Weil House Living

Rural farmstay

Bohemian vintage — like staying with an eccentric auntie who’s spent the past few decades collecting antiques, and happens to make an out-of-this-world goat's cheese frittata

In the stillness of the mountains, but close enough to the town, beaches and rivers that make the area so magical

The main farmhouse sleeps ten people across four bedrooms, with one queen size bed beneath a net on the veranda, so guests can wake up immediately immersed in nature. The Vintage Farmstay sleeps four people across one twin room and one double bedroom, while the Farm Shed accommodates up to five guests across four bedrooms. The Wilderness Hut, another unique property under the Weil House Living umbrella, sleeps up to nine guests with an open plan design

Second to none. As you drive past the roadside stall from which Susan Weil (the owner of the space) sells organic biodynamic produce, you’ll be greeted by freely ranging sheep and a warm wave from your host who will show you around before leaving you to put the kettle on and settle in

Weil House Living’s buildings are about as sustainable as they come, but the approach is less future-forward, more present-preserving. The houses are made from recycled and repurposed materials, and the interior elements have been sourced by Susan from vintage stores and antiques auctions. Each structure incorporates a passive solar design and is powered by solar during daylight hours. The entire farm is entirely off-grid in terms of water, and food waste is either composted or fed to the animals who fertilize the soil. There are no high-tech systems involved, but the approach is gentle on the earth, in the present, for the future

The Vintage Farmstay comes with a record player and an extensive vinyl selection, we’d recommend putting on The Bee Gees as you bake a batch of scones

2011

Each building is the passion project of owner and host Susan Weil. Choose any of the antique items within the homes and Susan will be able to tell you the story behind the piece — a true labor of love

You’ll reap the health-giving benefits of nature from the immersive natural setting alone. Pair that with the organic homegrown produce and daily dips in the magnesium-enriched plunge pool, and you’ve got a holistic wellness retreat without the price tag

The closed-loop biodynamic farm system means you can stay for a week and eat only food grown on site. If you feel like dining out, Bellingen is home to Qudo — a deeply loved Japanese-Australian fusion restaurant, where you can eat miso eggplant and drink sake in a candle-lit garden. Other dining options in the area include a Middle Eastern restaurant Za’atar, the Hearthfire bakery serves killer vegan pies and roast garlic tarts, and Hyde, which is a contemporary Australian cafe serving great coffee, loaded toasties and a range of raw vegan treats

Non-existent, but you don’t need it when you have a bonfire and a bath beneath the stars

Reflecting the “home away from home” ethos, each property comes with a fully stocked pantry, and you can order a seasonal organic fruit and veg box — overflowing with biodynamic produce grown on-site — to be ready for your arrival

Not the best, as the full experience comes with wandering through the orchard and crossing the cattle grid to feed the chickens

With an enclosed garden space, The Vintage Farmstay (one of the three properties on the eight acre farm) is the pet friendly option, although be careful with your dogs as there are plenty of chaseable creatures on site. To keep the vintage furniture in good condition, dogs are not allowed inside, so it might be best to leave pets with a pet-sitter on this occasion

Super child friendly — trampoline, treehouse and tiny farm animals included

Amazing value for such a unique experience, and the range of options — from the heritage, manor-esque farmhouse to the converted shed which the owner has labelled the “budget option” — allows for flexibility if your holiday allowance varies

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