Forrest Haus.
Forrest, Victoria
Our ethos is ‘relax, unwind and explore’ and Forrest, with its abundance of wildlife, natural landscapes, walks, waterfalls, and great produce, is the perfect location to recharge your batteries.
Tell us about Forrest Haus?
Forrest Haus combines our love of building and design with a passion for this amazing region of Victoria. The end result is a spacious and light-filled three bedroom home in the charming town of Forrest that is purpose-built to welcome and inspire travellers.
Our ethos is ‘relax, unwind and explore’ and Forrest, with its abundance of wildlife, natural landscapes, walks, waterfalls, and great produce, is the perfect location to recharge your batteries. As soon as you enter the Otways, you can feel yourself exhale. The rainforest, the community, the lack of chaos and stunning landscapes encourages you to take 10 steps back before you consider going forward.
We both have family roots in the region, so when the block became available we didn’t hesitate to dive in to bring to life our vision. Throughout the design and build, we were really intentional about making choices that felt welcoming, created ambiance, and offered a variety of experiences. Our children Mabel and Finn have been an important part of our journey too, pointing out the small things that adults naturally do not see. The way the light filters, the kookaburra sitting on a wire or asking questions about the way nature exists, which have enabled us to really enjoy the area and reflect their observations in the house.
It was important to us that Forrest Haus reflected the beautiful spirit of the town and is respectful of the rich background of the site, which is part of the Forrest Historical walk and important to local history. All plants in the garden are indigenous to Forrest and supportive to regeneration - this includes an edible bushfood section with elderberry and mountain peppers. There is a different planting view from each window in the house, like a piece of art.
Forrest is close to many different towns and landscapes, which makes it ideal for exploring. We see Forrest Haus as a calming gateway to all the amazing things that the Otway and surrounds have to offer.There are no big shops or retailers, it is experiencing the region through the community of passionate people who really believe in their craft.
What features will make guests never want to leave?
Forrest Haus and the region have so much to offer that it will be hard to leave to return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The house is incredibly well appointed and considerate of the comforts that you may need to relax and unwind, which you will see and feel throughout the decor, lighting, and spaces. We have taken time and care to select and feature makers, artists, designers, and businesses who reflect our ethos and add to the experience. When you walk in the door, you’ll feel instantly at home.
We offer the opportunity to stop and relax. The firepit is the perfect place to sit by the fire under a blanket to roast marshmallows and have that long awaited chat with loved ones. The deep bath is the perfect destination to soak away cares, the comfy couch is an amazing place to sit with a book, and the outdoor lounge is a wonderful pairing with a glass of local wine.
Nature will come to you. The birdlife is astounding in the area with so many different feathered friends who visit the garden and greet you in the rainforest. We often open up the windows in the morning to hear the laugh of the kookaburras.
Its only a short trip to immerse yourself in beauty. The rainforest is spectacular at any time of year and although winter is definitely a slower time of year, it is our favourite as the tree ferns become umbrellas, the lakes are full, wildlife abundant and when we have had enough exploring, returning to the house to sit beside the woodfire cuddled up on the couch is the best. As the rainforest thaws and comes alive, the wattle starts to flower in spring and the Great Otway National Park lights up in a haze of yellow.
“Every place you look, there is a space to slow down, from the fern garden space with oversized chairs to curl up with a book and a wine, to the inviting lounge featuring the ambient Slide design dino egg light which lights the way for you to take a deep breath while listening to the crackle of the woodfire.”
How does Forrest Haus encourage guests to go slowly?
Forrest Haus meets guests where they are at, how slowly they want to travel and how deeply they want to reconnect with themselves and others.
The spaces are fitted out with all the creature comforts, which allows the freedom to either stay in to relax, hit the mountain bike trails to unwind (if thats your thing), or walk out the front door to start the journey through the Otways and surrounds.
Every place you look, there is a space to slow down, from the fern garden space with oversized chairs to curl up with a book and a wine, to the inviting lounge featuring the ambient Slide design dino egg light which lights the way for you to take a deep breath while listening to the crackle of the woodfire.
Forrest Haus is deeply connected to nature. The home is solar powered and reliant on septic systems, which leaves very little footprint on the environment and encourages guests to do the same.
Once you step through the statement door, guests are greeted by David Trubridge pendant lights, which guide the way to the heart of the home to cook, entertain, share stories and create memories.
Book your stay at www.airbnb.com/h/forresthaus
