Curated luxury in an idyllic rural setting

Gilay Estate is a unique, purpose-built, off-grid luxury farm stay. Located on a working farm in the fertile Liverpool Plains near the town of Quirindi in north-eastern NSW, it offers a distinctive rural escape in a truly remarkable setting.

The brainchild of Sandy and Alexandra, whose family owns the property, Gilay was created to redefine the traditional “farm stay” experience. Combining cutting-edge design with sustainable living, the retreat offers all the comforts of luxury accommodation while remaining completely off grid thanks to a large solar array supported by battery storage. With a location known for its relentless yearly cycle of hot summers and cold winters, one of the biggest challenges in their vision was to deliver practicality and performance to luxury standards.

Connected Design

Having always had a lot of admiration for his work, Sandy briefed local architect Cameron Anderson on the project.

“We wanted to build something that was appropriate for the harsh climate we have in Quirindi”, explains Sandy, “but also create a really intimate experience for guests to enjoy. We wanted people to feel like they're in the middle of nowhere but not isolated.”

The starting point for Cameron’s design was to ideate something that didn’t dominate the location and create a structure that ‘disappeared’ into the landscape. “We're very interested in the idea of contemporary camping or abstracted camping structures” says Cameron. “We started playing with this angular roof form and arrived at one which wraps from the east down to the west and overhangs on that side to provide some summer shading”. It was a design solution that Sandy and Alex loved. “In particular, the wraparound of the roof gives a feeling of both intimacy and connection. Having huge glass windows also really helps to create that nice combination of both.”

Creating Looks that Last

They chose roofing and cladding made from COLORBOND® steel for a couple of reasons. First, there was its strength and durability, an important consideration in such an isolated location subject to both harsh sun and bitter cold at different times of the year. (COLORBOND® steel is tested in some of Australia’s harshest conditions). Secondly, the wide choice of COLORBOND® steel colours allowed them to select the perfect one for this structure and location. They settled on Monument®, a deep and empowering grey. Up close, it’s confident and highly sophisticated, a fitting choice for this striking design. Viewed from a distance, it cleverly recedes into the landscape, merging with the browns and greys of earth, rocks and tree trunks, while allowing the lush greens of surrounding crops and fields to vibrantly pop. The selection of the Matt finish further added to the premium feel. Aesthetics were obviously very important, but keeping the property as low maintenance as possible was also a big priority for Sandy. “It’s quite a serious farming operation, so we didn’t want buildings that would become a maintenance burden or require constant upkeep,” says Sandy. “The materials needed to be durable, long-lasting and able to withstand the elements. COLORBOND® steel really suited the brief - it’s economical, durable, and well suited to the climate and conditions out here.”

Building with Confidence

Local builder Aaron Lawson, who constructed Gilay Estate, is a strong advocate for using COLORBOND® steel for roofing and cladding, citing its durability, low maintenance and the added confidence of a BlueScope warranty*. “The peace of mind that comes with getting a warranty is a key selling point,” he explains. “Using the BlueScope website, it probably takes 10 minutes to generate a warranty for a specific job and include it with the handover package. As a builder, it just makes the clients feel really good. Yes, we all know the durability is fantastic, but just having that piece of paper in the handover documents is a big thing - the clients love that it’s all done for them”

Sharing the Beauty

Sandy and Alexandra feel they’ve created something truly meaningful at Gilay Estate and take great pride in being able to share this part of the world in such a considered way. “It’s really about opening up this place to people who don’t usually have access to rural life and landscape,” they say. “In Australia, so much of our agricultural land is out of reach, and we wanted to change that in a way that feels both respectful and sustainable. And at the same time, it gives us a more secure revenue stream for the farm.”

They see Gilay Estate as part of a broader shift in how farms can evolve. “We hope it can be a model that gives farmers more agency in how they might run their businesses, while also allowing others to experience the beauty and quiet of the Australian landscape; paces that might otherwise remain out of reach.”

Designed by architect Cameron Anderson and built by Aaron Lawson of Aztec Constructions, this eye-catching, upmarket version of a farm-stay cottage is superbly finished with COLORBOND® steel, proudly Made by Australia.

Footnote
*Warranties are subject to exclusions, application and eligibility criteria. For full terms and conditions and to determine the eligibility of your product for the warranty visit bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties or contact BlueScope on 1800 800 789. Warranties provided by BlueScope do not affect consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law.