Overview
Byron Bay is awash with idyllic stays. Yet it's not always about the beachfront. About 20 kilometres away, hidden amid Nashua's hinterland farm belt, Alita and Lawrence Temple have restored and regenerated both an original farmhouse and its surrounding estate since 2017. Now, Temple Farmhouse, a widely acclaimed private retreat, is ready to reveal its next chapter with the arrival of Temple Hangars.
Comprising four individually designed suites, this accommodation might take a much different form to the original stay, but the philosophy remains much the same. Keeping the landscape front and centre in the experience, the physical structures offer a respectful nod to the natural world, with each hangar orientated to capture expansive views, frame nearby nature and preserve privacy for its guests.
Beyond that, the hangars are designed to settle into the landscape, where curved steel forms intentionally shun attention. Instead, guests benefit from clear restraint that focuses their gaze on the natural environment. Guided by local interiors firm Studio Haus Co, each space is rich in personality, ranging from the unapologetically Australian — think robust forms and materiality — to a fully accessible stay defined by pale, light-filled Nordic simplicity.
The materials, furniture, lighting and objects selected are equally purposeful, with the likes of Kitsune Moon, Carol Taylor Ceramics and Christopher Boots chosen for their measured details and considered longevity. "It was really important to me to use people who were actually creating things," Alita says. "There are so many amazing people in the area doing amazing work, and this felt like an opportunity to showcase that."
Also new to the property, an open-air pavilion made from stone and reclaimed timber forms a cornerstone of Temple Hangars. This welcoming communal space has a barbecue, hot plates and cooking facilities that encourage long lunches and shared meals with friends new and old. Nearby, a cedar hot tub, a sauna and outdoor fires add to the unhurried atmosphere. Native planting is also a major focus, with ongoing bush regeneration efforts working towards the creation of a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.
From this Northern Rivers retreat, expect your days to unfold slowly. While that can mean finding a lazy perch on the sun-drenched property, it might also mean wandering Bangalow's cafés, galleries and providores, discovering a nearby waterfall or an afternoon at the beach. For Alita, what matters most is elevating, rather than obstructing, the hinterland. "If we're going to construct these buildings," she explains. "I wanted them to also give something back."
Temple Hangars are now available for bookings at Temple Farmhouse in Nashua. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Jessie Prince.