ABOUT
As new owners, we have been influenced greatly by our extensive travels in Bali and India. We are hoping to create a little of that special ambiance at our guesthouse in Bellingen.
The Belfry has recently had a stunning makeover including being freshly painted inside and out while still retaining its original “Bello” charm with lush, tropical gardens, antique furniture, and scenic verandahs and decks.
Our guesthouse has many wonderful communal spaces for guests to enjoy; a commercial kitchen with plenty of fridge space, a music/drawing room with a piano and guitars, an eclectic library, hammocks on the deck, and many quiet verandah spots to relax and unwind. The atmosphere is family-friend at an affordable rate.
The Belfry Guesthouse has a strong community sense of belonging, giving back and supporting our wonderful Bellingen community. In 2016 we hosted the Gyuto Monks of Tibet in our guesthouse and provided a free, community weekend program for people to experience first hand the Gyuto Monks.
We have supported many Bellingen events and festivals including the Bello Winter Music Festival and being a major sponsor of the OUTA (Open Up To Art) Festival and River Fest Youthplanting festival to name a few. Being part of our vibrant local community is very important to us.
Could you please summarise your entry - what does The Belfry Guesthouse offer over and above other accommodation?
The Belfry is an affordable boutique guesthouse located in the heart of the picturesque town of Bellingen. The Guesthouse is a beautiful heritage wooden two-storey building. The wide verandas offer a peaceful and unimpeded view of the Bellinger River, lush rainforest gardens, and Old Man Dreaming “Ngali” mountain. The Belfry invites guests to enjoy the treehouse yoga/meditation studio, the infrared sauna, as well as to relax in a hammock, read a book from our library, and enjoy a sunset drink while watching the famous Bellingen bats fly overhead. The Belfry is centrally located, with the local shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, micro-brewery, and weekly markets only seconds from our front door.
What are your 'no compromise' ethics that make The Belfry a standout?
Our no compromise ethics include environmental conservation and inclusiveness for all guests by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Belfry showcases local artists’ work, supports local community events, and donates to Australian wildlife conservation. We value the experiences that our communal spaces provide for our guests.
Can you give us a really mini summary of you as a local boy and getting into hospitality and then setting your sights on excellence.
I grew up here in the Bellinger Valley and after finishing school, I spent 15 years travelling the world, mainly working in tourism. When I returned to visit Mum and Dad, I realised that the beauty and natural diversity in the Bellingen shire is world class and I decided it was time to invest in the community where I grew up. I have been with The Belfry for 10 years now, starting off as a tour guide when it was a backpackers, then helping it evolve into a guesthouse through the difficult Covid era. The Belfry holds a firm place in this community and strives for excellence in experience for all its guests.
What does this Gold recognition mean to you personally and as a businessman?
I certainly left the award night on a high, as did Amanda and Paul, the Belfy founding owners. Winning gold at the North Coast Tourism Awards was an incredible achievement for our guesthouse as we were up against some strong competition between Byron and Hawks Nest.
What will winning gold mean to your inspiration to drive the business through 2024 and beyond?
Yes, it means a lot to be noticed for all the hard work that the Belfry Team, Amanda, Paul, Martina, Deb, Em and myself, have put in. This award will boost us to continue to provide excellent service, showcase our area and keep our prices affordable.
Anything else you’d like to share about high standards in accommodation and your recognition?
I loved growing up in the Bellingen shire, and now I am back here raising my family and running the Belfry. I feel so grateful to be a part of such a vibrant community and beautiful area. I think that loving what I do has paid off – it means a lot to receive this nod from NSW Tourism Industry Council. So, come and stay with us - we are the 2024 North Coast Accommodation Experience Gold winners after all!
By Andrea FERRARI
