The Story of Mt Hay Retreat
Luxury accommodation in Berry, NSW South Coast
Mt Hay Retreat is a family-owned luxury retreat and working farm located on 364 acres of escarpment, bushland and native pasture overlooking Berry on the NSW South Coast.
The property has been home to the Houghton family since 1987 and has evolved over time from a private family farm into a small, carefully designed luxury accommodation retreat.
Today, it remains both a working farm and a place for guests to slow down, reconnect and experience the natural landscape.
A Family Home First
The Houghton family first arrived at Mt Hay in 1987.
The Old Weatherboard House
At that time, the property consisted of a modest 1960s farmhouse, a few farm sheds, and a former dairy milking shed known as “The Bales” — a reminder of the land’s agricultural history.
For many years, Mt Hay was simply a family retreat from city life in Sydney. Weekends were spent maintaining the land, building fences, and enjoying time together on the farm.
Over time, the property became a shared space for a growing family, eventually home to five children who grew up on the land.
From Farmhouse to Retreat
The original farmhouse was eventually demolished in the early 2000s as part of a long-term vision for the property.
Working with a Sydney-based architect, the family developed plans for a new main residence and swimming pool, alongside a future vision for a guest retreat.
Construction of the main residence and pool was completed around 2008.
The second stage of the vision—the retreat itself—was approved after a lengthy planning process and completed in 2016, when Mt Hay Retreat opened to guests for the first time.
Local builders and trades were used throughout the build, reflecting a long-standing commitment to supporting the surrounding community.
The Land and the Property
Mt Hay Retreat sits within a larger 364-acre property, most of which remains natural bushland and native pasture.
Only a small portion of cleared land has been used for the retreat, with careful consideration given to minimising environmental impact and preserving the broader landscape.
Key design principles included:
- Maintaining natural land contours
- Preserving native bushland and wildlife corridors
- Integrating buildings into the landscape
- Protecting long-term ecological values of the farm
The result is accommodation that sits quietly within its environment rather than dominating it.
The Gardens
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- Beautiful Gardens
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- Spectacular Views
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- Artworks and Sculptures
The gardens at Mt Hay Retreat have been developed over many years and continue to evolve.
They are primarily the work of Christine, Anthony’s mother, who has spent decades planting, pruning and shaping the landscape.
The gardens include a mix of native and carefully selected exotic species designed to:
- Attract native birds and wildlife
- Provide seasonal colour and structure
- Blend cultivated spaces with surrounding bushland
- Create a sense of immersion in nature for guests
They remain a living, ongoing project shared between family members.
Today: A Family-Run Retreat
Mt Hay Retreat is now operated by:
- Anthony (one of the original five children)
- His partner Louise
- A small local team
- And their dogs, Dougal and Griff
Anthony’s parents, Wayne and Christine, remain connected to the property and visit regularly.
The retreat continues to operate as both a family home and a guest experience.
Wildlife at Mt Hay
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- Echidnas
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- Blue Tongue
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- Wild Turtles
The property is home to a wide range of native Australian wildlife.
Guests may encounter:
- Kangaroos and brush-tailed rock wallabies
- Wombats (particularly at dusk)
- Echidnas and blue-tongue lizards
- Kookaburras, rosellas, king parrots and lyrebirds
- Wedge-tailed eagles
- Frogs, skinks and other native species
- Occasional deer sightings
Wildlife is an integral part of the experience and reflects the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Sustainability and Stewardship
Sustainability and environmental care have been part of Mt Hay for decades.
The property is actively managed with a focus on:
- Supporting native biodiversity
- Protecting rainforest and bushland areas
- Using local suppliers and trades wherever possible
- Responsible land and water management
- Long-term conservation of the landscape
The guiding principle is simple:
To care for the land so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
A Place to Share
Mt Hay Retreat was created with a simple intention:
To preserve a special family place while allowing others to experience its beauty.
Today, guests are invited to stay, slow down, and enjoy the same landscape that has shaped the family’s life for nearly four decades.
A Message from the Family
We hope you enjoy your time at Mt Hay Retreat and experience it with the same sense of calm and connection that we feel every day.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Anthony, Louise, Dougal and Griff
Mt Hay Retreat, Berry NSW
