The municipal zone is a Rural Activity Zone, not a Farming Zone as is the case for most surrounding properties. This municipal zone seems to allows scope to do other activities that support farming activity.
As such, we would like to work with the Council to make widespread use of the land on top of the farming activities and include facilitation spaces as part of the Centre for Regenerative Futures, the addition of some gathering spaces, and small B&B accommodation, as well as some cabins for small groups or teams visiting the farm. Some areas have been identified as they have already been leveled, and others are proposed as they feel great to be in.
Some more information about our Purpose can be found here and about our strategic intention can be found here.
More information about the land shape and history can be found here.
Proposed Farm Stay Accomodation
Currently, the only buildings on the farm are the Homestead and garage/shed. However, there are numerous platforms already formed with earthworks conducted by the previous owner, where it makes sense to make use of those spaces for on-farm accommodation.
As part of our strategy for growing a viable farming enterprise on this land, in addition to the market gardens, productive pasture, and extensive fruit and nut forests, we would like to build some small cabins in various locations on the farm.
Our vision for these cabins and B&B-style accommodation is that they are beyond sustainable; they are as regenerative as possible, off-grid, as well as stylish, modern, and comfortable. We'd like them to inspire what is possible in a regenerative context when it comes to this type of accommodation.
At the moment, we imagine two or three small B&B, self-contained, off-grid buildings that generate their own energy, capture their own water, and process their own waste. We anticipate that these would consist of a small bedroom, small bathroom, and small living space, as well as an outdoor deck and fire pit.
We also see the need for some small cabin accommodation, suitable for hosting small groups who may be participating in an event or set of workshops that are being held in the event space. We anticipate that these consist of a simple single-room cabin with access to shared bathroom and toilet facilities. These could be gathered in a couple of locations on the property so that people can stay in either the farm or forest as part of their stay on the farm.
Example locations
There are some areas of the farm that would be potentially suitable for some of the accomodation.
Visual concepts
We don't have any definitive plans drawn up for these as we would like to explore what's possible with council, although we would like them to be well fitted, well designed, and well built, so that people have a surprisingly delightful experience.
Relevant Permaculture Principles
All permaculture principles inform all aspect of the permaculture design and operations—these more so than others.
Make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our consumptive behaviour and dependence on non-renewable resources.
By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between them and they support each other.
Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes.
The wellbeing of ourselves, our kin, and community is the best indicator of how we are going.