Five Acres, Phillip Island - The Story Behind The Stay
Experience soulful sedation in seductively designed couples’ villas with ocean vistas, located on a working micro-farm near Melbourne.
Words by Amy Mills
Photos by Stefanie Ash
Forget the Fairy Penguin Parade… nestled on a peaceful, five-acre farm at Ventnor on Phillip Island’s northwest lies Five Acres - a luxury, sustainable farm stay. With a focus on craftmanship, quality, and approachable luxury, the three architecturally designed cabins – the brainchild of Katie and Rom Lamaro - seamlessly blend into the natural environment. Boasting sweeping vistas of western Port Bay, and offering every indulgence of a boutique hotel, Five Acres is a haven to simply read, eat, rest and reconnect with a loved one.
When the Lamaros came across a rundown property for sale on Mchaffies Lane four years ago, the couple saw some magic in it that many others failed to see. The husband and wife duo had traded their city life in Melbourne for a slower island existence several years prior, when Rom - who had spent much of his childhood at his family’s holiday home surfing with his brothers - returned there for work.
When they discovered this neglected farm, the couple – with their three kids in tow - decided to take on the challenge and give the property new life as an upscale boutique stay. “We have always wanted to run accommodation together, so as soon as we secured the farm, we started planning,” says Katie.
The three cabins, Barley, Clover and Rye, were meticulously designed by the couple in conjunction with Mitch Bagley of Onsite Design. They opted to use the same floorplan and high-end finishes for each cabin, however each one has its own earthy colour palette and distinct personality.
A carpenter, Rom built the cabins with the help of his brother’s building company, Lamaro Homes, and handcrafted much of the furniture himself. The beautifully curated interiors are the work of Melbourne stylist and decorator, Belle Hemming Bright, who has created tactile, layered spaces enticing guests to linger longer.
The most recent addition to the property is the private dining space and workshop. Designed for special occasions or group weekends away, a chef can be brought in to cook feasts for guests in a truly magical setting.
Like the hosts themselves, Five Acres is warm and authentic - an unrivalled and fresh new take on luxury for Phillip Island.
Special Touches
Each of the three cabins has its own individual colour palette and curated décor, with artwork and ceramics by Cisco & the Sun. An oversized skylight over the shower means guests can see the stars at night or the wispy clouds during the day.
Nothing says luxury like a soak under the stars with a glass of local wine in hand. Each villa has a double-ended, freestanding concrete tub on the deck - an idyllic way to end the day.
Katie’s background in business development for hotels means every detail has been carefully considered. Think artisanal incense and complimentary Loch Distillery gin (with tonic and fresh lemon).
Sustenance
Foodies will be in their element with the optional, pre-ordered grazing platter created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients like cured meats, local sourdough, crackers, fresh and dried fruits, pickles, nuts, and olives.
Guests don’t need to leave the comfort of their cabin for breakfast - with sourdough bread, homemade jam, yoghurt and granola provided, as well as freshly ground coffee and teas.
Sustainability
Passionate about permaculture and sustainable farming practices, the Lamaros have planted a vegetable garden with over 90 fruit and nut trees. It will provide ample seasonal produce over the coming years, and teaches their kids about the origins of food.
The resident chickens, goats, and who could forget ‘Rory and Ivy’, the very photogenic highland cows/lawnmowers, assist in creating nutrient-rich compost to grow organic food for the family and guests.
With sustainability at the core of their business, the Lamaros have installed a 9.5kw solar system, a worm farm septic system, and rainwater tanks that fill the animal troughs and irrigate the orchard and vegetable gardens.
Surrounds
With a slew of coastal walks, surf breaks (don’t forget your wetsuit) and jet boat cruises around Cape Woolamai, as well as seal, penguin, and whale watching tours, Phillip Island is a nature lover’s heaven.
Wine aficionados and foodies are well catered for at Phillip Island Winery, owned by three groups of friends who share a passion for fantastic food, wine and good times. With indoor dining by the fire or alfresco tables looking out at the ocean and rolling farmlands, it’s the ultimate spot for a long lunch or a charcuterie board.
