A Fifth Generation Farmer’s Homestead Turned Boutique Accommodation

Lachie Morrison grew up on Woolbrook Homestead — a heritage-detailed property in Teesdale, positioned 30-minutes west of Geelong, Victoria.  

The homestead was initially constructed in 1856 for pastoralist and to start with editor of the Geelong Advertiser, James Bell, just before a new proprietor commissioned a two-storey Federation-design extension in 1901. The extension burnt down in 1906 (legend has it the farm manager rode in on a horse and shot holes into a drinking water tank to save the initial wing!), but was quickly rebuilt in a really diverse Californian bungalow design that stays today. 

Lachie returned to Woolbrook in 2018 to support his dad sell the property, but he did not go far! ‘Luckily, the new operator was not intrigued in the land or homestead and leased it back to us,’ describes Anise Boulot, Lachie’s companion and supervisor of Woolbrook’s events and accommodation. ‘We moved into the homestead at Woolbrook as just the two of us at the starting of 2019.’

The couple signed a 10-year lease that permits them to make adjustments to the assets. Following web hosting a number of personal gatherings, they rapidly noticed the prospective of the homestead as a boutique lodging and occasions venue. 

‘In the eating place, surrounded by all that record, it made us imagine that Lachie’s ancestors would have been internet hosting their buddies and spouse and children there for around a century,’ says Anise. ‘It produced us realise what exciting other folks would have in the house way too.’

Anise and Lachie set to perform stripping spaces again to their authentic bones and furnishings, which includes the grand piano that was saved in the 1906 hearth. Carpets were being pulled up, floorboards polished, and rooms painted. ‘I imagine we figured out quite swiftly that all the things took a large amount extended than we thought it would!’ suggests Anise.

Interior stylist Belle Hemming of Belle Bright Task was introduced in for the last touches, positioning her signature luxury rustic stamp on the decor. ‘It’s the most effective combination of luxurious and homeliness you will come across in a natural location,’ says Anise. ‘It features a collecting spot for younger and outdated, just as its model is a mixture of new and historic.’ 

Woolbrook Homestead welcomed its initially guests article-renovation in 2021. Anise and Lachie even now stay in the property (when not rented as accomodation), as perfectly as working on the farm and running functions on web site. 

‘Running a farm and hosting gatherings and lodging retains us really occupied!’ states Anise. ‘We are ready to get the job done with every other actually very well. From time to time Lachie is on a mop in the homestead receiving prepared for attendees, and at times I’m out undertaking sheep operate. Keeps lifestyle attention-grabbing!’

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