Secret Garden: the region’s best kept secret?

A garden’s secrets are seasonal, blooming with surprises and unveiling mysteries as the weather transitions. In a clutch of Wilyabrup’s natural forest is a bountiful courtyard carefully cultivated to offer an abundance of sensory delights to those who discover it.

With a history of intimate dining events and weddings on its grounds, the Secret Garden on Brookland Valley Estate has recently launched a new offering – the sprawling residence opening its doors to guests for ultra private accommodation in the Margaret River Region.

“It’s been a joy creating the Secret Garden over the past 25 years,” says Pat Poynton, owner.

“I am so happy to be able to both share it with brides on their wedding day and now also with the guests of Private Properties.”

If it’s a retreat you seek, this is the lush sanctuary you need.

The incredibly secluded home boasts two wings, generous decking, five spacious bedrooms and four bathrooms. With an abundance of windows, the Paul Bangay designed gardens are on display wherever you dwell; enjoying winter warmth from the double-sided fireplace or submerged in the Japanese inspired tub.

The glass corridor leading to the main bedroom is lined in shoulder high hydrangeas, a spectacular burst of vivid colour in summer. Wilyabrup Brook runs through the grounds and its tranquil bubbling is audible from the main kitchen.

“The Secret Garden offers everything in a uniquely private space,” says Kirsty Fairclough from Private Properties.

“You could spend your entire stay in the region on the property and never feel the need to leave.”

It’s a unique offering indeed, truly a place to find the space to reconnect with your companions and nature. This writer can imagine long spells of creative work overlooking the dripping wisteria followed by evenings enjoying family time with a glass of wine.

The home is designed in such a way that allows equally for secluded solo reflection or communal bonding. The formal garden merges with the surrounding peppermint forest and wildlife crosses freely between the two. Sunshine filters through the canopy, with dreamy pockets of shade and light suitable for comfort in every season.

Accommodating large families of up to 12 (8 adults and 4 children), features of the property include outdoor sun lounges, heating and cooling, Nespresso coffee machine, a boardwalk to wander past Wilyabrup Brook, and a fully appointed kitchen with gas cooktop and second kitchenette.

Just in case keeping in touch with reality crosses your mind, Wi-Fi is available, but it would be completely understandable if you never used it, preferring to immerse completely in the luxury hideaway experience.

The children will be taken care of with a mezzanine loft bedroom, bunkbeds, and playground, plus endless exploring to occupy little imaginations in the safety of the courtyard.

There’s a BBQ on the main veranda for summertime meals and a firepit for marshmallow toasting in winter. Enhance your culinary endeavours from the herb garden and pop a wedge of homegrown citrus in your evening aperitif.

Should you decide to venture out to dine, the Brookland Valley Estate is also home to Flutes restaurant and is only short drive or 15-minute walk away.

Australian landscape designer Paul Bangay’s signature style is focused on structure, balance and deliberate use of colour.

The garden strikes the perfect equilibrium between manicured and magical. Spring is of course the floral pinnacle, with Noongar season Kambarang in October and November bringing the garden to its crowning glory.

Alongside the fairytale wisteria grows a delicate blush and white snowfall of crab apple blossom, a feast of roses and the deep purples of iris and clematis.

To soak in the springtime scents and sunshine with a glass of chardonnay, guests have the luxury and convenience of some of the region’s stalwart wineries close at hand, including Woodlands, Pierro, Moss Wood and Evans & Tate.

The beach is also a short drive away, but the charm of the Secret Garden is that despite its proximity to regional attractions and sights, it feels miles from anywhere, and the centre of its own universe.

You can lose yourself in the fascinating intoxication of a botanical dream from $5995 for a three-night stay (off-peak season). Take advantage of local delivery services for gourmet hampers, fresh food, private chefs and wine and you’ll never have to set a foot outside your Secret Garden.