegg delivered a world-class gourmet lunch.

Rooms...

The rooms at Schonegg were delightful. They were clean, stylish and luxurious with a light and breezy aspect that had a view of the Australian rural landscape. The room was more than I expected for a rural B&B - really on par with some of the more exclusive hotels I have stayed in during visits to Dubai and Europe.

All of Schonegg's rooms are fitted out with a modern bathroom featuring a spa bath. The fixtures, craftsmanship and attention to detail are that of a European health spa rather than rural retreat. This may sound like high praise, however, in comparison to my experience at a $US500 per night hotel resort and spa in Dubai, Schonegg comes up ahead.

...With A View!

Each room at Schonegg backs onto the sweeping rural landscape of Australia's Southern Tablelands. Enough said - enjoy the wide open space and fresh air.

Art Gallery and Sculptures

The grounds at Schonegg feature strong, modernist sculpture, reminiscent of Berlin or the Bauhaus. It is a vision splendid - soft, asiatic screens with flowers and climbing plants, rugged countryside backdrops with well-placed pieces of modern art.

The Cafe Schonegg doubles as an art gallery, allowing visitors to access some unique artwork. Additionally, Schonegg's rooms each display the work of local artists. There are numerous genres including Impressionism, Aboriginal and Modern art. If you are artistically inclined or appreciate variety and contrast, Schonegg is certainly a small boutique art house worth visiting. While I have given you a glimpse at the outdoor sculptures and a few hints to what is on offer in the photos, I won't spoil the surprise. The best way to see art is for yourself.

Schonegg Entertaining

Schonegg has a very stylish entertaining room which offers more than separate rooms if groups wish to get together. Stocked with board games, poker cards, a television, DVD player and a mix of contemporary and antique furniture, this would be a nice place to get together, relax or spend a rainy day.

The order of champagne on arrival was in the room, accompanied by fresh lilies and local artwork- all style.

Schonegg prides itself on the use of local, fresh produce. This fillet of local Galloway Beef with fresh jacket beans and cherry tomatoes - traditional and refined.

From the traditional, to the international. Schonegg entices you with exotic dishes like citrus duck on rocket and udon noodles. Delicate and refreshing. Hinting influences from Indochina. Definitely one to have again.

For those like me who have the "dessert stomach", there is always room to try something sweet. The moist chocolate brownies with ice cream are just the right size.

Whether it is a 3-course meal or this cheesecake and cafe latte, Schonegg is pleasure. The food is elegant and has subtle, fresh flavours.

Sitting outside in the garden courtyard at Cafe Schonegg was relaxing amongst the flowers and in the fresh air.

Schonegg's gardens are lovely to spend time in. With a range of flowers, fresh air and blue skies, it is relaxing to walk, and pass the time.

Getting There

Schonegg is 30 minutes from Canberra or approx. 3 hours from Sydney by car. It is simple to navigate. The map below shows the route to Schonegg, on the way to the renowned Helm's Winery at Murrumbateman.

Bookings & Contact Info

Schonegg's owners and hosts Richard and Evelyn Everson are awaiting you. You can contact Schonegg directly on (02) 6227 0344 or go to their website at:

David B

Editor, Champ Magazine