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.
Five Acres
FIVE ACRES
PHILLIP ISLAND, VICTORIA • LUXURY CABINS • SLEEPS 2 | 1 BEDROOM | 1 BATH
A 5-acre micro farm on Phillip Island, nestled amongst rolling farmland with sweeping views over Western Port Bay, these three standalone luxury cabins offer the ultimate, calming coastal retreat. Five Acres is set among the rugged rolling farmland of Phillip Island in Victoria. Three luxury, design-led cabins with sweeping views over Western Port Bay are the showstopper of this five-acre micro-farm. At Five Acres, guests will experience the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.
Together with their three children, owners Katie and Rom Lamaro moved to Phillip Island back in 2012. What was meant to be a temporary move (while Rom completed his building apprenticeship) turned into a long term stay. The family fell in love with island life. Three years ago, Katie and Rom bought this farm in Ventnor with a view to one day turn it into a luxury accommodation experience they could share with guests. And voila! Look what they have done!
At Five Acres, each cabin has been thoughtfully designed and carefully curated with immaculate interiors and high-end finishes. I booked all three of the cabins (plus their farmhouse next door) for my Mum’s 70th birthday celebration earlier this year and it was the perfect escape. Katie and Rom had only opened a couple of weeks earlier so we were some of their very first guests. It was such a treat to be there.
Each of the three cabins was designed with the same floor plan in mind but different interior colours and finishes. Rom built the cabins himself, pretty much from scratch, together with his brother’s building company, Lamaro Homes, and handcrafted much of the furniture, including the Tasmanian oak beds (with their views out to the ocean).
Why I love it
Firstly, Katie and Rom! They are just the best people and make the Five Acres experience so special. I also love how the surrounding landscape has inspired the interior colours of the cabins, and each of them, while different, offers an incredibly calming atmosphere. I love the local art that is showcased throughout, together with vases and flowers and other little ceramic pieces. The floor to ceiling windows mean the view from the bed (handcrafted by Rom in Tasmanian oak) over the farmland is extraordinary; and I love the family's two Scottish Highland cows - Rory and Ivy - who wander on by throughout the day. The natural wood fireplace in the centrepiece of the room is wonderful, and the bathroom is open and spacious, and flooded with natural light thanks to a monumental skylight above the shower. My favourite bit however has to be the outdoor bath that sits proudly on the deck – the best place from which to catch the sunset.
On top of that, it’s all about the little touches - Katie has thought of everything. Hand-made muesli, rhubarb jam (using fruit from their garden), air-dried citrus slices - to enjoy with your G&T (a delightful complimentary gift). And I love, love, love their Scottish Highland cows - Ivy and Rory - and how they wander past the cabins throughout the day.
Even though the three luxury cabins are for adults only (they’re waaay too luxe to have bambinos charging around)... there is also a 2-bedroom farmhouse on the property that is perfect for accommodating families. If you have a big group, you can look into booking out the entire property - all 3 cabins and the farmhouse - to accommodate children as well. That’s what we just did and it was perfect.
The Airbnb can be found here.
About the owners
Katie and Rom are the most wonderful hosts - so warm, friendly, laid-back, and accommodating. They are passionate about creating an exceptional accommodation experience for guests and they go above and beyond to make that happen. Katie not only runs the show she also moonlights as the Queen of boards and other deliciousness at The Pantry Phillip Island. You can pre-order one of her delicious boards ahead of your stay. It’s ridiculously delicious here.
What to do nearby
Coffee and brekkie
at The Store
A wine at the Phillip Island Winery
A walk along
Smiths Beach
What to bring
A good knit
A pair of boots
