The Cottage At Dunmore Farm | Meet The Makers
3 BEDROOMs | 1 BATHROOM
Rates start from $318 per night
After completing a renovation of their Melbourne home, Bec and Angus set sights on a new project. Angus wanted a connection to the land and having grown up in Cobram, farming was in his DNA, and Bec had friends in the King Valley, drawing her to the area and the opportunities a regional life could provide.
The couple purchased the working dairy farm and renamed the it Dunmore, after land that Angus’ family had in western Victoria. The property had two homes – an 1870s cottage they had planned to convert to a farm stay and a 1950s weatherboard bungalow, with an established tea rose garden.
What was meant to be a long-term project and a place to escape from Melbourne grew into their immediate priority. Angus found farming to be even more enticing, whilst managing to juggle his responsibilities running Melbourne based The Branded Coffee Co. and Bec landed a role in regional marketing.
The couple moved to Dunmore permanently in 2018 and the restoration of the cottage farm-stay picked up pace. In between farm responsibilities, her career and looking after the couple’s 12-week old baby, we caught up with Bec for a chat about the Cottage at Dunmore Farm.
What’s the inspiration behind the Cottage at Dunmore Farm?
The original features of the cottage were so lovely. It was built in the 1870s from river red gums milled on the property. The verandah even has its original rough-hewn posts. I wanted to make sure we preserved the character of the cottage – carefully blending the old with new.
Having lived abroad and had the opportunity to travel extensively I found that I most enjoyed stays that pay homage to the original features. Places that have a bit of character are the most memorable.
It sounds like the cottage was definitely in need of a refresh?
The cottage is one of the oldest homes in the district. Although the home had a lot of character it was definitely in need of an update. We undertook a renovation of the entire place including the kitchen, living room, bedrooms and bathroom. We gave considerable thought to the interior, laid new flooring throughout and repainted the exterior weatherboards.
Knowing it was going to be a farm-stay, we wanted to make sure it was a considered space with all the luxuries you’d expect. So it was quite the undertaking!
What do guests enjoy most about the experience?
It’s a rustic, genuine, country experience. Guests feel they can have a charming cottage stay and do it in a warm, comfortable and luxurious manner. We often get feedback that none of the details have been forgotten – it’s great to know we’ve managed to create a thoughtful and considered space.
The property is quite tranquil and bucolic. It provides peace and decompression that you just can’t get in an urban setting. In the summer the gardens are the perfect setting to relax, long-lunch and enjoy whilst in the winters the lounge room is the perfect spot to snuggle up by the fire with a book from the library.
Do guests typically stay at the farm or venture out?
A little bit of both – being close to King Valley and Milawa provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy great wine and regional produce. I provide a guidebook with plenty of recommendations – whether it’s food, wine, biking or nature walks, there’s plenty of things to discover and explore.
What’s your favourite aspect of the property?
There’s so much to love about it. The farm was our long-term project and we just fell in love with the lifestyle. Relocating here has been a wonderful move. I love the nature and the outdoors. It’s also allowed me to embrace my love of projects and having a lot of things on.
Life in the country has also created new possibilities. This has included hosting Dunmore suppers – seasonal long-table lunches which showcase the food and wine of the region.
The Cottage at Dunmore Farm | Your Hosts Bec and Angus
The Cottage at Dunmore, is a boutique farm stay located in Molyullah, North East Victoria. Originally built in the late 1800’s, and recently renovated – keeping its old world charm whilst adding modern conveniences.
Catering for up to 6 guests, the cottage has a mix of natural-textured fabrics and furnishings, designed for couples, families, or groups of friends, looking for a country get-away.
…you too may even consider a move to the country after a weekend here. Enjoy!
Home: The Cottage at Dunmore Farm | Click here for more information and to book
Photography: Marnie Hawson
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