Farm Cottage in the Macedon Ranges

Escape the busyness of the city with a cosy farm stay in a Hemp Cottage tucked away in the Macedon Ranges.

A getaway filled with slow mornings journaling on sun-soaked couches, long clawfoot baths by the open fire, and evening strolls to the rhythm of kookaburra calls - against a backdrop of twinkling skies. The type of stay that made us completely turn-off, forget to check our phones (I know, we couldn't believe it either) and leave our worries behind.

After travelling up the Bunjil Farm's driveway, passing by views of rolling hills and lakes glowing in the final moments of daylight, we were greeted by our lovely host, Lyn. Upon entering the 1850s cottage impressively refurbished with hemp and timber, we were instantly transported into a charming fusion of styles. An antique Victorian bathroom, a retro 50s style kitchen, and a Californian timber open living space, seamlessly blended together with warm, natural light and organic textures to help us instantly relax into the space.

We began our first day with a home-cooked brunch, using local herbs from the garden where we also shared our meal. What followed was various forms of rest in the hazy afternoon sun: journalling, watercolour painting, reading and endless chats. We were then ready to venture into the Macedon Ranges, exploring Forest Glade Gardens and its Japanese bonsai house, fern gully and woodlands. After a hard long day of relaxing, we returned home to unwind further: starting the fire and running the bathwater - the pièce de résistance of Hemp Cottage - and we can confirm it did not disappoint.

The next morning we explored the charming town of Kyneton, lined with their famous daffodils which inspired a visit to the Botanic Gardens where we strolled along the Campaspe River Boardwalk and spotted a little Kangaroo friend. As avid readers, we had to visit Aesop's Attic Bookshop, Kyneton, wandering through endless corridors of new and secondhand books for hours.

We returned home to an evening wine and charcuterie moment on the back porch while our home-cooked meal simmered away. Finally, we strolled around the property, listening to the last calls of birds before crickets chirped away.

While we could've extended this stay to a week, the weekend had come to an end. We washed our gorgeous getaway down with a cup of Supreme-bean coffee at Courtyard Kyneton, before embarking on the drive back to Melbourne.

A weekend of cosy warmth that welcomed instant ease - perfect to visit with friends, a partner, or for some solo me-time.