A Hunter Valley farm-stay unlike any other
Looking for accommodation in the Hunter Valley that’s completely unique? Somewhere private with plenty of nature to explore and completely unwind in?
Look no further…. We’ve found an amazingly different Hunter Valley escape that ticks all the boxes. A place that’ll leave you feeling rejuvenated in that ‘getting back to nature’ kind of way.
Welcome to Little Valley Farm – a little Valley farm-stay all of your own!
Hidden in Laguna in the Wollombi Valley, Little Valley Farm is a secluded and sprawling rural paradise owned by Daniela Riccio and Euan Wilcox.
The farm-stay is actually home to around 40-head of Huacaya and Suri alpacas that roam and graze on the property's picturesque green paddocks.
But that's not the most unique thing about this place.
Enter the T4615 ‘Red Rattler’ - a vintage 1950’s train carriage that’ll be your comfy retro lodgings during your stay.
How did a 1950’s Sydney train carriage end up in Laguna? According to Daniela, the Red Rattler’s been in the family for a while.
“The train was actually on Euan’s Dad’s property in Gulgong (280kms away) for over 20 years. It took nine months of planning and lots of money to get it here.”
Daniela continues. “The train’s a little bit rustic but it really complements the natural surrounds. We wanted to keep its authenticity so it still has all the original graffiti on it.”
The Red Rattler is certainly one-of-a-kind. Despite its size, it very much fits the landscape too, aided in part by the large timber deck that extends the length of the carriage providing lovely views of the lush green Valley.
The scenery here is just so pretty and teaming with wildlife. In addition to the alpacas, expect to see (and hear) a lot of birds, kangaroos and if you’re lucky, the odd wombat!
While a stay here is perfect for couples looking to escape the city and enjoy a bit of solitude, the Red Rattler can accommodate families or small groups.
Just ask Daniela about adding the Petite Shepherd’s Hut to your booking.
Essentially, it’s 3x2 meter double-bed on wheels that looks like a kids cubby. It’s quaint but functional and like everything else at Little Valley Farm, it’s just so cool.
I particularly love that it can be easily transported around the property to take advantage of the best seasonal locations too.
If you still need a few more beds, you can also request a tent.
Altogether, the various sleeping quarters can accommodate a maximum of six people with the train’s kitchen and bathroom facilities being shared.
In the not too distant future, the property will also house a cabin.
As you can probably guess, a stay at Little Valley Farm literally takes you off the grid. There are no televisions and there's zero mobile coverage.
What you do get however and trust us, it’s a good trade-off, is tranquillity and with any luck, a good dose of inner calm. Daniela agrees.
“Little Valley Farm is a digital detox. That’s one of things we always hear from guests. That they’re grateful for the break.”
It’s the kind of place you’ll want to take that book that’s been sitting on your bed-side table for months. That and some comfortable clothes for exploring the property and playing with the alpacas.
Don’t shy away from bringing your bikes either. There’re plenty of little trails around the area that’ll do nicely for some recreation and exercise.
Alternatively, you can hire a tandem bicycle or two mountain bikes at the farm.
Then, at the end of the day, fill up the rustic, outdoor bathtub and soak it all up.
All the essentials like bedding and kitchen utensils are provided here but you’ll need to sort your own food and drinks.
If you like to pack light, the Laguna Village Providore (open Thu-Mon) has a wide range of fresh, locally-grown produce and everything you’ll need to make a delish grazing board for those chilled afternoons on the deck.
Close by, the Great Northern Trading Post (GNTP) offers coffee, breakfast and lunch. Friday and Saturday nights, they do dinner as well.
If you want to stick to the farm, the train has a fire pit and a fully bona-fide pizza oven out the back you should try. Just add a bottle of red and a bit of stargazing and you’ve got yourself some plain old-fashioned romance.
Sound like your ideal escape? Head to the Little Valley Farm website to book your stay.
