Dufflebird Farm – South Gippsland Escape

Welcome to Dufflebird Farm — 120 acres of rolling meadows, open skies, and deep country quiet, just two hours from Melbourne. A three-bedroom South Gippsland farmhouse where the pace shifts the moment you turn down the lane. Soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, wrap-around verandas — and a separate bathhouse opening onto farmland views. Watch the weather roll in. Sleep deeply. Stay longer than you planned. The space ~120 acres of open pasture and fresh country air ~Light-filled farmhouse with soaring 3.3m ceilings ~Wrap-around verandas and wide paddock views ~Separate bathhouse with French doors ~Sleeps 5 comfortably (max 6 on request) ~Linen, towels & cleaning included Tucked down a quiet lane in Berrys Creek, Dufflebird Farm is the kind of place where things soften quickly — the air, the pace, your sense of time. THE EXPERIENCE This is a place we’ve nurtured back to life, honouring its history and our connection to the region while making it our own. What we fell for wasn’t showy — it was the quiet rhythm of the place. Morning mist low over paddocks. Light shifting across the hills. Stillness that makes you notice how much noise you’ve been carrying. But it’s not all soft edges — subtle boldness and thoughtful details keep it interesting. The house carries the same rhythm as the land: modern-federation bones, pared-back interiors, and space to breathe — with just enough edge to keep you noticing. If layered, maximalist country styling is your thing, this probably isn’t your place. But if you appreciate restraint, thoughtful design, and a slower kind of luxury, you’ll feel at home. A tree-lined driveway leads past fruit trees to the veranda-wrapped house, where light spills across hardwood floors. Living, dining, and kitchen flow onto the deck — perfect for slow mornings, long dinners, and evenings watching the light move across the paddocks. The kitchen centres on a Falcon gas stove that invites proper cooking: slow breakfasts, shared meals, or something in the oven while you sip wine outside. It’s made for the way people actually live when they have time. Hydronic heating keeps the house warm on cold nights, complemented by a wood fire for extra coziness. In summer, cooling and fans make it comfortable year-round. The lounge is simple, considered, and welcoming — books worth reading, games worth playing, and a Bluetooth speaker for slow mornings or quiet evenings. BEDROOMS Master — Queen bed, walk-in robe, ensuite Second — Double bed Third — King single / small double with desk Sleeps 5 comfortably; up to 6 by request. THE BATHHOUSE A short walk from the house, the bathhouse is light-filled and quiet, with bi-fold French doors opening to farmland. ~A note on the bath: It’s a standard single-person bath, designed for a slow, solo soak with a view — not sized for two. This is intentional, as the property runs entirely on collected rainwater, balancing comfort with conservation. OUTDOORS Wrap-around verandas and deck seating BBQ and outdoor dining Fruit trees and open paddocks Circular driveway and carport WHO IT SUITS Dufflebird Farm is intentionally not for everyone. It suits people who want to slow down — not fill every hour — and notice light, space, and how a place feels. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking space and stillness. If you’re after a highly serviced, fast-paced stay, this probably isn’t the right fit. EXPLORE South Gippsland rewards taking your time — beaches, trails, and small towns that feel quietly themselves. Walkerville, Waratah Bay, Sandy Point, Wilsons Prom — or closer to home, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Fish Creek, and Loch for food, wandering, and local character. DAY TRIPS Tarra-Bulga National Park — 1 hr Walhalla — 1 hr 15 min Wilsons Prom — 1 hr 20 min Mirboo North pool and Inverloch Beach — local favourites on warmer days Guest access You’ll have the whole property to yourselves, with easy key-safe access. We live about three hours away, so you’ll enjoy complete privacy — but we’re always just a message or phone call away. A local caretaker is also nearby if you need assistance. Occasionally, you may see the local farmer in the paddocks. He won’t enter the driveway or house, usually just checking on his cattle. Other things to note RATES Base for two guests; $50 per extra guest (max 1) BATHROOMS AND LAUNDRY Main bathroom, ensuite, additional toilet Washer & dryer HEATING AND COOLING Hydronic heating throughout Wood fire (firewood supplied) in the main living area (lounge, kitchen, dining) Split system heating and cooling in the main living area Fans in bedrooms ENTERTAINMENT TV, speaker, books, games WiFi SUSTAINABILITY Solar-powered, rainwater collected, composting encouraged. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE We’ll send everything you need — access details, what to bring, and our local recommendations. There’s also a printed guide at the house, and we’re always available if needed. PETS Not permitted ~For pet-friendly stays, see below. OTHER STAYS If Dufflebird is booked, you might like: Liptrap Loft — private acreage, Japanese bathhouse (dogs welcome) Otways Loft (Forrest) — three-storey cabin (dogs welcome) Steam Carriage (Forrest) — reimagined vintage stay (dogs welcome) McQueen Studio (Anglesea) — coastal studio All share the same approach: thoughtful design, and space to properly switch off.