Nestled in the bush of Mount White and only an hour from Sydney, is a 10 hectare property that replicates a sprawling Australian homestead.  Saddles, by John Singleton and Andrew Dickson Architects is a bakehouse and dining venue that is inspired by the surrounding bush landscape and the craftsmanship of saddle making.

Taking the lead on the interior design was Michelle Leslie of Michelle Leslie Design (MLD).  The brief was to remain true to the surroundings, with the idea to use humble, authentic and handmade materials and fabric, along with carefully curated pieces of bespoke furniture.

“A combination of Mokum and James Dunlop fabrics were specified throughout.  They were chosen for their beautiful handle and wide colour palette.”

Michelle’s inspiration was and always is, to keep the interiors harmonious with the landscape.  It was important to enhance the authentic experience of the venue with luxuriously crafted interiors while still allowing the focus to be the natural ambience of the surrounds. MLD worked with local artisans and craftsmen to use stones from the nearby quarry as well as other locally sourced materials for the interior design.

Featured in the restaurant is a brass scalloped bar that is complimented with bespoke saddle stools by artisan saddler Heath Harris, who has worked with John Singleton in crafting saddles for his nearby Strawberry Hills Stud.  This dining area overlooks a waterfall feature, a sandstone fireplace and piano bar.

A neutral coloured couch in Lusk by James Dunlop anchors the central fireplace area in a textured linen look, complimented by scatter cushions upholstered in a tailored yet complex weave in Souk by Mokum. Velvet dining chairs in Chateau by James Dunlop adds understated elegance while the wall to wall windows are framed in a soft linen effect fabric with Envoy 2 by James Dunlop. A private dining room/boardroom features Catherine Martin for Mokum.

The colour palette choices were selected to compliment the natural ambiance within and around the venue.  The fabrics are durable and meet the requirements of a high end and high traffic commercial environment. Saddles Mount White has been awarded ™ Conde Nast Most Beautiful Restaurant in the world 2019 and ™ Best Restaurants of Australia 2019.

Photography: Brigid Arnott

Products Used:
Chateau, col. Tussock by James Dunlop
Envoy 2, col. Oyster by James Dunlop
Lusk, col. Parched by James Dunlop
Souk, col Marble by Mokum
La Palma, col. Gilver by Catherine Martin for Mokum