All this new found time at home, paired with the inability to travel, has got me reflecting on and digging through the archives. Most of my favourite travel photos have been taken in far-flung international locations that have seen me tick off some long-held bucket-list destination. However, one stay much closer to home is locked firmly in my memory as one of the most memorable - that is, Ross Farm.
This little slice of heaven is only a couple of hours drive from Melbourne, on the outskirts of the South Gippsland town of Meeniyan, and boasts some of the most original and thoughtful design I have experienced in the flesh. An ever evolving project, Ross Farm is the result of several years of hard work by Melbourne-based Interior Designer Andrea Moore and her Father Lindsay, along with a number of local suppliers and makers.
When we visited Ross Farm was only in it’s early stages. We stayed in The Cabin - a bespoke one-bedroom retreat that is now one of three truly unique spaces on the property. As a long-time follower of Andrea’s work as soon as I saw the Cabin was open for stays, I had to go - and it did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived I was swooning at every detail. Every corner of this rural retreat boasts a beautifully refined amalgamation of bespoke and handcrafted local design, with long standing classics by the likes of Thonet and Borge Mogensen. From the bespoke sofa, to the wooden bath tub, and the brass and leather accents - Ross Farm offers it’s guests a truly unique design experience.
We arrived late in the evening and under the cover of dark, so were naturally delighted when we woke to the sight of a flourishing vegetable garden outside the kitchen window (that along with fresh eggs and local bacon became our breakfast). A soak in the Japanese timber bath was only made better by the bottle of sparkling wine that followed - consumed whilst taking in the view of the lush rolling hills from the front deck. You really could just stay within the walls of this cabin for an entire weekend, soaking in every bespoke detail, but we did actually leave the property once or twice.
Meeniyan itself is a tiny but sweet little town, that has a seriously stand out drawcard - that is, Trulli Pizzeria. This pizza is the real deal. Don’t walk, run - but do book ahead. Beyond the local township there are a number of beautiful places to visit, but none more so than Wilsons Promontory. This place boasts Victoria’s southernmost point, and some of it’s most awe inspiring vistas. Whichever season you visit, The Prom is a must-see, must-do, must-go kind of destination. It’s remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful. Swim, Surf, Hike, Boat, Camp - whatever you do, just go. Teamed with a stay at Ross Farm, this is one of those good-for-the-soul kind of getaways that we’re all going to want, and local business is going to need, once we can all travel again.