Lorraine Allanson is the owner of Mountain Whispers – “MW” Collection. Her vision and abiding passion has been to restore and revitalise the five historic properties to their original former glory, embodying the Blue Mountains rich cultural heritage and history.

The “MW” Collection – Varenna, Strawberry Patch, Leura Rose, The Gatsby and Chatelaine–has seen Lorraine offer Blue Mountains luxury retreats and escapes to visitors from around the world.

For Lorraine, the Blue Mountains has always been a special place – with many weekends during her early 20’s spent horse riding through the Megalong Valley, bushwalking or house sitting in Leura.

In 1999, she experienced her very own Blue Mountains romance, when her husband, Roger, proposed on Valentine’s Day in Katoomba. Six years later in 2006, Lorraine left a successful career in the corporate world to pursue her dream – creating Blue Mountains luxury accommodation.

Lorraine’s passion has taken her on a journey of research into each property’s history and period details. Every detail of the property’s history has been observed, with no expense spared in completing the restoration and renovation.

Varenna was the first property to be restored. This 1906 heritage-listed property was home to Miss Matilda Cowper, daughter of the Dean of Sydney, the Very Revered William Macquarie Cowper and niece to Sir Charles Cowper, five times Premier of New South Wales.

Strawberry Patch and Leura Rose are turn-of-the century quintessential weatherboard cottages, and The Gatsby is an art deco classic. The newly restored and now on offer as part of the MW Collection is Chatelaine. A stunning art deco property, perfectly entwined with Hollywood regency glamour to transport you straight into the arms of Marlene Deitrich or Humphrey Bogart. You never know who will be waiting for you in the parlour.

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Lorraine’s work and dedication has been recognised with numerous regional and State business and hospitality awards.

Mountain Whispers – “MW” Collection has been consistently nominated in the all-important ‘People’s Choice’ category in the highly respected Blue Mountains Business Awards.

In the State’s prestigious NSW Tourism Awards, Mountain Whispers – “MW” Collection won Silver in 2017 and 2015 in the five-star luxury accommodation category, Bronze in 2012 and 2016, and was a category finalist in both 2013 and 2014.

“In the Blue Mountains Regional Business Awards, Mountain Whispers – “MW” Collection won the Customer Service award in 2016 and 2017, and the Excellence in Small Business Award in 2017. The Excellence in Small Business award saw Mountain Whispers as a Finalist in the State’s prestigious NSW Business Chamber Awards in 2017.”

In the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) Awards, Mountain Whispers – “MW” Collection won the luxury accommodation category three years running from 2012-2014.

All properties within the “MW” Collection have been restored in accordance with sustainable practices. Gold Sustainability Accreditation.