Photography: Abbie Mellé
Celebrating Christmas at home is not without its stressors. Although you don’t have to drive anywhere, if you’re hosting, there’s a lot to think about and do. There are beds to make, towels to wash, meals to cook… Then there’s the small matter of where everyone will sleep – often the house is chock-full. Well, that’s the way it is with my extended family. It’s like Tetris!
A destination Christmas is the answer, and Linnaeus Farm, located just outside Berry on the NSW South Coast, is the perfect place to get away, in pure luxury no less.
It’s a magical spot. The two-storey cottage is in fact two houses in one building, and can cater for up to 12 guests. Each floor has its own gourmet kitchen and separate living areas. On the ground floor there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms; upstairs there are two bedrooms with a balcony leading off them and one bathroom. There is another top-level balcony that is accessible from the living area and via outside stairs. Two families can stay together, but everyone has their own space.
Then there are the expansive, well-manicured grounds which are perfect for picnics, spreading out a blanket and reading, and letting the kids run wild. There’s also an amazing treehouse, complete with a slide, for the littlies – Linnaeus Farm is a children’s wonderland.
Did I mention the pool? It’s huge – big enough for the entire family – and the sunloungers offer stunning views of the escarpment and Saddleback Mountain.
The property also boasts an olive grove, orchard and edible garden planted in raised beds. Two dams provide water views – one has a hut over the water for meditation and yoga.
Guests can also take advantage of the wellness offerings at Linnaeus Farm, including an infrared sauna, outdoor sauna and cold plunge. For those seeking downtime, the deep bathtub and rain-shower heads offer bathing bliss, with Leif products on hand.
Stay at Linneus Farm
With 360 degree views of the rolling green countryside and dramatic Saddleback Mountains, Linnaeus Farm is a luxury country property perfect for family holidays. The home accommodates 10 guests in five bedrooms with 3.5 bathrooms over two floors.
It’s the perfect setting to slow down and connect with nature, and will leave you feeling much more relaxed than when you checked in. To wrap up the day, enjoy a game of petanque and then sit by the fire pit. The stars are simply spectacular on a clear night.
All guests are gifted a generous welcome bag of local treats, and can enjoy sampling the Linnaeus Collection bespoke blends by The Berry Tea Shop.
Linnaeus Farm is a hard place to leave – the peace and quiet, the views, the ultra-comfortable beds. As you drive away from the cottage, it dawns on you that you are re-entering the hustle and bustle of the real world and leaving the countryside tranquillity behind. At least, until your next visit.
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