THE RIO APARTMENTS: LOCKHART
158 Green Street Lockhart NSW 2656 Tel 02 69204116 email [email protected]
THE RIO – once Lockhart’s magnificent picture theatre - is now a charming boutique retreat with three unique holiday rentals combining the glitz and splendor of yesteryear with every modern convenience and comfort. Massive exposed beams rival painted ceilings, shinning timber floors dov
etail with luxurious carpets, eclectic decore with farm sculpture, theatre memorabilia and art combine with internet access, free local and national telephone services provide an inviting respite in one of the friendliest country towns in NSW. THE LOFT
If the conventional and bland is not your style in holiday rentals, come and stay at the Loft. It offers a one of a kind experience in rural NSW. It is a one bedroom spacious, fully self-contained luxurious retreat at an affordable price. It has all modern comforts with views over parkland, canola in bloom and the township from a massive balcony on the second floor – just perfect for wine at sunset or star gazing. The spacious open plan lounge, kitchen, dining and study nook are enhanced by massive beams and high timber ceilings. It is light and bright catching morning and afternoon sun while art and memorabilia are enhanced by mood lighting. A coffee machine, two TV’s, DVD player, internet access and free local and national telephone services are complimentary. Scampering possums and white faced owls also call the Rio home. Wake to the sound of birds singing, order a breakfast hamper or picnic basket and enjoy the friendliness of country and community during your stay at The Loft. Daily rate $120 off peak $140 peak season. THE BARN
The Barn is beautifully re-designed as a holiday rental for families or groups of friends looking for somewhere to truly relax and feel at home. Stylish furnishings & theatre memorabilia provide an inviting balance between comfort, and cool artistic contemporary style at an affordable price
Child friendly & pet friendly there are TV, games, books, DVD’s and toys to keep the kids amused. For the adults we have a great selection of coffee table books, as well as picnic baskets, esky and rugs for day trips or a Shed & Damper tour at local farms. A potbelly stove offers cosy intimacy in winter and air-conditioned comfort in the summer months. With polished floors and high ceilings, two uniquely styled bedrooms - one with a delightfully rustic walk in robe and the huge living entertaining area it can sleep up to seven. Both bedrooms have queen beds and the second bedroom also had a king single while the modular lounge also has a double size sofa bed. Separate bathroom and laundry open onto a private lush, fenced garden with outdoor table setting for eight under massive mop top and pepper trees. It offers the perfect place for friends and families to rejuvenate. With a enclosed garden complete with fruit trees a table setting for eight under a massive mop top is ideal for entertaining and . The fully self-contained kitchen has every convenience and breakfast hampers and picnic baskets are available. Daily Rate $160 off peak $180 peak season. THE BOUTIQUE
The boutique has been beautifully redesigned as a spacious modern, contemporary entertainer’s retreat with gourmet kitchen and family, dining areas opening through sliding doors onto a large lounge with full length windows and double doors to a courtyard entrance. Luxurious carpets, high ceilings in the kitchen, family, dining area have air-conditioned comfort with fans and lots of natural light. It has a single bedroom with ensuite, huge robes, separate laundry and a private secret garden with sculptures, grapevines and herbs. Daily rate $130 off peak $150 peak season. THE THEATRE
The theatre has been restored to its original splendor where art exhibitions, movie nights, yoga retreats and workshops have been hosted. Massive beams, hand painted ceilings and wall friezes capture the splendor of yesteryear. A full size antique pool table reflects the polished timber floors, stage and the huge movie screen can be used for private viewings or public functions. A modern servery and private courtyard garden with farm sculpture is enticing for private functions, exhibitions, workshops and entertainment limited only by your imagination. Daily rate: $200 + $50 cleaning service. HAMPERS & HOUSE RULES
Breakfast hampers are available to order and picnic baskets for day trips. No parties, no smoking inside. Prices on request
LOCATION
In the heart of the village of Lockhart in the Riverina farming district of New South Wales, half an hour from Wagga Wagga The Rio Holiday boutiques offer something for everyone with its distinctive architecture, laid back atmosphere, farm tours and the breathtaking beauty of the plains
AROUND & ABOUT
Lockhart is the home of the true country spirit. Enjoy morning walks amongst farm sculpture trails in town and the historic Pastoral shadows of Brookong. Check out the ornamental pavers commemorating farming families in Green Street or hike scenic trails at Mt Galore once the domain of outlaw Mad Morgan. For the adventurous there is abseiling and rock climbing at The Rock, gliding and gyrocopters at the local air-strip and golf at the town unique sand course complete with pet echidnas. The famed Doris Golder Wool Art gallery at Greens Gunyah Museum is a treat not to be missed and Lockhart’s craft shop offer a wonderful mix of arts, crafts. collectibles and home baked treats. For more country fare try the local cafes, clubs and pubs. If its kangaroos and animals that appeal take a SHED & DAMPER tour on a local farm. Enjoy a campfire dinner, spotlighting on the back of a ute, maybe a ride on a harvester or giant tractor to see how technology is revolutionizing farming Enjoy a few yarns and a glass of local wine around the campfire. It’s all part of the mateship of the bush. Shed & Damper tours can be arranged with booking. Built in 1935 by Greek migrant, Sir Nicolas (Nick) Laurantus – businessman and philanthropist- The Rio was one of sixteen theatres he built in the Riverina New South Wales. The Rio originally took shape as an outdoor theatre and the current building – some 60 metres in length by 28 metres was designed by Narranderra architects. The ornate ceilings, wall friezes and plaster columns were all created by Greek Kytherian labourers and tradesmen hired by Laurantus. It opened to a showing of Pygmalion in 1935 with a flamboyant string quarter and supper. With the advent of television the theatre became a dance hall, the supper room - now The Barn, - was briefly a skating rink and eventually the building became a hardware store before being loving restored and redesigned as a boutique holiday retreat by the current owners. The stage and screen have been restored and the hand painted artwork that makes the theatre so distinctive. Few of the Laurantus theatres remain but THE RIO still bears testament to the vision of a man who later moved into farming, funded a chair in Greek literature at Sydney University and was knighted for his contribution to his adopted country.
