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.
Tranquility Base
TRANQUILITY BASE
BYRON BAY HINTERLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES • FARM HOUSE • SLEEPS 11 | 5 BEDROOM | 3 BATH
A super special hideout in the hills, Tranquility Base is set in the Byron Hinterland (in Possum Creek) on 48 acres of regenerated sub-tropical rainforest that you can enjoy and explore to your heart's content. With beautiful walking tracks, creeks, waterholes, and even a sauna that looks out over a waterfall - this is the most tranquil and serene setting for a relaxing holiday.
Sleeping 8 adults and 3 children, with 3 x king beds, 1 x double and one dedicated kids room with 3 singles, Tranquility Base is the perfect getaway option for a big family or a group of friends. With beautiful interiors and luxe linens, the house itself was once an original wooden bush pole bungalow. It was renovated and extended by the current owners to include a large kitchen and dining area with sliding doors that open out on to a wrap-around deck, and an amazing swimming pool in a lush garden setting. The old cement water tank on the property was converted into an office and art gallery space - which doubles as a great kids' playroom. The large master bedroom is downstairs with an ensuite and deep bathtub, and there are four bedrooms upstairs (two of which have their own balconies).
Why I love it
I have been to this beautiful property many times and absolutely love it for its location, hidden away in the hills. Only 15-20mins from Byron and only 10mins to the villages of Bangalow and Federal, it makes the perfect base for exploring both the beaches and the hinterland. I love the pared back interiors, the natural light that floods into the house, chilling on the deck, the amazing pool, and I especially love the fact that you have private access to your very own creek and waterholes for swimming, and rainforest walking tracks for exploring this beautiful nature setting. Given you are staying in the bush, you could definitely be up against bugs, spiders, insects, snakes etc (particularly in the summer months) but this should not deter you - just be mindful of shutting the doors and windows at night and you will be fine!
It is so, so beautiful here. I love it very much.
About the owners
Your host at Tranquility Base is Christian, a father of three that grew up around the world before settling in Byron Bay. He is the Chairman of the local Steiner school and the custodian of his own plot of sub-tropical rainforest. A terrible surfer (by his own admission) and life long skateboarder, drummer, race car driver and builder. When he is not in Australia he is most likely to be found in the south of France trying to keep his ancient wine maker from crumbling into the dust…
What to do nearby
Coffee at Woods
Lunch at The Hut
Pizza at Ciao Mate
What to bring
Boots
Jeans
