If Bowral is the style capital of the Southern Highlands, then it makes perfect sense for it to be the home of uber designer Collette Dinnigan.
And one of the reasons Collette has chosen to live here, is that the other small towns around the Southern Highlands are filled with artisans – potters, weavers and winemakers.
We meet up with Collette at Ngununggula Gallery, a contemporary gallery space that was conceived, funded and supported by the community. It’s housed in the old dairy on the famous Retford Park estate, and the complete overhaul of the building has seen many of the original features retained.
Also on site at Ngununggula is the fabulous Hearth by Moonacres café, sourcing fresh local produce to create constantly changing menus in tune with the seasons. We tasted kohlrabi fritters with housemade pickles and a niçoise salad with white anchovies and Australian olives.
Next stop was Collette’s Mittagong shop in the old post office. The shop is crammed with wonderful homewares, many of which were either soured or inspired by her time in Italy.
Finally, we visited The Black Barn, Collette’s boutique accommodation just out of town, which is impeccably styled with many of the items found in the shop.
Come and check out Collette Dinnigan’s Southern Highlands. You’ll be doing it in style!
FOR MORE INFO:
Ngununggula Retford Park Southern Highlands Regional Gallery
Hearth by Moonacres
Collette Dinnigan Store
Black Barn Bowral
