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Wentworth Falls

Accommodation in Wentworth Falls >> The Chalet Fontanelle (1898)

Wentworth Falls (population approximately 5,400) is a starting point for numerous walking tracks and scenic views of in the Blue Mountains.

Located 103km from Sydney via the Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls was given its current name in 1879 to honour William Wentworth, one of the party to make the first successful European crossing of the mountains in 1813.
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Town Features >>

Tarella Historic Cottage  ¦  on Blaxland Rd, 5 minutes drive from the Wentworth Falls shops
Built by Sydney lawyer, John McLaughlin, in 1890, Tarella remains in its original state and is now managed by the Blue Mountains Historic Society Inc.

Accommodation >>

The Chalet Fontanelle (1898)


The Chalet Fontanelle

The Gordon Childe Wing

History

One of the Blue Mountains' most significant heritage properties, The Chalet Fontanelle stands on the Blue Mountains escarpment where in 1836 Charles Darwin chronicled his vision of the majestic Wentworth Falls plunging 1,500 feet into the Jamison Valley. A view he wonderfully described as “a grand bay or gulf thickly covered with forest, and showing headland behind headland as on a bold sea-coast — quite novel, and extremely magnificent.”

The Chalet Fontanelle was built for the Reverend Stephen Childe and family of North Sydney in 1898 as a country summer house. It was home to his son Vere Gordon Childe, one of the world’s most famous and eminent prehistorians. The house was designed in Swiss alpine chalet style by the noted architect of the day, Edward Jeffreson Jackson, the architect who introduced the red tile roof to Sydney.

During its 108 years, The Chalet Fontanelle has been many things - summer house, family home, guesthouse, headmaster's residence and boarding school. Sadly neglected and left open to the elements during the 1980's, it was purchased in 1991 by its present owners and has undergone total restoration.

The Chalet Fontanelle is now an executive retreat offering luxurious and private accommodation in two spacious wings each with its own lounge room. The Charles Darwin Wing has open fireplaces, indulgent corner spa and enjoys exclusive use of the front balcony with views to Mount Solitary. The Gordon Childe Wing is north facing with two sunny sitting rooms, high up amongst the pine trees overlooking the fountains and extensive gardens.

What we offer

  • Tariff $290 to $490 per night per suite per night
  • Private lounge rooms
  • Central heating, TV, DVD & stereo
  • Quality furnishings & period fittings
  • Four acres of magnificent gardens
  • Adjoins National Park walking trails
  • Sweeping views
  • Country breakfasts
  • Self contained cottages available

Contact details

Address: 178 – 186 Falls Road, Wentworth Falls 2782 Contact: Bill and Maria McCabe
Phone: +61 2 4757 1449 Email: ChaletFontanelle@bigpond.com
Fax: +61 2 4757 1219 Website: Click here