Farm stay with purpose with Louise Freckelton, Kestel Nest EcoHut
When you arrive at Kestrel Nest EcoHut, an off-grid, off-line and eco-luxury farm stay perched above a rocky mountain stream and surrounded by 360 degree views of rolling farmland, you can feel yourself exhale.
Louise Freckelton, along with her husband David, are custodians of 840 acres of unceded Wiradjuri Land where they conduct small-scale, ethical farming with the conservation of one of Australia’s critically endangered forest types. The property also holds great cultural significance, and a cultural assessment was conducted to honour the land's original owners and their knowledge.
On this stunning parcel of land, near Adelong in the Riverina Highlands of NSW, is the award winning Kestrel Nest EcoHut.
Kestrel Nest was built after a long and meticulous design process. Louise wanted a simple open-plan design that made one feel connected to the outdoors.
The building was initially half-built when the January 2020 Black Summer fires swept through the area, burning two-thirds of the property. Despite the challenges, the strategic location of Kestrel Nest allowed for extensive firefighting efforts, and the building was ultimately saved.
The hut is named after the magnificent Kestrel - the only bird seen near the eco hut for two weeks following the fires.
In this episode, Louise discusses the inspiration behind Kestrel Nest including the challenges and process of building the eco hut using recycled and local materials. She speaks about the significance of acknowledging and preserving the cultural heritage of the land. Louise also reflects on her transferable skills such as her love for nature and her background in marketing and communications.
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This episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.
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