I don’t get out of Melbourne much on the weekends. What can I say, it’s just so hard to find the time to escape. But, when an opportunity came up to visit Five Acres – a luxe new boutique accommodation option in Phillip Island, I couldn’t pass it up. I travelled down to Phillip island over the weekend for two nights, and it was SO good!
Sitting on five acres (obviously!) of rugged farmland in Ventnor, in the North West of Phillip Island, Fives Acres is a group of three beautiful, design-led farm stay cabins unlike any other accomodation on the island. Let’s just say – they really raise the bar!
Conceived by husband and wife team, Katie and Rom Lamaro, with interiors by Daylesford based designer Belle Bright, the cabins have been so thoughtfully designed and beautifully appointed – they really have thought of everything! There’s the super functional kitchenette, clad in stunning AbsoluteMatte Laminex surfaces in a muted palette inspired by the landscape, the softest plush wool carpet in the bedroom area, the dreamiest bathroom bathed in natural light via a spectacular skylight over the shower, and, the piece de resistance – each bathroom extends to an outdoor private deck, with luxurious concrete bath by Concrete Nation!
Five Acres is a passion project for Katie and Rom, who moved from Melbourne to Phillip Island in 2012. Whilst they initially settled in the island’s main township of Cowes with their young family, in 2018 they came across this property – and the rest is history! Despite having just completed renovations of their existing home, the pair just couldn’t look past the potential of this rambling country property, with its sweeping views of Western Port bay, surrounded by rolling farmland. They were smitten!
After purchasing the property, the pair immediately set about bringing it to life. In the first year, they planted over 500 native trees and shrubs, and established a fruit tree orchard and veggie garden. And last year, during the depths of lockdown (which thankfully wasn’t quite as limiting in regional Victoria as it was in central Melbourne!) Rom worked with his brother’s building company, Lamaro Homes, to build the cabins from scratch, layering them with timber panelling and custom made furniture – much of it handcrafted by Rom.
There really is something so special about Five Acres. Aside from the incredible design, dreamy location and scenic views, the warm hospitality of locals like Katie and Rom (and literally everyone else we met on the island!) really does make this an extra memorable regional getaway.
Five Acres Phillip Island is located in Ventor, in Phillip Island, around a two hour drive from central Melbourne. More info and bookings here – get in quick!
Lucy travelled as a guest of Five Acres.
Each of the Five Acres cabins has a slightly different colour palette – pictured here, the Barley cabin with kitchenette clad in Laminex AbsoluteMatte Earth surfaces. Interiors by Belle Bright. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Each cabin has a toasty open fire for those cosy winter nights! Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
So many gorgeous details! Kitchenett shelving clad in Laminex AbsoluteMatte, colour Earth. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Each cabin has a slightly different colour palette – pictured here, the Barley cabin with kitchenette, clad in Laminex AbsoluteMatte Earth surfaces. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The bedroom is so heavenly! Beautiful layers of linen, and plush wool carpet. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Bedroom details. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
each bathroom extends to an outdoor private deck, with luxurious concrete bath by Concrete Nation! Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Outdoor bathroom, with view to the farm, and water views beyond! Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The cabins are situated on a working micro farm. Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Resident cow Rory! Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
The Lamaro family! Photo – Marnie Hawson.
Photo – Marnie Hawson.
