A beloved coastal classic just got better

Bells at Killcare has a great story. Originally a B&B, it was remodelled by enigmatic ad man John Singleton, who sold it to his former property managers Karina and Brian Barry in 2017.

And after years of debating what to do with the land straddling the hotel, they have rolled the dice, creating four luxurious three-storey homes - Bouddi (our pick), Ironstone, Angophora and Banksia - cumulatively called The Lodges. They are run by energetic Emma Barry, who has Bells in the blood, she says, having worked with her hospo parents from a very young age.

Without ruining its special serenity, let me tell you that Killcare is one of the best places in the world. Set an hour or so north of Sydney and straddling the Bouddi National Park, it has a long beach, campground, couple of cafes and general store - and that's about it.

You can tour the roaming Bells' outdoor space with grounds manager/horticulturalist Meg Jackson - who is such a fan of Bells, she even spends holidays with her husband there - through the kitchen garden and past the chooks, flower beds, ponds, chill-out areas and fancy recycling system.

Karina clearly has passion, a flair for style and an eye for what travellers need. The homes sing coastal-meets-country chic, with luscious fabrics and textures, especially comfortable couches and beds, and underfloor heating. Big, thick towels and gowns hang on the chunky gold hooks, perfect for a soak in the enormous bath.

Style hasn't compromised utility though and thoughtful supplies abound. As one of the very first visitors (The Lodges officially opened in February), during a downpour, we sit by the fire and crack into the brand new board games provided.

Is there a better way to start the day than with a leisurely swim in a magnesium plunge pool, as newspaper, warm sourdough and new jams wait at the door? The roomy lodges have their own pools, day beds, laundry, kitchen, lounge and TV room, double bedrooms with huge ensuite bathrooms and a wonderful top deck with views all the way to Palm Beach and Sydney. There's a freezer full of ice and plenty of wine, beers, cocktails, teas and coffee.

Every day, the newspaper and fresh bread from the onsite bakery are quietly delivered. Everything else - really, we eat like kings - can be found in the kitchen, including pate, cold meats and smoked salmon, cheeses, chips and biscuits, anchovies, cornichons, olives, chocolates and so much more.

There is literally no need to leave in order to eat and drink - there's your huge aforementioned food stockpile, and Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells, under head chef Cameron Cansdell, is a triumph. In performative foodie art that really works in this location, two dishes (steak tartare and the crushed vacherin with strawberries, rhubarb and cream) are created by our table enabling great chats with our gorgeous surf-loving waiter/tableside chef.

While we eat, fairies turn down our bed and leave gold-wrapped chocolate fish on our pillows. The magnesium pool is lit up, bubbling and inviting, when we get home.

The rain doesn't stop us from taking on the famous Killcare to McMasters Beach walk, although we don't make it the whole 22 kilometres and by Ettalong, we've called the Bells concierge for their free pickup.

Definitely book into the Bouddi Signature Massage at the indulgent Bells Day Spa. Inspired by - with staff locally trained in - traditional Aboriginal wellness techniques (why don't more Australian spas do this?), it's a transformative experience.

Read more on Explore:

Where: The Lodges at Bells at Killcare, 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights, NSW

How much: $750 per person, per night, all-inclusive, based on four adults sharing. Minimum two-night stay. Children welcome.

Explore more: bellsatkillcare.com.au

The writer was a guest of The Lodges at Bells at Killcare.