Sun Ranch – Byron Bay
Bold in its audacity to challenge conventions, Sun Ranch – in the Byron Bay Hinterland, is a testament to the foresight of a group of creative visionaries and the potential of their collective imagination.
Words: Cardia Speziale I Photography: Anson Smart I Styling: Joseph Gardiner
‘The land took quite a lot of rejuvenation. We planted over 10,000 native plants and trees to bring back the flora and fauna,’ says Jamie Blakey. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
‘The thing we fell in love with, and in turn, inspired our whole design concept, was the large circular brick chimney and a slight hint of a sunken lounge. We selected textures of recycled oak and terracotta to really lean into Californian ranch houses with Spanish influence,’ says Julia Ashwood. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
The Rambler Long House features the original fireplace and sunken lounge in the communal space. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Every detail at Sun Ranch tells a story of collaboration, where artistic minds converge to create a masterpiece of design and innovation. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
The Whiskey Lounge with its bold red walls and velvet sofa - a cocoon for reading, playing board games and of course, sipping whiskey! Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
The Whiskey Lounge. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Nestled amongst the landscape of a 55-acre coastal estate in the picturesque Byron Bay hinterland, Sun Ranch is the latest luxury stay of the locale, offering guests total privacy, onsite experiences and spectacular hotel living.
A soulful curation of interiors that blend ‘70s Californian Ranch nostalgia with Spanish influences, the space is a testament to the collective vision of the creative team who brought it all to life, co-creators Jamie Blakey (founder of fashion label One Teaspoon) and Julia Ashwood (travel journalist behind ‘The Vista’ blog), purchased the estate from a local family with the idea to transform it with a group of their entrepreneurial friends, into the stunning getaway it is today. Featuring private rooms, event spaces, culinary experiences, off-grid barns and a hillside pool, Sun Ranch undoubtably delivers on its promise to be a “hotel of good times”.
‘The spaces we have created here on the ranch push boundaries,’ says Julia. ‘Luxury finishes go hand in hand with unexpected interiors, carefully sourced from vintage merchants and markets internationally,’ she adds.
Working closely with design and construction company Balanced Earth, Jamie and Julia led the creative approach on behalf of the wider Sun Ranch Group.
The architectural design combines the nostalgic charm of a bygone western era with a chic-contemporary aesthetic — the result is a collection of joyful spaces across a striking landscape that caters to anyone looking for a memorable and magnetic escape. Carefully curated artwork adorns the walls, while large ceramic vessels sourced from local craftspeople and an eclectic combination of vintage furnishings throughout welcome guests home.
‘We've not been afraid to experiment with colour and space which at the end of the day makes a striking impression,’ says Julia. ‘The Californian ranch houses of the 70’s with their Spanish influence was where we started... where we ended up was here, “the hotel of good times”.’
While the six barns are completely off-grid and self-sufficient in electricity and water, and the guest house a hybrid of solar, battery and minimal grid power, the estate runs entirely on rainwater. Set on fertile land, which until the culmination of this estate had been kicked around by cattle for the preceding fifty years, the Sun Ranch Regeneration Program recently planted 10,000 native plants and trees in an effort to revive the flora within the area.
‘We’ve created a place that we hope really inspires our guests — from the moment you come through the gates, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere different,’ says Jamie. ‘From the unexpected design moments to the array of different offerings here at the ranch, we hope you leave feeling like you can conquer the world.’
Bookings are available now, offering guests the option to stay over two nights in one of the Rambler Longhouse guest rooms or barns found throughout Sun Ranch, with an option to book a Full Ranch Buyout.
‘When we purchased the property, it was an older style brick home. It was well loved and lived in by a large family who ran cattle on the surrounding 55 acres,’ says Julia Ashwood. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Beautiful design details can be found in every corner. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
“This part of the world is incredibly beautiful. Those who visit the Bundjalung region know the feeling. The oceans, the mountains, the fertile soil. We feel the ranch harnesses the natural beauty of the surrounds and provides a personal playground for you to experience it.”
Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
The private suite includes a kitchen, bathroom and a fireplace. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
‘The Hotel of Good Times’ slogan is on each of the earth-toned custom robes. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
The rooms in the main house have direct access to the pool. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
“We’ve created a place that we hope really inspires our guests. From the moment you come through the gates, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere different.”
The Field House includes an outdoor dining space with Argentinian BBQ, alfresco kitchen fire pit and seating for up to 60 dining guests. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Basalt rock was sourced from around the property to build the incredible 25 metre pool. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
The poolside rooms come complete with day beds. Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener
Photo: Anson Smart. Styling: Joseph Gardener