Surrounded by 120 acres of wild landscape near Byron Bay, this estate combines design elements of the Australian farmhouse and the Spanish finca with great style and a focus on sustainability. 

The vision for this home was inspired by its English owner Emma's childhood visits to the Canary Islands – their volcanic landscape, the soft rendered walls and earthy terracotta of her family's holiday villa, and the rustic fincas shaded by native palm trees. But inspiration also came from her husband Tom's childhood in Australia – the vast open spaces and a profound connection to nature. 

It took the couple (who are also the founders of the well-known Farm at Byron Bay) a decade to find the perfect spot to build their dream home, which turned out to be a rugged plot of land on the top of Piccadilly Hill in the "hinterland" of Byron Bay. On the land was an old homestead with some outbuildings, which Tom and Emma stripped down and rebuilt. 

Today, stucco walls and a warm color palette evoke Iberia, and the home is decorated sparingly with carefully considered pieces such as Pierre Jeanneret dining chairs, Tigmi Trading rugs, and an Avant Toi cashmere wall hanging. As a further nod to its Spanish inspiration, Canary Island palm trees have been planted in the garden.

The Range consists of three separate buildings for rent together: the Range Homestead, the Barn Studio and the Cabin Inn. With space for up to 12 guests, it's a wonderful setting for a family escape, but it's also available for photo shoots.

The owners of this vacation home rental in Australia put sustainability front and center. They used recycled materials where possible, including 300-year-old terracotta rooftop tiles from Croatia to line the floors, recycled Australian hardwood vanities, timber frames from the previous house repurposed as shelves, and a timber ceiling made from a bridge in southern New South Wales. The rock that makes up walls around the property, as well as its fireplaces, was foraged from the estate.

The farmhouse is mostly off the grid with solar passive design that takes advantage of the sun and wind to heat and cool the interiors. Rainwater is captured, with up to 220,000 liters stored in its water tanks. An open fire uses timber found on the property, and solar power is stored in a large battery bank. The owners have committed to planting 50,000 native trees on the land over the next 10 years, to creating walking tracks throughout the property, and to be as close to organic as possible in their farming practices.

There are three dwellings on the estate. The Range Homestead has three en-suite bedrooms, including a master suite with outside bath, inside and outside dining areas, sunken lounge, butler's pantry, TV room, and laundry. The Barn Studio, which is about 15m from the main building, has one king-sized bed, a bathroom and a kitchenette. The rustic-style Cabin Inn has two beds and bathrooms, with a kitchenette and outside dining. It's about 25m from the main house.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The in-house concierge service can arrange babysitting, personal training, transport, restaurant bookings, in-house massage and private chef. Airport transfers in a Mercedes van (for up to 7 guests) are included.

Special offer for September, October & November 2022: Springtime Forage @ The Range. Book seven nights or more for AUS$8,500 per night (max. 12 guests). Included in the rate: airport transfers, concierge package (three hours of housekeeping, restaurant and wellness bookings, day trip and recreation planning), a selection of local wines handpicked by Luna Wine Store, and one outdoor lunch or dinner cooked on the firepit by private chef One Green Acre.

AROUND

This vacation home rental in Australia is set on a private 120-acre estate moments from the beaches and restaurants of Byron Bay. The vast estate, however, is a destination in itself, with a macadamia orchard, a river sand dam filled with fish and other wildlife, vast lawns, an outside fireplace and a firepit, a 15m mineral pool, and large dining areas.

If you want to venture out, spots worth exploring include the Cape Byron lighthouse, spectacular beaches, and nearby seaside villages. It's a great region for sports, including kayaking, horseback riding, and surfing, and other exhilarating activities include ballooning, skydiving and whale watching. And don't forget to visit the owners' Farm at Byron Bay, a sustainable working farm with a collection of micro-businesses that include a restaurant and produce store.

LOCATION

Coopers Shoot, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Nearest airport: Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (15km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late February to early June.