Five unique country accommodation stays to check out
It’s true a farm shed is usually for storage, sheering or animals, and not for weekend escapes.But what if you wanted to get away from city life, go for a drive and find that some clever soul has created gorgeous accommodation in a space where sheep or hay bales once lived? If that sounds enticing, have a look at these.
The Shearing Shed, Grantville, Victoria
From the outside it’s obviously an old corrugated iron shearing shed. But wait: unlock the front door and be transported into a fabulous pastiche of retro-funky design complete with country-chic features like the old floor transformed into slatted dividing walls. The Shearing Shed sleeps one couple with views of the farm (and its shaggy Highland cattle), has a proper kitchen and the location in lush South Gippsland is only 90 minutes from Melbourne on the way to beautiful Phillip Island.
The Black Barn, Little Hartley, NSW
Okay, The Black Barn was never designed to house cattle or stockfeed but its no-nonsense – almost monolithic – design on a hill in a sheep paddock certainly makes it one luxurious shed. Custom designed to sleep up to eight guests there’s a particular focus on pleasing kids, who sleep in the ‘hayloft’ with its sliding barn doors. Mum and Dad can kick back, fire up the Nespresso or grab a chilled Chardy and enjoy the magnificent views of the Blue Mountains and Great Diving Range.
BIG.SHED.HOUSE, Huon Valley, Tasmania
What was once a derelict apple packing shed on a dreamily picturesque property just out of Huonville (30 minutes south of Hobart) has been lovingly transformed into rustic yet luxurious retreat for two. The BIG.SHED.HOUSE has an open living and dining space with a six-metre ceiling, big windows overlooking a deck and eucalypts, there’s a roaring wood fire for colder months, a timber-panelled queen bedroom and the all-red bathroom with its quirky sliding doors made from old apple crates is just so inviting.
Bed in a Shed, Clare Valley, South Australia
With its interior of unfinished recycled timbers and corrugated iron this property exudes plenty of country charm, but that’s just the start. Artist Andrew Quixley created Bed in a Shed on a working vineyard in the vibrant Clare Valley (two hours from Adelaide) as a retreat for two or three people and hasn’t stinted on luxury. Deep beds, bath robes, aircon and a deceptively rustic kitchen are part of the picture; the vineyard views and proximity to wineries and restaurants are enticing extras. Better still, for families (or five friends) take a look at the three bedroom Bed in a Shed Too.
The Barn at Hill House, Eumundi, Queensland
Sheds don’t get much more historic than this 110 year-old dairy, sitting on a barnyard in the rolling hills outside the market town of Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The main ‘shed’ oozes rustic charm with its recycled timber interior and vintage styling and has an open-air ambience suiting the semi-tropical environment. There’s sleeping for three, and the separate bathhouse next door is just another surprise in this welcoming and charming place to stay.
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