QHA_Sep-2020_Online

the
food
journey.
by Geoff Crockett
Spicers
Hidden
Vale
Imagine a world where you wake up to sounds of
the wind rustling through the leaves and the early
morning calls of birds talking to the rising sun.
Where there is no long commute. No sounds of cars
driving, horns tooting, garbage trucks clanging or
street sweepers swishing about their business.
A world, where each day you step out the back door
and wander through an amazing garden overflowing
with fruits, vegetables and herbs and wonder what
to do for dinner that night that will truly celebrate the
freshest offerings of the day.
For formidable hospitality couple Ash and Andrea
Martin this dream has become a reality – but not
without a lot of hard work and a few curly challenges
along the way.
The duo, who hold the titles of Executive Chef and
General Manager respectively at Spicers Hidden Vale
retreat in Grandchester (about 30km south-west of
Ipswich) came to the property from Spicers Peak in
2013, excited by the potential to make their mark.
They landed at a 12,000 acre property steeped in
history, with beautiful natural grounds, restored
colonial cottages and a near 100-year-old classic
homestead offering an exclusive range of luxurious
accommodation for customers looking to escape
from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
read on