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.
Corunna Station
CORUNNA STATION
HUNTER VALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES • LUXURY FARM STAY • SLEEPS UP TO 22 | OVER 3 HOUSES
Corunna Station in the Hunter Valley makes a perfect and stylish base for exploring this beautiful wine region.
With spectacular views over the Brokenback Range, what was once the largest sheep shearing station in the Hunter Valley is now a stunning 100-acre country escape that makes for a very special and laid-back wine country experience. The property retains all the original agricultural buildings including the Shearing Shed, Hay Shed, and Wood Mill.
There are three farm stay options to choose from at Corunna Station... The Cooks House which sleeps four, The Homestead which sleeps six, and The Country House that can accommodate up to twelve people (if all three options are booked together, Corunna Station can sleep up to twenty-two). I was lucky to spend some days at this historic property back in December last year and loved my time in The Homestead.
Full of light and unbelievably immaculate, The Homestead offers understated luxury perfection in droves. Taking design cues from Australian Colonial meets designer India Hicks, Gerard and Angela have carefully curated the interiors themselves. Gerard’s half-Danish heritage shines through in the Danish furniture featured throughout. Everything is thoughtfully considered; from the furniture to the fireplace and the two claw-footed baths, to the full laundry, a kitchen fully equipped with endless utensils and a pantry full of supplies, to a coffee machine, and the most ridiculously comfortable beds, pillows and linens I think I have ever experienced. Think the elegance of wide hallways, period features and long afternoon shadows on the generous wraparound verandahs.
Located on Hermitage Road, just minutes from the Hunter Expressway exit, Corunna Station is easily accessible and only minutes from some of the best restaurants and cellar doors in the region.
Why I love it
I love sitting on the verandah at dusk watching the resident kangaroos do their thing, sipping on a wine and watching the sun go down over the original agricultural buildings on the property including the saw mill and the shearing shed. I loved the gazing platter that Kitty kindly arranged for us which we enjoyed under the trees.
As well as The Homestead, I was able to check out The Cook’s House (a two bedroom, two bathroom cottage) where the shearers were once cooked for and fed. It has now been lovingly restored and comes complete with a BBQ on the outdoor verandah, with relaxed seating and outdoor overhead fans.
The Country House is amazing as well, with its beautiful amenities, huge dining spaces, and lovely bedrooms. This is the perfect space to book if you are travelling with a big group.
About the owners
Established in 1880, this expansive property has been in owner Gerard Kesby’s family all that time. As the current custodians of the farm, Gerard and his wife Angela (Kitty) have spent the past 10 years lovingly restoring three of the farm houses on the property to perfection, and are warm and gracious hosts.
What to do nearby
Usher Tinkler Wines
Krinklewood Estate
Muse Kitchen
What to bring
Shirt
Pants
