When you live on an idyllic farmland property near famous Bells Beach, it’s only natural to want to share it with the world.

Ironbark Guesthouse is a new short-term accommodation now open to guests on a family’s existing property.

Designed by Salt Design Studio, the guesthouse was envisioned as a robust and well-performing building with refined interiors within.

The overarching inspiration for the design vision of the project was directly drawn from the local landscape and the natural environment on which it sits. On one side is farmland, and on the other native ironbark forest, with Bells Beach to the south.

‘The ‘shed’ (a Class 1a building) that houses the guesthouse was designed to hunker down into the sloped site in order to create a protective north face environment open to the valley views, offering an expansive feeling of being part of the landscape,’ says Kiera Sehmish, interior designer at Salt Design Studio.

Inside, the materials are also a reflection of the landscape, referencing the soft tones of golden wheat grass, nearby sandy shores, the iron rich ochre tones of the limestone cliff faces, warm chocolate tones of the Ironbark trunks, and the soft greens of the native bush.

The result is a soft and cosy colour palette that layers various textures including wool carpet, travertine patterned floor tiles, brass tapware, natural stone benchtops, reclaimed timbers, and handmade clay tiles.

Salt Design Studio’s design effectively captures the landscape, while its robust shed-like cladding shelters the property from the elements.

‘There is a really special light quality that filters through the ironbarks so the solid timber double glazed tilt and turn Euro-style windows were located to take in maximum views and catch the sea breeze for each room were a key feature we wanted to include,’ says Kiera.

Additionally elements include underfloor heating for a soft warmth underfoot experience, and ecowool insulation.

‘The entire property is off grid so it made sense to ensure the guesthouse could function in the same way,’ says Kiera. ‘The inclusion of a 48kWh battery to store energy for both our household and the guesthouse consumption was a huge benefit to ensure the property could retain its off-grid credentials. ‘

Water is harvested from the roof system and stored in stainless steel tanks, then filtered through a four-stage filtration system for drinking. All waste water is also processed on site via a septic system used to water landscaped areas.

The guesthouse is best appreciated sitting on the sofa where one can watch the weather move across the landscape. The sun rises with kangaroos and sets with a golden glow; the breeze sways the leaves in the trees, and the surf can be heard pounding the shore on a big swell day.

Kiera adds, ‘It’s all of the parts that connect you to place while being cocooned inside a cosy and comforting space gives a sense of accomplishment neither of us expected.’

Book your stay at Ironbark Guesthouse here