Milton Magic

Milton Magic WORDS: DONNA ARMSTRONG // PHOTOGRAPHY: WOODSTOCK HOMESTEAD

JUST A THREE-HOUR DRIVE FROM THE NORTHERN BEACHES, A PICTURESQUE HOMESTEAD SITS ON A HILL. WITH A WHITE CROCHET HAMMOCK ON THE BALCONY, EXPANSIVE GREEN ROLLING HILLS AND GARDENS, AND THE PERFECT SUNRISE VIEWS, WOODSTOCK HOMESTEAD MILTON IS THE ULTIMATE HOME AWAY FROM HOME. COVERED CAUGHT UP WITH LOCAL FRESHWATER OWNERS, DARREN AND KYLIE CLARKIN, TO DISCOVER MORE.

If you’re ready for some fresh country air, a long, leisurely walk in nature with the kids, morning coffees with magnifi cent sunrises, sunset drinks on the deck, storytelling by the fi repit with friends, and a chance to escape the gritty hustle and bustle, a South Coast getaway might just be what you’re after.

Only three hours from the Northern Beaches and nestled idyllically between the mountains and the sea, the quaint and historic town of Milton offers dreamy holiday delights for everyone.

“There’s something really special about the South Coast, especially Milton,” says Freshwater local, Darren Clarkin.

“The people are really accommodating and so friendly and there’s defi nitely a slower pace of life. You can kick back, relax and spend a day at one of the many amazing beaches. If you feel the need to go out there are so amazing places to eat and drink.”

In early 2020, while the world was taken hostage by Covid-19, the Clarkins were busy looking for their dream holiday home.

“I was born in Manly and grew up on the Northern Beaches,” says Kylie Clarkin. “In high school my family moved to Ulladulla and I have many great memories of growing up on the South Coast. After high school, we came back to Manly, and I’ve always dreamed of having a holiday house down there.”

In October 2020 the Clarkins settled on Woodstock Homestead - a lush country property in the insta-worthy hills around Milton, and a mere seven minute drive from iconic beaches including, Mollymook and Narrawallee.

While the Clarkins initially bought the property as a secret haven for family getaways, they quickly discovered it was too perfect not to share with others.

“We thought it would just be a holiday home for the family, but once we invited SLEEPS 10 · 3 BEDS · 3 BATHS

friends down, we realised we wanted to share the magic around. It really is the perfect place to relax and recharge. We put a listing on Airbnb and it took off,” says Darren.

COUNTRY DREAMING

Despite NSW lockdowns, the Woodstock Homestead calendar is fi lling up fast and a huge part of the appeal is its proximity to Sydney.

“It’s not too far from Sydney, and once you’re there, you are so close to everything. We love spending days at Mollymook, Narrawallee Inlet or Burrill Lake which is perfect for swimming with the kids. If you’re a keen surfer, there are great surf breaks. The amazing beaches of Jervis Bay are just a short car ride away. If you don’t feel like a day trip, it’s just as easy to stay at home, have a BBQ on the balcony, and play.”

There’s nothing quite like having locals, who know an area well, as your hosts and as far as Milton goes, the Clarkins have plenty of favourite hotspots.

“Peaches Cafe does a great breakfast and Pilgrims has the best Vegetarian food. Driftwood has the best view in Milton and excellent food and coffee. Another favourite is Milk Haus, which is only a few minutes from Woodstock Homestead - it serves clean fresh food and it’s amazing” smiles Darren.

In the evening, there are fantastic options too. “Try Small Town for good food and wine, Harvest Milton for amazing tapas and cocktails, or a short drive away is Rick Steins At Bannisters, Gwylo at Mollymook, and Cuppits Winery. We’re spoilt for choice!”

On lazy days when you decide to stay home, there is plenty to do for young and old, and surrounding paddocks are home to resident farm animals who keep the kids entertained for hours.

“There is so much open space, we often play cricket or croquet as a family on the large lawns, plus we have a trampoline and a set of monkey bars to keep the kids entertained. The house is perfectly set up and well-equipped for two families,” adds Kylie.

If you’re a fan of beautiful interiors (who isn’t these days?) Woodstock Homestead will bring a smile to your face. The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room ooze comfort and a fl oor-to-ceiling window overlooks rolling hills that are postcard-worthy from sunrise to sunset.

Each bedroom is divinely decorated and a second TV room means adults can talk, dine, and entertain while the younger crew have fun nearby without disturbing a soul. And the Clarkins have great plans for the property.

“Our immediate plan is to put in a pool, add an ensuite to each bedroom, and change some of the fl oor plan,” explains Darren.

“Mid-term, we‘ll be adding a separate studio for more accommodation and a yoga/multi-function room so you’ll be welcome for any occasion.”

Whether you’re craving a summer getaway fi lled with sandy-toed trips to the beach, or a winter escape complete with lazy evenings, fi repits, and board games, Woodstock Homestead offers the ultimate chance to recharge, relax, and reconnect. The three-hour drive will be worth it. •

NEARBY NARRAWALLEE BEACH

Book Now & Give Back

The Clarkins are conscious about giving back. A portion of profi ts from Woodstock Homestead are donated to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, CCELA (Care for Children and Elders Life Association) and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).

To make a booking visit or for more information: www.woodstockhomestead.com.au FB + INSTA @WOODSTOCKHOMESTEADMILTON

Photography: www.sbdronesessions.com