A Fifth Generation Farmer’s Homestead Turned Boutique Accommodation

Lachie Morrison grew up on Woolbrook Homestead — a heritage-shown assets in Teesdale, positioned 30-minutes west of Geelong, Victoria.  

The homestead was initially developed in 1856 for pastoralist and initially editor of the Geelong Advertiser, James Bell, right before a new proprietor commissioned a two-storey Federation-model extension in 1901. The extension burnt down in 1906 (legend has it the farm manager rode in on a horse and shot holes into a drinking water tank to help you save the original wing!), but was before long rebuilt in a pretty different Californian bungalow design and style that remains right now. 

Lachie returned to Woolbrook in 2018 to support his dad promote the assets, but he didn’t go considerably! ‘Luckily, the new owner was not intrigued in the land or homestead and leased it back to us,’ describes Anise Boulot, Lachie’s spouse and supervisor of Woolbrook’s occasions and lodging. ‘We moved into the homestead at Woolbrook as just the two of us at the beginning of 2019.’

The pair signed a 10-year lease that permits them to make variations to the property. Following internet hosting numerous non-public gatherings, they promptly observed the probable of the homestead as a boutique lodging and activities venue. 

‘In the eating room, surrounded by all that record, it designed us think that Lachie’s ancestors would have been web hosting their close friends and family there for about a century,’ says Anise. ‘It built us realise what pleasurable others would have in the property too.’

Anise and Lachie set to operate stripping spaces back to their primary bones and furnishings, which include the grand piano that was saved in the 1906 hearth. Carpets were being pulled up, floorboards polished, and rooms painted. ‘I feel we figured out pretty speedily that every thing took a ton lengthier than we thought it would!’ suggests Anise.

Interior stylist Belle Hemming of Belle Shiny Task was introduced in for the final touches, putting her signature luxurious rustic stamp on the decor. ‘It’s the ideal mix of luxurious and homeliness you will discover in a purely natural location,’ claims Anise. ‘It features a gathering position for younger and old, just as its fashion is a blend of new and historic.’ 

Woolbrook Homestead welcomed its very first guests put up-renovation in 2021. Anise and Lachie even now reside in the house (when not rented as accomodation), as well as working on the farm and handling events on web site. 

‘Running a farm and web hosting gatherings and lodging retains us pretty active!’ states Anise. ‘We are able to get the job done with every other definitely perfectly. In some cases Lachie is on a mop in the homestead receiving prepared for attendees, and at times I’m out accomplishing sheep function. Retains life appealing!’

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