Welcome to Gilay Estate, Quirindi NSW

Places to Stay

17 Jul

Sandy Rogers and Alexandra Gawthorne would often invite friends to Sandy’s family farm for a weekend escape from city life. The joy born in those stolen nights gave them an idea – to create a space where others could enjoy a slice of country life, too. Gilay Estate, set to open in 2024, will feature three luxury off-grid huts nestled into the hillside overlooking the Liverpool Plains. Separated by a minimum one-kilometre distance, each hut offers guests privacy and seclusion while they switch off, soak up the scenery and cook by campfire in the light of the moon.

Getting there

This dreamy regional abode is located on a spectacular working farm between Quirindi and Willow Tree, on the Liverpool Plains. For the traditionalists among us, the property is entirely accessible by 2WD vehicles. For those seeking an aerial route, helicopters are also welcome. If you’re coming from Sydney, you’re going to want to head north-west. As for the New England / Coffs Coast locals, your map will guide you south-west.

The Story

For founders Sandy Rogers and Alexandra Gawthorne, a big focus of the property is cultivating and acknowledging the First Nations culture in the area – Alex herself has Indigenous heritage. Together, they worked with Cameron Anderson Architects (based in Mudgee) to bring their vision to life. Named ‘Gilay’, which means ‘Moon’ in the Gamilaraay language, the hut design is as beautiful from the outside looking in as it is from the inside looking out. While it invites guests to switch off from the hustle and bustle, there is mobile reception and world-class internet speed for those working a long weekend in the lap of luxury. If you’re game to take a video call in the wood-fired hot tub, the option is there.

The Stay

Don’t let the word ‘hut’ fool you, this accommodation is far from roughing it. Gilay Estate is designed for two guests, with every element of human connection considered. That includes jaw-droppingly stunning views from both the shower and hot tub, E-bikes for exploring, a wood-fired heater for cosy romantic evenings, cooking facilities both inside and out and uninterrupted views of the mountain range from bed. Each hut is also solar-powered, air-conditioned and will have a minimum one-kilometre distance between them, ensuring a high level of privacy and seclusion for all guests. The best bit? When you lie down in bed and discover the ceiling window inviting the stars and gilay (moon) into your dreams.

The Interesting bits

The hut is designed with a dark sheet metal and timber clad exterior that will recede into the dramatic rural landscape. As for the interiors, they consist of warmer, natural timber linings for walls, ceiling and joinery, as well as an exposed aggregate floor that dramatically contrasts with the darker exterior metal palette.

When staying for a few nights, Sandy and Alexandra highly recommend a daytime drive to Willow Tree to check out The Plains Pantry Cafe and Graze Restaurant, followed by Murrurundi for the must-see Michael Reid Art Gallery and Magpie Gin Distillery. But make sure you’re back at the hut for a refresher in the hot tub as the sun goes down!