OUR STORY
In 2001, as city landscape and urban designers and having together worked on hundreds of design projects, large and small, local and international, we commenced on the most exciting, challenging and rewarding vision – a 65 acre organic agritourism project in a sheltered hidden valley near Ravensbourne National Park.
Following a focussed but challenging two year country property search for a bolt hole in the hills for our family of five, fate brought us to Ravensbourne and the commencement of our wonderful life at Cloudlake.
The health, vigour and majesty of the surrounding landscape, aspect, elevation (2100 feet above sea level) yet proximity to Toowoomba, immediately convinced us of just how wonderful this property could be.
The red volcanic basalt soils support huge old trees – red cedars and blue gums, black beans and figs with about twenty five percent of the property remnant gallery rainforest along Oakey Creek.
Large tracts of lantana were cleared to plant an olive grove, small vineyard and orchards and to create a more park-like landscape. A series of terraces, enclosing garden wall and hedges create a sheltered formal garden with rose arbors and a fountain overflowing to the lake.
Vegetable gardens, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and sheep are raised on organic principles and three guest accommodation cottages, Mother of Ducks, with an edible garden and The Boathouse with native gardens and Romany Wood gypsy caravan, as well as the main garden and orchards use waterwise plantings, waste water recycling, compost and mulching to be sustainable.
Oakey Creek, part of the catchment for Toowoomba’s water supply, with its remnant rainforest vegetation snakes its way through our valley, providing wonderful habitat for animals, insects and over 130 species of birds. The great thing is that it is a work in progress.
We love living here, surrounded by nature and especially being part of a vibrant and wonderful community in the beautiful micro region, High Country Hamlets. Come and visit us here at Cloudlake Mountain retreat for a weekend getaway and beyond.
