Unplug and unwind at Barranca retreat in the Kangaroo Valley

Barranca, located in the picturesque Kangaroo Valley, a couple of hours south of Sydney, is centred on returning to nature for peaceful retreats. Made up of two four-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas and an equine centre for corporate retreats, Barranca is ideal for unplugging and unwinding.

Complete with rainwater collection and solar power, Barranca takes shape as luxury eco-villas.

“We wanted to keep the original identity, look and feel of the farm itself and the landscape around it,” owner Joe Scarf says, explaining the brief he gave to landscape architects Realm Studios. “The sandstone cliffs are really important to us, so we tried to embody that in all of the landscape design.”

Using a framework of off-grid, farmhouse architecture, the four villas – Ferndale, Willow, Jacaranda and Banksia – are positioned north to capture the all-day sunlight through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The natural landscape seeps into every element of the design, from the raw materials to the horse stables, which influenced the “outbuilding” aspect of the villas – following on from the original identity of the place.

The local sandstone is incorporated into the design, alongside recycled hardwood collected from the property. Raw steel contrasts with polished concrete, and throughout the design, natural colours and earthy aesthetics feature. And no expense has been spared on the villas with MCM House furniture, Smeg appliances, a Nespresso machine, outdoor fire pits and rain showers.

Construction started three years ago on the property owned by the family for 43 years. Scarf’s father had run beef cattle there, and his mother raised shire horses at The Cedars – flying the first horse in 1987.

Today, the animals are still a huge part of the stay; guests are welcome to feed the animals daily.

Meaning a narrow, winding river gorge, Barranca is all about nature and reconnecting with the outdoors.

Guests are invited to put on the complimentary slippers, light a fire, read a book, cook up a storm and enjoy a bottle of wine – and don’t forget to have a camera ready for the sunsets.

Although Barranca is situated in the beautiful town of Kangaroo Valley, guests have everything you need right on the property. Fresh milk, local eggs and bread are provided in the rooms – perfect for a country breakfast out on the deck surrounded by the gum trees and sandstone escarpments.

Guests are also encouraged to participate in mindful “forest bathing” – a nature-based therapy that connects the senses with fresh air, the soundtrack of nature, and a balmy rainforest surrounding.

With access to bushwalks and swimming in the creek, only overlooked by river gums and staghorns, Barranca invites a relaxing stay that is less action-packed and more about appreciating tranquillity. Set on 405 hectares, guests have more than enough space to soak it all in.

In 2021, Barranca is giving back to Defence Force veterans through the Equine Therapy Program – a collaboration with The Cedars Shire Horse Stud and Flying Change Leadership. This program aims to connect with horses as a way to tune into empathy and body language.

Barranca has everything needed for a luxury return to nature and with sandstone cliffs, an abundance of trees and the running creek, it’s the perfect retreat from the city.

While in Kangaroo Valley …

Massage on the deck

Barranca has partnered with local spa therapists to help guests to disconnect, on the deck of one of four villas, surrounded by the landscape. Each bespoke treatment aims to be a sensory journey.

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Canoes, champagne and canapes

To truly immerse in the picturesque Kangaroo Valley, take a tour through a sunken forest, sipping champagne and enjoying local canapes along the most magical waterways.

wildfest.com.au

Bushwalking

It would be a waste not to take advantage of Barranca’s incredible bushwalks through untouched bushland, including kilometres of gentle walks or treks for the more experienced.

Yarrawa Estate

Kangaroo Valley has its own award-winning vineyard to experience. Pouring peppery chambourcins and crisp, sparkling pinot, the estate was established in 1998 by Mark and Sue Foster.

yarrawaestate.com