Favourite bits.
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The story of the estate. São Lourenço do Barrocal has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and it was José António Uva (who is eight generation of the same family) who had a vision to turn the family property into a farm retreat he could share with others. The passion and dedication behind José António’s dream, and what he has created, is incredibly inspiring.
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The interiors. Perfectly simple and calming. The interior design was led by José António’s wife Ana’s design studio, AnahoryAlmeida (also responsible for the interiors of many of Lisbon’s finest restaurants) and it is a dream.
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Hortelão, their outdoor restaurant. The most beautiful place to dine between Spring through Autumn, this slow-food, farm to fork restaurant is located next to the pool, right by the organic kitchen garden, and is the perfect place to enjoy a dinner under the stars.
Bellingen Farm House
BELLINGEN FARM HOUSE (WEILHOUSE LIVING)
BELLINGEN, NEW SOUTH WALES • FARM HOUSE • SLEEPS 8 | 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATH
Of all the unique and beautiful places to stay I have found in Australia so far, the Bellingen Farmhouse is up there with the best of them. Owner Susan Weil has created an incredibly special farmstay experience. Just 5 mins outside of town, with north east mountain views over Old Man Dreaming (a mountain that in Aboriginal Gumbaynggirr legend shows the profile of a warrior's face, Ngali; it was Ngali's job to protect women who came to the Bellinger Valley to give birth), the Bellingen Farmhouse sits on an 8 acre biodynamic working farm and makes up part of Weilhouse Living - four unique properties that embody Susan’s love of nature, beauty and simplicity.
With an exceptional design aesthetic, Susan has filled the Farm House with an amazing collection of vintage finds, interiors and artwork from all over the world. Flooded with natural light, the house can sleep up to 8 people and has been lovingly built using second hand and recycled doors, windows and timber, paying homage to the natural surrounds. The Farm House sits within Susan’s organic and biodynamic orchard and veggie gardens, with more than sixty varieties of temperate and subtropical fruit trees and beautiful, seasonal fruit, veggies and eggs. You will also be sharing your farmstay experience with forty happy chickens, two dogs (Snoopy and Red), three horses, two sheep, a couple of goats and plenty of wildlife. It’s an incredibly grounding and relaxing accommodation experience. It was such a treat to spend some days on Susan’s property. We were lucky enough to share a few meals with Susan and her daughters, and there were plenty of laughs and many stories shared around the dinner table and by the fire. I can not recommend a stay at the Bellingen Farm House (or any of the Weilhouse Living properties) more highly.
It is very beautiful here.
Why I love it
There’s a certain kind of magic to the Bellinger Valley and its presence can be felt as soon as you turn off the highway and drive into town. The traditional home of the Gumbaynggirr people, there is an abundance of natural beauty to be found here on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales (halfway between Sydney and Brisbane) - a lush subtropical valley set between the mountains of the Dorrigo National Park and the Pacific Ocean. The enchanting little village of Bellingen (or "Bello") itself is full of art deco charm. A town that has long attracted a community of bohemians - conscious-living artists, musicians, and creatives. Bello is a place for nature lovers. Whether it be the crystal clear waters of the Bellinger River, the beauty of the Promised Land, or the ever present mountains, it is a peaceful and restorative part of the world.
The Bellingen Farm House allows you to enjoy this very special corner of the world in the most unique and beautiful way. I love the living spaces with their huge big windows (that can all open up), the open fire (which we definitely had raging), the rambling kitchen (I love this kitchen!), the outdoor day bed, the outdoor bath for bathing under the stars, and the plunge pool. I also love being able to walk around the property, through the orchard and the veggie garden, and to visit all the animals. Susan and her girls are the most wonderful hosts. We shared some seriously good conversations and lots of laughs.
About the owners
Susan Weil is a mother of two beautiful daughters. She is passionate about sustainability, caring for the environment, and growing food. By her own admission, Susan lives a simple life, and is always open to learning and trying new things. As a host, she loves providing eco-friendly accommodation for those that are looking for something a little different and who care about treading lightly on their travels.
Susan and her girls are magnificent hosts. I loved my time with them and can't wait to return.
What to do nearby
Coffee at HYDE
Lunch at Qudo
Ice cream from Bellingen Gelato
What to bring
Overnight bag
Boots
