After sitting vacant for nearly four decades, the iconic Burnham Beeches mansion in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges is set for a remarkable $120 million transformation into Australia’s first Six Senses resort.
Art Deco Icon Returns to Life
Located just 40 kilometres from Melbourne, Burnham Beeches represents one of Australia’s finest examples of domestic Art Deco architecture. Designed by renowned architect Harry Norris in 1933 for the Nicholas ‘Aspro’ family, the three-storey mansion’s ocean liner aesthetic has weathered a complex history as a private residence, children’s hospital, medical research centre, and briefly a luxury hotel before sitting vacant for 39 years.
The Trenerry Consortium – comprising the Victor Smorgon Group, Kanat Group, and Trenerry Property – is leading the ambitious restoration. The same team behind Sorrento’s successful Continental Hotel transformation brings world-class expertise to this heritage preservation project.
‘We now have a dedicated team passionate about activating the site as it was always intended to be,’ says Trenerry Director Robert Dicintio.
Luxury Meets Sustainability
Six Senses’ first Australian venture marks a significant milestone for the brand, which manages 20 hotels across 17 countries with a reputation for sustainability and regenerative tourism.
‘For Six Senses Burnham Beeches to be regenerative, it will not be a static place,’ explains Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs. ‘We’ll bring the rich heritage to life, inviting moments of exploration, discovery, and connection to nature.’
The restored 22-hectare estate will feature 43 carefully designed accommodations across the mansion’s three wings, each showcasing rustic-luxe aesthetics that honour the original 1930s Art Deco design. A separate two-bedroom cottage in the Hilltop Retreat and premium glamping facilities will expand capacity to 82 keys, subject to planning approval.
Wellness and Dining Excellence
The comprehensive Six Senses Spa on the mansion’s lower level will offer treatment rooms, gym, hydro area, sauna, and relaxation spaces with garden views. The innovative Earth Lab in the pool house complex reflects the brand’s commitment to serving both guests and local ecosystems.
The Village Square serves as the estate’s heart, featuring The Hearth restaurant, The Barn, Steak House, artisanal Baker, Brew House, and Providore. Farm gardens will supply fresh produce, whilst the herb garden provides ingredients for spa treatments and culinary experiences.
Within the mansion, guests can enjoy the Nicholas Hall Library bar, restaurant with outdoor seating, and a rooftop retreat surrounded by garden planters.
Heritage and Community
The restoration embraces cultural recognition through walking trails connecting to Sherbrooke Forest and Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Art, architecture, and landscaping throughout will incorporate historical and indigenous stories from the Wurundjeri and Kulin nation lands.
Sophie Paterson, great-granddaughter of original owner Alfred Nicholas, serves as community liaison consultant. ‘As a family, we are excited at the prospect of our beloved home finally being restored,’ she explains. ‘We could not be more pleased with Six Senses as its new custodians.’
Timeline and Access
Heritage Victoria and Yarra Ranges Council have approved the masterplan, with construction beginning October 2023. Woods Bagot leads architectural restoration, Hamilton Marino manages construction, and Oculus handles landscape architecture.
Subject to continued stakeholder support, Six Senses Burnham Beeches is scheduled to welcome guests in mid-2025, marking a new chapter in Australian luxury hospitality that seamlessly blends heritage preservation with world-class amenities.
Ready to Experience Six Senses Burnham Beeches?
Stay updated on this exciting development by visiting sixsenses.com or burnhambeeches.com.au for the latest news and opening announcements. When this exclusive Dandenong Ranges retreat opens its doors, make your arrival as memorable as your stay with Adagold Aviation’s personalised charter services – the perfect way to reach this luxury mountain escape from Melbourne.
