Before it became an adorable short-stay accommodation, LogBox Red Hill was a working farm with livestock, paddocks, a worker’s cottage and a dairy.
The buildings themselves were dilapidated, but owner Chloe Burgess and her family were won over by the property’s charm, rustic sheds and ideal location — surrounded by some of the Mornington Peninsula’s best wineries and cellar doors.
‘The “red” in Red Hill references the rich clay soil which attracts vineyards and producers,’ Chloe says. ‘And with a keen eye, you can even see a glimpse of Westernport Bay.’
‘We wanted to breathe new life into the property’s quaint structures without losing their authenticity. Every part of this was considered during the restoration, from reviving the original concrete slabs to respecting the existing timber cladding and its aged patina.’
The farm was transformed in two stages, with the initial renovations taking place in 2018. The remainder of the works were finally completed last year, and now visitors can choose to stay inside the Dairy, the Cabin, or the two-bedroom Green House. You can even book ‘The Whole Shebang’ and secure use of the entire property for those special events or big group getaways.
‘Our builder cleverly repurposed disused materials into doors, furniture and other functioning parts,’ Chloe says of the renovation.
Each of the spaces has its own playful identity, combining rural details like raw-timber ceilings with pops of colour inspired by the local surroundings. Think deep-ocean blue on the joinery, forest green accents, mustard striped-tiles in the ensuite and seagrass matting in the living room.
‘As this is a short-term space we felt we could really have fun with it,’ she adds. And when the cabins had to be closed for bookings due to the pandemic in 2020, they took this creative spirit one step further and transformed the space into an online gallery showcasing various artists and artist workshops, which have since become a part of LogBox’s unique offerings.
Chloe says the accomodation’s design is something guests always appreciate, alongside the property’s ‘resident tribe of curious kangaroos’ that often make an appearance.
There’s also a wood-heater inside every cabin, so you can spend a day out exploring wineries or coastal walks, before heading back for a cosy night in!
