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.
Dunmore Farm
DUNMORE FARM
MOLYULLAH, VICTORIA • FARM HOUSE • SLEEPS 6 | 3 BEDROOM | 1 BATH
The heavenly Dunmore Farm is the perfect country escape. An easy 3hr drive from Melbourne in Victoria's High Country, not far from the vineyards of the King Valley and the magic and beauty of historic towns such as Beechworth and Bright, this beautiful farm is the perfect place to escape the city grind.
Avid travellers and project lovers Bec and Angus Macdougall bought Dunmore Farm back in 2017. Prioritising the restoration of the Cottage (built c1860) into a boutique farm stay, Angus and Bec have made sure the old world charm that they first fell in love with has been preserved whilst adding modern luxuries to ensure a memorable country escape. I have been fortunate enough to stay at Dunmore Farm on two occasions, one of which was a 2-week stay in March last year after returning from LA at the very beginning of the pandemic. I have such deep and happy memories of my time on the farm. Quiet and peaceful, I felt so rested after big sleeps in the most comfortable bed (and beautiful linen) and the pure darkness of the star-filled country skies. I loved waking up to the sounds of the cows and walking around the farm and surrounding country roads. The sunsets are incredible in Molyullah, as are Bec's roses. It's very beautiful here.
Why I love it
I love Dunmore Farm for its serenity. It is so peaceful out there. The cottage itself has been so lovingly restored and is full of beautiful touches. Bec has thought of everything. Freshly picked roses in the bedrooms, freshly filled water jugs beside the bed, gifts of fresh herbs or veggies from their garden... it's just gorgeous. I love soaking in the claw-footed bath at sunset. Or sitting out on the verandah taking it all in. I love watching the cows and how they move throughout the day, listening to their sounds. I love watching the birds as well, and going for big walks around the long, empty country roads. It really is beautiful here.
About the owners
Bec and Angus are exceptionally kind, attentive and generous hosts. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Discovering this beautifully idyllic place has enabled the couple to realise their dreams and begin a new chapter of their lives together far beyond what they initially imagined.
They are beautiful people, and it's beautiful here.
What to do nearby
Coffee at Tiny Beechworth
Bread from the Firefox Bakery in Eldorado
Wine tasting at La Cantina King Valley
What to bring
A hat.
Some sunnies.
