Originally hand built by convicts in 1844, Taylor's Crown Inn is relaunching in May 2021 as the Berrima Vault House, a contemporary, historic 5-star hospitality venue, members club and boutique accomodation, in the heart of the Southern Highlands, NSW.

Positioned to feel like you belong, Berrima Vault House will be a creative space to enjoy the things in life that matter: a place to relax, have fun, and explore the countryside - or work remotely from a heritage listed building in Australia's best preserved Georgian village.  

With corporate Australia allowing more work/life flexibility, the retreat to scenic rural areas in search of a better lifestyle balance is now a reality. Berrima Vault House has been designed for those who no longer need to be based in the city, but still want a place to work, play and stay. Our aim is to build a community of like-minded people with positive attitudes to appreciate progressive hospitality and lifestyle balance, regardless of age, gender or geography.

With an in-house concierge, members and guests can access a range of activities, services and social settings including boutique accommodation, change room facilities, club lounges, gardens, jail cells transformed into intimate private dining rooms, meeting spaces, cultural event programming and access to luxury brand partners. A village-shop-of-the-future will retail limited edition and bespoke lifestyle items. 

As one of Australia's oldest public houses, wine storage vaults, and heritage locations, Berrima Vault House is being reimagined and restored by a team of local and global experts. 

Leading the revitalisation is CEO Si Philby, founder of Background Creative Counsel and a Southern Highlands resident, who has collaborated with fellow local residents Paul Nemeth and Oliver Peagam on the project. 

“When I first saw this building it was clear there was a special canvas to work with,” says Si. “The property has a series of spaces - including unseen rooms that have stood the test of time - with unbelievable history. We have curated a specific team with local expertise and world class credentials, to bring the building back to life for the 21st century.”

Jason Cooley, the former Area General Manager of QT Hotels, interior design firm CP&Co, Mark Takla of Paramount Trade Group, and Stuart Holt, CEO of Javelin Block, the Royal award-winning UK architecture and design company, are all integral to the project, along with Dan Flower, former global creative director of Soho House. 

“Having launched houses in West Hollywood, Berlin, Miami and London, the opportunity to help Si and his team is a no brainer,” says Dan. “I love Australia, the building is phenomenal, and the concept is bang on for how people want to work and play these days. Despite the C word, there's no better time for new forms of hospitality in places outside of cities.” 

Escaping to the country has taken on a whole new meaning in the last year and Berrima Vault House will offer the perfect antidote to city life. As a drawcard destination to the Southern Highlands for local, interstate and international visitors, the Berrima Vault House experience will showcase local suppliers and producers to support and connect the Southern Highlands economy, injecting new waves of visitation to the area.

Stuart Holt from Javelin Block says “I've been to Berrima and know the building. All the bones are there. It's a less is more approach. Respect the history, understand the present and reanimate it for the future. I'm looking forward to some tomfoolery in the jail cells.”

Whether guests are looking for a place to work, rest, stay or play, Berrima Vault House is set to become a much sought-after destination, and a home away from home.