PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Good , beautiful , and honest : The story behind Kalinya Estate
Kalinya is an Aboriginal word meaning good , beautiful , and honest and the meaning remains the driving force behind the ethos of the Estate
It was nearly 20 years ago that Chris and Mandy Barnes fell in love with the heart and soul of the rural property at the gateway to the Southern Highlands .
When they bought the property , it had wonderful historic bones , but needed a lot of love to restore the buildings and gardens to their original grandeur . Out came the drawing pads , carpentry and gardening tools , paint brushes and gumboots for some hard work .
Chris and Mandy both love sport and music , so it was obvious that the Estate should have plenty to do , without the need to rely on technology for entertainment . “ We love that there is plenty to do for anyone , no matter the age or ability … and that people are able to escape from the busy , technology-filled lives and spend good , quality time together just having fun .”
Chris and his crazy visions combined with Mandy ’ s eye for design , led to the property getting its own music lounge , squash court , gym , tennis court , 17m heated pool and pool house , hot tub , sauna , ice bath , billiards table , foosball , air hockey and vintage arcade games . The couple do agree , though , that it was 100 % Chris ’ s obsessions with film and golf that led to building the tiered theatre and golf simulator , complete with the best and latest tech .
Quite a few years ago , after requests from the public to open the Estate to guests , and after the restorations were completed , the couple decided that the property should be reopened for bookings once more ; that it was wasted keeping the property away from the world . To transform Kalinya into the perfect space for large groups to gather and enjoy themselves seemed the most natural transition .
The Estate already had a history of being used as a bed and breakfast and for weddings , so the way was paved to invite guests to experience staying at the Estate . Unlike a hotel , the accommodation provides beautiful , boutique homes where everyone within a group can enjoy quality time together in a private and exclusive setting . Mandy is a clinical
psychologist , so creating spaces that aimed to build relationships through unique experiences and entertainment was a conscious intention .
The Estate is now used for exclusive , large group , multi-generational gatherings , corporate retreats , health retreats , family holidays ; and significant celebrations , such as weddings and birthdays .
The reopening of the Estate has not been without its challenges . Just after the Estate reopened for business , bushfires ravaged through the Wollondilly and Southern Highlands regions , followed by widespread floods . Despite the impact of natural disasters to the regional area , Chris and Mandy have used the Estate to help the community fight back ; to rebuild and encourage tourism back to the region . Bookings at the Estate bring local jobs and opportunities to those who need it most and aid in establishing and maintaining other local businesses .
The arrival of Covid and consequent loss of income caused by imposed
40 Executive PA | Winter Issue 2023