The South Coast farm stay where living is easy and picturesque

Only two and a half hours from Canberra and 15 minutes from Milton village is 408B Woodburn Road, affectionately known as Petana – an eclectic, French-style country farmhouse and lifestyle block – the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Nestled on seven hectares of land, Petana – which is fully operational as a farm stay experience – has been lovingly transformed by its current owners, who spotted a gap in the market for families to come and stay in the South Coast region, enjoy the unique coastal and rural lifestyle combination, and interact with a variety of friendly animals.

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The home itself is unique in its own right, with a mud brick exterior surrounding the two living areas, a renovated kitchen, hardwood floors, and a mudroom that is perfect for kicking off the boots after a hike in the surrounding bushland. 

But it’s the one-of-a-kind experience that the entire piece of land can offer that sets Petana apart. 

The current owner purchased the property around 18 months ago and in that time has turned it from a run-of-the-mill house on a large block, into the successful short-stay rental it is today.  

“We came in and changed the format of the paddocks, so that when people come and stay it’s easy for kids to access the pigs, chickens, sheep, and alpaca,” he said. 

“We’re fairly well-booked – being reasonably close to Sydney – and families can come and feed the animals, but then still go to the beach 15 minutes away.” 

The on-site studio, which sits separately from the main home, has also undergone a facelift with recent renovations equipping it with a fully-functional kitchen. 

The three-car garage doubles as a parent’s hideaway and provides an additional separate living space that features a spa and balcony for some peace and quiet after a day exploring the region. 

Views of the ocean to the east and Pigeon Mountain to the west can be enjoyed, with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in hand, from the wraparound verandah of the main house.  

Selling agent Craig Cooper of Cooper Coastal Properties said the new owners of the property have several options when it comes to how they might like to use the home. 

“It could remain as a farmstay business – which has a tidy income behind it – or it could be a home for someone,” Cooper said. 

“It’s got a really earthy, hideaway feeling to it, but it’s also got style.”