Nestled in a picturesque spot in Tenterfield, just a short walk from the main street of town is a stunning early 1900’s Queenslander called the Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel. Home to one of the region’s most sort after B&B venues, The Bungalow is a true slice of country paradise.
Pretty as a picture, the only two things more beautiful than the house itself, are its surrounding gardens, and the warm hospitality of its owner Kim Thompson.
After moving to Tenterfield from Syndey in 2007, Ms Thompson found the property in 2010 and instantly saw the potential.
“The house needed a lot of love when we bought it – and then pretty shortly after purchase life turned everything upside down – I went through a divorce and then got diagnosed with life-threatening cancer,” said Ms Thompson.
“At the time I was given less thsan 12 months to live so I threw myself into the gardens. People always talk about the benefits of nature and meditating and I think that was my meditation on a large scale – making those gardens beautiful got me through.”
Having battled against the odds Ms Thompson found herself with a big, recently renovated house, surrounded by stunning gardens but she wanted people to share them with.
“In 2018, my plans for the house really evolved and I decided to open the B&B so that I could share it with people. And I think my reasons behind opening my house as a B&B are what make it unique, it’s more than just a business to me,” said Ms Thompson.
“At my heart I’m a really social person and I love nature so having The Bungalow as a B&B really gives me the chance to combine those two things and I get to meet the most beautiful people.”
The Bungalow is now a relaxing, warm, homely space, available to rent for couples or small adult groups of up to four people.
One of the biggest challenges about the property, is also what makes The Bungalow such a special experience – it’s stunning gardens which sprawl across the nearly 1.5acre block.
“There is a real skill to gardening on such a large scale,” said Ms Thompson.
“I remember how much I used to stress about maintaining my little urban block in Syndey but here I am now managing all of this mostly on my own.”
My Thompson credits her relatively new found talents to Carolyn Robinson, the then owner of Glenrock Gardens.
“I’ve since done a horticulture course, but when I first moved to Tenterfield I was doing some work for Carolyn Robinson helping with Glenrock Gardens and really she taught me everything I know now and what I apply to The Bungalow,” said Ms Thompson.
Asides from holding open gardens from time to time, Ms Thomspon is now offering her stunning gardens as a backdrop for weddings and events.
“I’ve teamed up with Inspired By You Events to help out with any equipment hire that people might need and it’s been going really well,” said Ms Thompson.
“Tiny weddings are my favourite, they’re always so beautiful.”
On top of gardening, B&B management and now events, Ms Thomspon also manages all the cleaning and maintenance for the property herself.
“It’s not only just about making sure that the property is always up to my standards, it’s also about providing that personal touch and warmth that I think a good B&B should have,” said Ms Thompson.
“I’m always mindful of giving people their space but I also want to be here to greet them, and here to say goodbye, and above all I want The Bungalow to feel like it’s their place for the duration of their stay – it’s their home away from home.”
Ms Thompson’s warmth and welcoming spirit is one that she feels is echoed by the community of Tenterfield as a whole. Her love for the township is another part of what keeps her so driven to uphold The Bungalow as an exemplar for the industry.
“I try to be as involved in the community as possible. I’m a member of the Chamber of Commerce and we’re working on a bit of a rebrand for the town at the moment, it’s gone through a period of growth and I think it’s got great things ahead, especially in the field of tourism,” said Ms Thompson.
“At the heart of it, really it’s such an amazing town, filled with the most wonderful warm people who all work together.”
“The Tenterfield community is a part of my survival, they’ve got me through the hard times.”
“My heart goes out to the town and its people for opening their hearts to me, and I’m so pleased to be able to do the same for my guests when they visit.”
For more information about The Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel, visit their website.
Top image: The Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel and a small portion of the extensive gardens. (Lara Flanagan: supplied)
The Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel was voted by New England Times readers as the Best Accommodation in the New England 2024.
See the other winners and more details about this promotion.