A place where time stands still…
The story of The Roost, Johanna.
1964
Basil and Ruby Sinclair purchase the 320 Acre property for 7,500 Pounds, containing what is now known as The Roost, Johanna.
Ruby and Basil undertake the momentous task of transforming the rundown site, into a productive dairy farm.
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Years later
Ruby and Basil Sinclair’s son John, leaves school at age 15 to help his parents continue to develop the dairy farm. John works tirelessly to improve the property through cultivation and sowing.
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1974
John Sinclair is awarded the John F Hughes Award, for successful eradication of vermin and noxious weeds on the property.
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1980
John Sinclair marries Carolyn Pearce and they move to their own parcel of land where they continue to focus on conservation; specifically soil erosion problems and land slips, something that is prevalent on the steep slopes of Johanna.
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1997
Ruby and Basil retire to NSW and 295 acres of their dairy farmland is sold off, the bulk of which is leased to Midway timber company.
John and Carolyn return to develop the remaining lots that were not part of the sale.
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1999
John and Carolyn build the first cabin ‘Seaspray’, (now The Roost: Cottage Two).
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2000
Second cabin ‘Eaglesnest’ is built. (now The Roost: Cottage One).
The Cabins begin operating as Bluegum Holiday Cabins.
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2019
Both cabins are sold to Geelong locals Dave and Tom. They enjoy them as a holiday getaway for their families, who love the great outdoors and surfing.
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2021
The property is purchased by Ralph, Liz and Rani (You Hosts). It was love at first sight, as they were swept up in the magic of the location and inspired by the opportunity to create something truly unique in such a pristine, and breathtaking location.
Both cottages under upgrades receiving a new lease on life. With a focus on sustainable technology and lower water and energy use, the cottages offer guests an opportunity to live a little greener during their stay, and hopefully offer inspiration and learning for guests to take with them at the end of their visit.
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2022
Your Hosts continue the Sinclair’s legacy of land rehabilitation to this day and have purchased an additional 100 acres across the road. Conservation Stage One is currently underway; a 5-year program of revegetation and weed eradication.
A history steeped in conservation.
Your Hosts
Meet your hosts: Liz, Ralph and Rani
Who is Ralph?
With a background in commercial photography and sustainable development, Ralph cut his teeth in sustainable innovation with his internationally acclaimed 5 x 4 Project, which featured on Grand Designs Australia and was presented at the United Nations Rio Earth Summit in 2012, as an exemplar in sustainable building in Australia.
A passionate advocate for being able to utilize sustainable practices without sacrificing quality, style and comfort, The Roost is a passion project allowing a solid grounding in Johanna, where a sustainability renovation can breathe new life into a beautiful location and offer a special place to reconnect with nature.
Who is Liz?
Having grown up in rural WA, Liz knew she would eventually find her way back to nature. Enjoying a successful career in property development, working for major national and international developers in executive roles, Liz found herself longing for the country. When the opportunity arose to take on the custodial responsibilities of this beautiful parcel of land with her partner, Ralph, the decision to follow her passion, was an easy choice to make.
Who is Rani?
As CFO (Chief Fetching Officer) Rani takes her stick curation role very seriously. Originally a rescue pup from Warrnambool, Rani is a country gal at heart. With an understanding of the stress that fur babies can feel when their people travel without them, Rani is keen to welcome fellow pooches to her beautiful cottages, and she encourages her puppy pal visitors to enjoy the wide-open spaces, and tranquil surrounds alongside their favourite people.
Come home to The Roost.