Mr & Mrs Smith

Sojourn at Far Meadow

South Coast, Australia

To the west is the bustling village of Berry, where antiques, boutiques and fine food await. To the east is the renowned Seven Mile Beach, fringed by national parklands and boasting a great surfing break, particularly for beginners. But first you’ll need to haul yourself away from the sleek simplicity of your contemporary cabin at Sojourn at Far Meadow. There are two set just far enough apart for privacy, and surrounded by the best of the Australian bush – towering gum trees, warbling birds and chirping crickets. There no such thing as ‘roughing it’ here, though. The interiors are chic and minimalist (the bathroom ‘compartment’ in the middle of the cabin is sensational) with full-length glass doors leading to a veranda with barbecue and armchairs parked in the sun. Sit back, breathe the fresh air and reconnect with nature.

Need to know

• Rates information AU$230 a couple a cabin (Monday–Thursday)–AU$290 (Friday–Sunday), minimum two-night stay; AU$600–AU$700 for three nights (AU$770 on long weekends). Weekly rates, AU$1,400. All rates are subject to 10 per cent tax.
• Ideal for Surfers, wine lovers, bird watchers and two families who can rent both cabins for a group getaway.
• Sleeps 2-4
• Property style Architecturally ambitious rural retreat.
• Grounds The two cabins are situated in a tranquil clearing just below the crest of a hill overlooking lush fields, grazing beasts and the bordering mountain range on this 44-hectare property. A wide deck fronts each cabin.
• Minimum hire Two nights; three on public holiday long weekends.
• Children There's only room in each cabin for one extra child, and things on the veranda at Sojourn at Far Meadow can be a little quiet for tot-sized tearaways. Bigger kids, however, can wander around and check out the wildlife, or drag Mum and Dad to the nearby beaches for a swim.
• Booking process A 50 per cent deposit of the whole stay fee is required at the time of booking, with the balance due seven days prior to arrival. Payment is not refundable, only transferable, provided 21 days' notice has been given. The transfer date must be within three months of the original booking date. Late check-out can be arranged, given 24 hours notice and subject to availability.
• Also A day-bed can be made up for an extra guest for AU$50 a night (cabins sleep a maximum of three). A 10 per cent surcharge applies at Christmas and New Year. Pets aren't allowed and smoking is permitted outside. There is no internet connection.

Floor plan

• With everything you need and nothing you don't, the two cabins at Sojourn at Far Meadow are sleek and stylish – perfect for city types looking for a rural retreat.
• Bedrooms The simple, stylish bedroom is incredibly minimalist. Crisp cream linens bedeck the queen-size bed. Hidden behind the bathroom (a cube set into the centre of the otherwise open-plan layout) natural light flows into the area from the glass doors in the living space. Scandinavian-designed side tables and a desk and chair finish the sleek fit-out.
• Kitchen The galley-style kitchenette is equipped with everything needed to produce simple meals or lingering feasts.
• Living room The open-plan living and dining area reflects the contemporary design concept. The clean lines of the Scandinavian-style furnishings are accented with bright splashes of colour, dark feature walls and hardwood floors. A freestanding fireplace provides the cabin with toasty warmth during winter.
• Dining room During the day, light streams across the pale, round table with its seats à deux.
• Gardens Tucked away on a 44-hectare property, the cabins are surrounded by gum trees and cow pastures with breathtaking views of the countryside from the spacious deck.
• Private parking Each cabin has its own covered carport at the rear.
• Other Barbecuing is a national pastime in Australia and each cabin has a Webber barbecue on the deck. On your way to Sojourn at Far Meadow look for signs on the road advertising fresh local yabbies (they’re a small freshwater crayfish) and buy a few to put on the grill.