There’s no need to chase around a herd of horses or don a cowboy hat to stay at Sun Ranch, but if you’d like to dress the part, go ahead. Located in Coopers Shoot (about 15 minutes from Byron), the breathtaking accommodation offering houses a meticulously crafted five-room luxury guest house called The Rambler Longhouse, as well as an additional six two-bedroom barns. The creators of the spectacular property – a crew of old mates from both the creative and hospitality industries – have blended 1970s California ranch nostalgia with spaghetti western and Spanish influences to create the ultimate sanctuary for escapism. Guests can expect to spot carefully curated artwork adorning the walls, huge ceramic vessels by local makers and a vast collection of vintage furniture to lounge in. The creative design was led by design and construction company Balanced Earth, former creative director and founder of OneTeaspoon Jamie Blakey, and founder of The Vista Julia Ashwood, so you just know it’s going to be the prettiest locale you ever laid your eyes on.
There’s plenty to soak up at the estate, which is located on an exclusive 350-m creek frontage. In addition to sleeping 34 people across The Rambler Longhouse and the two-bedroom Sun Ranch Barns, Sun Ranch also boasts The Pool Club, an iconic 25-metre hillside pool where you can sip and snack by. Once you’re done lounging poolside, head up to Stoney Ridge, a space perched at the top of the property surrounded by giant boulders and a fire pit. Up for a spot of badminton? Guests can play games and drink gin at The Badminton Club, a huge grassy court for casual players, or cook up a storm at The Field House, an outdoor dining space with Argentinian barbecue, alfresco kitchen fire pit and seating for up to 60 dining guests. Those who like to dip can visit the Go Easy Dam and woodfired floating sauna, a two-ML dam with jetty, sauna and spa that holds up to ten guests, or relax at the The Lair, a vibrant sunken lounge within the guest house that seats 30 guests around a sculptural fireplace. There’s also The Whiskey Lounge, an inside area complete with low-set designer furniture which flows into an alfresco undercover dining space and a private house pool for guests of The Rambler Longhouse.
Now, we did say that you didn’t have to herd horses, but you might as well play the part and jump on one! Sun Ranch is also the holiday home of Zephyr Horses, with onsite horseback riding available if you want to live out your Yellowstone dreams, alongside other cowboy-meets-new-age experiences including cacao ceremonies, sound healing and astrology. Plus, grumbling tummies will be sated with breakfast, lunch, dinner and fireside feasts curated by resident chef Philippa Sumback, with farm-to-table goodies aplenty.
For more information or to make reservations, visit the Sun Ranch website.
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