Photography: Anson Smart
Drive through the hinterlands of Byron Bay and between a part in the hills and the endless blue skies you will find Sun Ranch. It’s the kind of place that welcomes a Stetson, conjures the smell of leather boots, whose sunny disposition reaches back into the 70s to Cali-style ranches with Spanish flair, where dreams are lived in real time.
The origins of 55-acre, 17-room Sun Ranch lie with a group of seven couples, helmed by Jamie Blakey and Julia Ashwood. All long-term friends and from various creative backgrounds, it was a project destined for success. “We ultimately created a holiday destination where we would all love to spend time immersed in nature,” explains Julia.
Mingling with the hotel’s flower child persuasion is a vibe firmly rooted in travel and spaghetti western tropes, where a wooden beaded chandelier (Julia’s favourite piece) hangs above carved timber art and a sunken lounge upholstered in tiger-print velvet. “Ultimately, we fell in love with every fitting, paint colour, fixture, and art piece on the Ranch,” says Julia.
“Design and curation was not something we took lightly. Everything had to have an emphasis on fun and the unexpected. Pushing boundaries keeps people guessing and keeps us inspired to do more.”
JULIA ASHWOOD, CO-FOUNDER AND DESIGNER
Since Sun Ranch — which sleeps 34 over a range of rooms, barns and suites — first opened its doors in September 2023 (after a “rollercoaster” 2.5-year build, tells Julia), it made quite the splash among guests and the design community alike with its opportunities for “the right company or individual to take it next level and add new locations both here and around the world. Think Hunter Valley, Margaret River, Big Sur, Ojai. Even a pop-up ‘Sun Ranch Summer Camp’ in Lake Wanaka!”
Julia says that they are open to a range of ways to move forward with the sale of the property, from partnerships to investors. “The Ranch has been getting a lot of interest, not just from within Australia but globally too.” Whatever lies in Sun Ranch’s future, we expect it’s about to take off at a gallop.
The property, at 17 Byron Creek Road, Coopers Shoot, was listed for sale with Pacifico Property but did not end up selling. You can check out the hotel’s current website here.
Inside Sun Ranch, Byron Bay
The rolling hills of Sun Ranch
How does one spend time at Sun Ranch? “As the sun moves across the land you almost want to follow along,” says Julia. “Wake up slow in a pool suite or a barn, wander in for yoga and a complimentary market-fresh ranch breakfast.”
Indulge in the warm and moody interiors
The lobby, also referred to as ‘The Lair’, features a “delicious, spiral terracotta-paved sunken lounge”.
Filled with treasures from around the world
“Each space is filled with incredible one-off pieces Jamie and I sourced across the years,” says Julia. “Most of these were found throughout the US and Mexico. We took a fantastic trip and ended up coming home with a shipping container full of treasures from carved timber art, tapestries, and loads of personality chairs!”
Leave your worries at the door
“We love watching people arrive, it’s like the weight is lifted from their shoulders and they leave all baggage at the door.”
Sun Ranch’s design inspiration
Equal parts easy swagger and sophistication, Julia and Jamie’s collective design style fuses effortlessly with the Ranch’s location in an exclusive pocket of Byron Bay.
Sun Ranch maintains a fully stocked bar
Sage burns in the Cowboy Bar, whose name is announced by a handpainted sign, where guests are invited to indulge in cocktails poured over ice.
Immerse yourself in sumptuous tones
Earthy, jewel-toned hues make for a unique palette that is splashed through every space.
Plenty of rooms to discover
The estate encompasses three accommodation options: The Rambler Rooms, The Sun Ranch Barns, and a Private Suite. Guests are encouraged to explore the property in its entirety via e-bike or horse.
Featuring the work of local artists
Sun Ranch’s design is at once nostalgic and contemporary, where local artists’ work stars alongside carefully collected vintage pieces.
Go off-grid at Sun Ranch
The six barns are completely off-grid, while the guest house relies on a hybrid of solar, battery, and minimal grid power. The entire estate also runs solely on rainwater.
The grounds of Sun Ranch
The outdoor spaces span an ice bath, wood-fired cedar sauna, orchard, and 25m pool surrounded by thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs. “Margaritas and fresh prawn rolls are delivered to your towel on request and the tunes flow well into the sunset.”
