Co-escape features Little Valley summerhouse

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CO-escape (@co_escape)

Little Valley Farm’s Summer House Featured on CO-escape

We’re thrilled to share that our Little Valley summerhouse is now showcased on CO-escape, a platform dedicated to Australia’s best architectural stays—perfect for those seeking a unique escape from work life. Handcrafted by Euan and designed for sustainable off-grid living, our summerhouse blends comfort with nature, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Wollombi Valley. 

Check out our feature on CO-Scape and plan your next rural getaway!

Don’t forget to book directly and enjoy special rates and treats. 

Incidental Architecture Little Valley summerhouse

A huge thank you to Incidental Architecture for featuring our summerhouse! Their article beautifully highlights the design and sustainability behind our eco-retreat in Wollombi Valley.

See the full article on Incidental Architecture here.

It is a working Alpaca breeding farm with some accommodation for guests. This project involved the design of a linear two-bedroom guest pavilion looking North over the beautiful dam and paddocks, with the singular intention of connecting the inhabitants to nature. 

To this end, everything in the project is consciously about connection to, and preservation of, the environment. The environment is joyful, yet also harsh at times. Summers can be hot, winters can be cold. There is a lingering background risk of bushfire as with all naturally vegetated areas. 

The house is small (115m2), sits off the ground so water can flow under, yet low enough below the approach to appear inconspicuous and private. Entry is through a central breezeway with a floor that steps down to the North with view over the dam and a deck which hangs out over the edge. Cool air is drawn up off the water to help passively moderate the temperature. Eels, turtles and fish inhabit the dam. North orientation is an obvious, yet critical move. Large overhangs shade windows in summer and let winter sun into all rooms. Large eaves also protect the building and allow windows to be open in most weather. 

The house is entirely off grid for power, water and sewer. Electricity is generated on site. There is no AC. All rooms have ceiling fans, and there is a slow combustion wood stove in the living room. The house is divided into small zones that can each be heated individually. 

The house is largely a timber building.  A variety of hardwood species have been used according to availability and purpose. Doors and windows are all recycled blackbutt. Feature grade stringybark floors were salvaged from a builder’s auction. Cladding and linings are all in locally sourced White Mahogany. 

Notably, the building work and the joinery was all done on site by the owner, using only local trades where needed. 

One of the most profound questions that arose in the design process is that of what is ‘really necessary’. What things could be removed from the building that may paradoxically lead to greater joy and connection to the environment ? 

For information and accommodation visit https://www.littlevalleyfarm.com.au

Project Team: Matt Elkan, Sam Horspool, Owen Kelly, Lauren Maley 

Builder: Euan Wilcox (Owner Builder)  

Structural Engineer: Mike Jefferiss 

Landscape: Lindy Hulton Larson 

Photographs: Milou Hofman https://www.milouhofman.com

Little Valley Farm summerhouse, Wollombi Valley. Laguna.

Building journey - 'summerhouse'

Building the new house was never going to be easy. I did not want to be a bystander watching a builder do the whole job. This is something I have always wanted to do.

I did work with trades to do specific tasks (like roof sheeting etc). Some people I worked with were more experienced than myself, others were just learning, but overall I ran it the way I wanted.

I learnt far more than I could have imagined - although at times having to learn new things, new skills, really did cause a lot of stress.

Working from DA drawings and a few 3D renders there were a mountain of small design and finishing decisions through the whole project. There were also larger decisions like the design of the Kitchen and Bathroom.

I made mistakes but luckily I am not a perfectionist* - and every builder I have talked to says no job turns out perfect in every detail. It is a natural part of creating - when you get to the end you know a lot more about how you could have done it better.

Just a few months on from being ‘complete’, I have started to forget the 2 year journey. So here are a few images of it coming together.

* mathematically I believe you can prove ‘Perfection’ can only ever exist temporarily - more on that in another post maybe…

---

Seasonal activities

For guests booking directly through our website (not third-party booking platforms such as RR or AirBB), we offer the opportunity to enhance your stay with seasonal activities.

Note: some spaces are undergoing an upgrade in 2025/2026, so always check with Daniela first.

One of our highlights is the wood-fired Finnish dry sauna, perfect for two people at a time. For groups of up to four, you’re welcome to rotate, as the benches are designed for individual seating.

Please note:

• Bookings must be made at least three days prior to your arrival to allow us time to prepare the timber.

• This service is unavailable during the Summer months.

• We will provide towels but please wear your swimmers for hygenic purpose.

The sauna is a short walk up the hill, providing a serene and private experience amidst nature.

There is an additional charge for this also.

---

Wood-Fired Pizza Oven by the Alpaca Paddocks

Bring your own pizza ingredients, and we’ll have the oven ready for you to create and enjoy your very own picnic-style pizza experience. We provide pizza utensils, crockery, and cutlery, along with a table and chairs for your convenience.

Please note:

• Bookings must be made at least three days prior to your arrival to allow us time to prepare the timber.

• The pizza oven is for daytime use only—ideal for lunch or early afternoon. We discourage nighttime use to avoid disturbances to our livestock and due to limited lighting in the area.

• This service is unavailable during the Summer months.

The pizza oven is just a short walk downhill, offering a scenic and peaceful spot to enjoy your meal surrounded by the beauty of the alpaca paddocks. There is an additional charge for this use.

---

Additional Firewood for the Fireplace

For our autumn and winter guests, additional firewood is available for purchase to ensure you have plenty for a cozy and relaxing stay. We’ll also provide enough firewood to get you started and enjoy your time by the fire.

Please note:

• The Summer House is well-insulated, so the fireplace is intended for comfort and ambience when you’re sitting nearby.

• Avoid building large, roaring fires, as they are both unnecessary and potentially dangerous. 

• Never leave a fire unattended or leave the door open. 

Relax and let the gentle warmth of the fireplace enhance your stay in the tranquil surroundings of the summerhouse.

---

Grazing Platters

Elevate your experience with a delightful grazing platter designed for either two or four people. To enjoy this treat, simply add it to your booking when you reserve directly with us. Your platter will be freshly prepared and waiting in the fridge upon your arrival.

Please note: Platters contain meat, cheese, nuts, and fruit, and are not suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary requirements.

---

Booked via an External Website?

If you’ve booked through an external platform such as RR or ABB, you won’t see these activities being offered.

When you book directly through our LVF website, you’ll have access to the seasonal activities and their prices, allowing you to easily add them to your booking at the time of reservation.

Why You Should Always Book Your Accommodation Directly with the Host

Booking directly with a host offers several advantages, such as lower fees, personalised service, and stronger relationships compared to using platforms like Abb. Direct bookings provide more flexibility with pricing and payment options, allowing hosts to build repeat business across Australia. Additionally, booking directly helps keep funds within the country rather than sending them overseas to large corporations.