We often reflect on the genesis of thecabinlorne.

20 years ago the opportunity arose to purchase this patch of Bush and bare paddocks so well situated on the southern slopes of the Otways, above Lorne.

For a year or so we camped regularly, coming to know the many moods as the seasons come round. All the while the sounds, smell and view of the not too distant sea.

Initially we constructed what was probably one of the first tiny houses, or shed as it was in reality, meeting the needs of our regular visits.

Our city base afforded scarce garden opportunity and here we had the earth, the rain and sun. We began to think of a landscaped park- both of us influenced by the great gardens of Europe.

Season by season, year by year weeds were removed, blackberries overwhelmed and new plants, both native and exotic were introduced.

The cabin was hard pressed to accommodate our increasing presence and it was adjusted regularly- the expansive sheltered deck offering wonderful shelter and views.

The sloping lawns are interrupted by shrubberies, specimen trees, groceries and pathways lead further afield to orchards, and beyond- treefern gullies deep in shade year round. Each year sees this ecosystem evolve. A true delight, whatever the season.

After a decade of pick and shovel work the acquisition of a superb 80's Italian rotary hoe allowed us to really develop the vegetable garden. We were trialling the use of the "product" that was produced by the in house digester at Cecconi’s Restaurant in Melbourne. This unit was installed in conjunction with Closed Loop to test the viability of such machines to help deal with organic waste problem in the hospitality industry. ( previously we had carted buckets of scraps to the farm every weekend) The success of this process saw Cecconi’s honoured with a prestigious Sustainability award. **

https://banksiafdn.com/agriculture-and-food-from-paddock-to-plate-sustainably-award/

The property now 20 years on has developed an extensive landscape of European and Australian native plants, shrubs and trees, which is ever changing with the seasons. 

The provedence of materials is very important to us and subsequently Don spent many hours sourcing the timbers used to build the cabin at local timber yards. We used a mixture of Australian Cypress Pine and Macrocarpa recovered from power line clearings in the western district of Victoria and milled locally by Robinsons in Barrongarook. The Iron Bark flooring for the cabin was originally wharf timbers from NSW and was supplied by Donchi and Nullabour timbers. Part of the cabin extension also included recycled Jarrah basketball court flooring. The floors are coated in a nontoxic Bona Traffic finish which maintains the stunning colour of the wood.

We hope that others will get as much enjoyment out of experiencing The Cabin Lorne as we have had creating this special place. Don and Maria