TREE-ELLE RETREAT
is a fully fitted out steel and Colorbond barn boasting envious views of Irwin Inlet at Bow River between Walpole and Denmark.
Sisters Elina Mackay and Trina Meade drew inspiration for the barn’s interior while camping in the bush at the end of the block when they first bought it.
"It was a great experience to wake early and wander while watching the colours around us change. The sunlight turns the bush and surrounding hills the most amazing colours.
"As a result we predominantly used the aqua blues and greens that surround the inlet for the soft furnishings and bedroom wall colours of the new two-storey ‘barn’ house.
"Then for the walls of living areas, we introduced the soft butter yellow and vivid blue that the inlet and sky turn."
One wall is painted a low gloss opulent claret - a reminder to visitors that they should catch the setting sun lighting the clouds in similar colours at the end of each day.
As well as decorating the barn, the sisters also renovated the existing farmhouse.
In planning the gardens at Tree-Elle, more has been considered than just good looks and perfume. Good taste has been introduced too, with one of the major garden beds reminiscent of the French potager.
Here, petunias jostle for position with abundant parsley, while red and yellow-veined silver beet contrasts with the silver leaves of cineraria and lambs ears.
"Guests love being able to wander out into the garden with a basket before lunch or dinner to collect free fresh produce for a salad," says Elina.
Thousands of trees and spring bulbs have been planted on the 28 acre rural retreat, with groves of fruit trees and exotics such as silver birches, alders,
jacarandas and mop top robinias providing a formal garden foreground to the native bushland backdrop.
As the trees develop there’ll be heritage and modern apple varieties, figs, plums, peaches, mulberries, loquats and oranges available for serious garden grazers.
It’s a cyber garden, created by Elina using a computer landscaping program to ensure that trees wouldn’t obscure views and would fit in with the natural surroundings.
Guests also have the farm’s many animals for company – children especially loving the miniature Dexter cattle, ducks, geese, chickens and the flock of South African Dorper sheep.
