Hidden gem

Located on the Warren River in the centre of Western Australia’s epicurean region, Stonebarn is a peaceful and secluded retreat where you can relax and recharge in style.

Story by Lauren Broomham

Photography by Jody Pachniuk

Set amid 160 acres of forest, rivers and dams in the beautiful Pemberton region, Stonebarn was opened in October 2008 by Perth-based couple Dion and Sharon Rangé. Their idea was to create a unique retreat, where the emphasis would be on personalised service and attention to detail – all in an elegant yet understated setting. On arrival at the property, you’ll be greeted by the spectacular sight of the main lodge and its surrounding eight-acre truffiere, which lies nestled in a picturesque valley.

Crafted from local stone and timber, this stunning building features stylish interiors and rich furnishings, and is the result of collaboration between the Rangés and Parisian-based Western-Australian architect Aviva F Shpilman – who specialises in the reuse of historical buildings and sites. Inspired by the northern French-Norman farm complexes, where in the past people, livestock and workshops were all located in the one building, the two-storey property was designed using locally sourced materials and craftsmen where possible. It cleverly maximises its views of the valley and is completely self-sufficient in water.

Today, Stonebarn features six luxurious guest suites with private balconies overlooking the Warren River, and has a lovely dam filled with marron and trout. Each suite offers the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence including a gorgeous, four-poster king-size bed and a chic ensuite with an antique claw-foot bath, French-inspired double vanities, shower and luxurious L’Occitane toiletries. There’s also a modern kitchenette, complete with mini bar, microwave, toaster, kettle and Nespresso machine, as well as a sitting room, flat-screen television and complimentary Wi-fi internet access.

Guests can also take advantage of Stonebarn’s wide range of facilities, including meals prepared using the freshest ingredients by your personal chef. In addition to a gourmet breakfast, in-house dining is provided for guests by arrangement with a choice of two or three courses. Served in the classically decorated dining room, dishes are made in the open kitchen from delicious local and seasonal produce and include marron straight from the dam, fresh herbs from the garden and truffles from the lodge’s eco-friendly 2000-tree trufferie – which produces French Black Perigord truffles.

If you love a tipple, then visit the property’s stone cellar which is well stocked with internationally recognised regional wines as well as wines from around the world. Once you have your chosen drop, you can enjoy it indoors at the bar or out on the terrace as you watch the sun set. You may prefer to grab a book from the library and head for the cosy lounge where historical artefacts sit alongside antique treasures, rare books and contemporary artworks; here you’ll also find board games and painting supplies for cosy nights in.

There’s plenty to do outdoors at Stonebarn too. You’ll find a range of sign-posted walking trails to follow, from which you can enjoy the exquisite wildflowers and abundance of native birds. Keen anglers might opt to do some fly fishing at the dam and, for those who love a picnic, there are a variety of appealing places to settle down with a hamper – available from Stonebarn on request. For a romantic evening, it’s hard to go past the indulgent bush bath, hidden among the Karri trees, where you can soak away your cares under the stars.

Stonebarn is also available for private use and at only three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Perth, or a charter flight to nearby Manjimup, it makes the perfect hideaway for those looking to get away from it all in luxury and comfort.

Stonebarn
Telephone Rd, Off South Western Highway, Pemberton WA 6260
Post: PO Box 999, Manjimup WA 6258
Phone: +61 (08) 9773 1002
Email: info@stonebarn.com.au

www.stonebarn.com.au

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