Tarndwarncoort, c. 1840
History
Tarndwarncoort, or ‘Tarndie’ as it’s affectionately known, is a working sheep farm that has been owned and run by seven generations of the Dennis family since the 1840s. The original bluestone homestead dates to 1848, and is recognised by the National Trust as one of Victoria’s oldest surviving homesteads. A testament to hard work, innovation and dedication through boom and bust, Tarndie is a admirable legacy to Australian farming history.
Welcoming guests to the Farmer’s Cottage since 1985, the Dennis family are experienced hosts, offering a wonderful farm stay experience, while also ensuring guests have privacy to enjoy the quiet country surrounds. From the age of seven, Tom Dennis, now Tarndie’s manager, has been showing families around the farm, making sure they knew where the best cubby houses were, and how to make a sneaky little bonfire!
Accommodation
The Farmer’s Cottage - Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
The Farmer’s Cottage was built in 1946 by host Tom Dennis’ grandfather, replacing an earlier farm manager’s house that was destroyed by bushfire in 1944. Tom’s grandfather had recently returned from serving in the Pacific in World War II, and needed a home for his wife and baby son.
The cottage’s modesty is part of its charm. Materials were sparse following the war, and this is reflected in its simple post-war design. The lounge, hallway and bedrooms are still in the original layout, with original doors, windows, fireplaces, wood trim and hardwood floors; and in the kitchen, the original IXL wood stove oven with brick surround.
The cottage sleeps up to 4 guests in two bedrooms, both with comfortable king beds, and one can be split into two king singles if required. Beds are fitted with quality linen and natural breathable fibres, including Australian-made wool pillows, quilts and underlays for a sound night’s sleep. Handcrafted wool blankets keep you warm in the cooler months. In the bathroom, enjoy complimentary Eloura sustainable body products with essential oils, inspired by the beauty of South Eastern Australia.
Enjoy meals in the open plan kitchen and dining area around the rustic farmhouse table. The fully-equipped kitchen with pantry staples makes preparing your favourite meals easy, with plenty of local produce available along the nearby Otway Harvest Trail. And next door’s pasture-raised eggs don’t come any fresher!
The separate lounge is a cosy nook, with large leather sofas, board games, books and wood fire, with plenty of firewood provided. Surrounded by picturesque farmland and fruit trees, kids love Tarndie as much as the adults. Bring bikes, a footy to play kick-to-kick, and gumboots for wandering the farm and meeting the sheep.
The Stables Studio - Sleeps 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Originally built c. 1905 as the horse stables, The Stables Studio has been transformed into open, contemporary accommodation for couples and solo travellers. A light-filled, double level space features unique textile wall art, natural fabrics, and the simple luxury of quiet space surrounded by trees, grazing sheep, and even an old stone ruin.
Featuring a king size bed upstairs in a loft-style space, there’s also WiFi and a dedicated desk area for those wanting to work on creative pursuits. The bathroom features a large shower, and downstairs is fully-equipped kitchen so you can cook till your heart’s content…or enjoy local fine dining at Brae Restaurant and around the Otway Harvest Trail.
Outdoors, a mature oak tree with outdoor table provides a shady spot to admire the country views.
Special Features
Mountain Biking
Farmstay
Fireplace
Vintage Decor
Things To Do
Visit the on-site farm shop, housed in a beautiful heritage stone barn, and browse handmade wool products, bespoke yarns, and unique dye lots using Polwarth wool grown on the farm - just as it has been since 1840. Walk with the sheep on the 400m Farm Trail, learn how sheep convert grass to garments, then enjoy a cup of locally-roasted coffee. Back at your accommodation, you might feel inspired to start your own knitting or crochet project by the fire.
Take a stroll down to the historic Warncoort Cemetery, just outside the front gates of Tarndie. Say hello to all the people that used to live at the homestead, and soak up the history of your surrounds. Beautiful Birregurra is a short 5 minute drive away, with its well-preserved heritage streetscape, gourmet bakery, boutique shops, and the Royal Mail Hotel for a great pub meal or pint.
Visit the tiny township of Forrest, nestled in pristine Otway rainforest, for renowned mountain bike trails, followed by a hearty lunch and craft beer at Forrest Brewery, and a little further sees you at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road for a swim and fish & chips. At sunset, head to Red Rock Lookout, one of Australia’s youngest volcanos, watch the sun go down, and imagine life here before European settlement.
