TOURISTS and locals alike now have the chance to experience a pioneer farm only kilometres from the heart of the Blue Lake city with the re-opening of Echo Farm.
Under new management, the 17-acre property is the perfect place for those young and old with a range of native and farming animals and vintage and antique items.
Originally managed by Jenny Butcher, the farm was recently taken over by couple Bruce and Linda Hay, who fell in love with the property when visiting in 2016.
“The thought of taking over Echo Farm was as daunting as it was exciting,” Mr Hay said.
“We have some ideas to grow the experience for visitors, but in the meantime we hope our guests will enjoy it as much as we did when we first arrived.”
Steeped in history, Echo Farm’s original cottage was built in the 1890s from stones collected in the paddocks, while the harness shed and cottage veranda were made from locally hand quarried limestone blocks in the 1920s.
Filled with everyday items from Australian pioneering families collected by Ms Butcher, Ms Hay said they intend to build on her passion by offering a chance for visitors to interact and learn about animals, while preserving and sharing some local history.
“I’m a bit of a history buff and Bruce was brought up on farms and loves that side of it, so the lifestyle choice suited us,” she said.
Visitors can stroll through the Echo Farm walking trail and enjoy the company of a multitude of animals from chickens, turkeys and ducks to sheep, pigs and goats, as well as wallabies, emus and a few kangaroos who all call the farm home.
Echo Farm is located on the edge of the city at 249 Tollner Road, Compton, and is open from 10am to 3pm daily until January 28.
Group bookings can be made by appointment at other times.
Visit www.echofarm.com.au for more information.
