Nestled in the picturesque beauty of Northern NSW, Neat Acres Farmhouse is more than just a getaway—it’s a sanctuary created with love and purpose. This week on our Home Life Series, we take you to a hidden gem that feels like it was made just for you, seamlessly blending luxury with thoughtful accessibility to offer an unforgettable retreat for everyone.
At its heart is Katherine and Dave Swain and their family, who have poured their passion and care into transforming the property into a truly inclusive haven. From accessible features like a lift and wide doorways to small, thoughtful details that make moving around effortless, every corner of Neat Acres is designed to welcome all.
But it’s not just about where you stay; it’s about what you create while you’re there. Enjoy gathering riverside by the spa or preparing delicious meals in the gourmet kitchen, you'll even get a chance to enjoy conversations around the wood-fired oven. Neat Acres offers the perfect blend of relaxation and connection.
The Swain family’s story makes this retreat even more extraordinary. After experiencing a life-changing C4/5 spinal cord injury, Kath and Dave co-founded Stronger Together for Spinal - a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by spinal cord injuries. Neat Acres reflects that same drive to foster accessibility, healing, and meaningful connection. Keep reading to discover what makes this spot a must-visit for your next getaway.
Hi Katherine, thank you for inviting us all the way over to 221 Manns Rd in Northern NSW, we’re so honoured to be here. Let’s kick things off by getting to know you a little better. Who is the family behind Neat Acres Farmhouse and how did you come about acquiring this gorgeous property?
The Swain Family, Katherine, David, Chloe (11), and Abbie (9) are the proud owners. It was a bit of a serendipitous moment, David was commuting from Newcastle to Forster when he drove past a for sale sign with a drone photo of this incredible 113-acre property surrounded by water. He instantly fell in love and quickly converted the rest of us. The property had been somewhat untouched and as we began to restore and revitalise it, the potential to create an amazing space for everyone to enjoy became clear.
What inspired you to bring this beautiful, inclusive getaway to life? We’d love to hear the story behind the transformation from the blank canvas Neat Acres started as, to the finished result.
The untouched nature of Neat Acres was incredibly appealing to us. We've been involved in numerous renovations and developments, but nothing quite like this greenfield site. We spent several years clearing the overgrown vegetation, fencing the property, connecting utilities, and constructing the access road. We started with a modest glamping tent and a composting toilet, envisioning a beautiful farmhouse overlooking the river on both sides.
Our talented architects brought this vision to life, and with council approval, we embarked on an 18-month construction journey. Unfortunately, a serious accident left Katherine confined to a wheelchair, necessitating a redesign of the plans to incorporate a lift and various accessibility features.
The result is an amazing home away from home for us and our loved ones. It's also been incredibly rewarding to share this sanctuary with our guests. Fully accessible holiday homes are rare, and we're thrilled to offer this inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.
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Neat Acres Farmhouse is all about blending luxury with accessibility, creating a space where everyone can feel at ease. Could you share some of the thoughtful features you’ve included to make sure guests of all abilities can experience the home comfortably?
The house is indeed accessible, and we're so proud to offer a fully accessible two-story Queenslander-style home. A lift conveniently connects both levels, while automatic sliding doors, wide hallways, and spacious entryways provide easy access throughout. The bathrooms are completely threshold-free, and the master bedroom is equipped with a ceiling hoist rail for added convenience. Despite these accessibility features, we've meticulously designed the home to maintain a warm and inviting atmosphere, far from a clinical feel. It's a place where everyone can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
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The heart of any home is the kitchen, and Neat Acres Farmhouse kitchen is practically calling for family feasts and unforgettable gatherings. How did you design this space to bring people together and create a warm, inviting atmosphere for large groups and loved ones?
The heart of Neat Acres Farmhouse is undoubtedly its spacious, open-plan kitchen, designed to be the epicentre of family gatherings and social events. The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces, accentuated by large stacker windows and bifold doors, invites the outside in. The kitchen opens directly onto the outdoor dining and entertaining area, while a large indoor dining table comfortably seats 12, perfect for family reunions or group celebrations. The wrap-around veranda, shaded by awnings, offers respite from the heat while allowing you to enjoy the gentle breeze.
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From fresh oysters on arrival, courtesy of local Oyster Farmers, to your drink of choice, food and drink are at the heart of the Neat Acres Farmhouse experience. But it’s not just about the oysters. What little touches make the place feel like home? And when it comes to Christmas entertaining, what are your entertaining non-negotiables?
From the moment you arrive at Neat Acres Farmhouse, we aim to create a truly memorable experience. Neat Acres offers an abundance of amenities to ensure an unforgettable stay. From spacious gathering areas to a riverside spa, private jetty, sauna, woodfired oven and a fully-equipped rumpus room with a bar, ice machine, and glass washer, every detail has been carefully considered. A private beach offers the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing by a winter fire.
When it comes to Christmas entertaining, our philosophy is simple: good food, good company, and a relaxed atmosphere. A well-stocked bar, festive decorations, a Christmas feast, and a few rounds of card games is the perfect recipe for a memorable holiday gathering.
At Neat Acres Farmhouse, the goal is to create memories that last a lifetime. What kind of moments or experiences do you hope guests will leave with, and how do you see Neat Acres Farmhouse becoming part of their own story?
We envision our guests leaving with cherished memories of quality time spent with loved ones, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether it's a serene morning spent sipping coffee on the veranda, a leisurely afternoon kayaking on the river, or a cozy evening gathered around the fireplace, we hope to provide lovely moments for all our guests. It really does offer something for everyone, whether it be ultimate relaxation and comfort in our cloud-like beds, reading a book on the daybed, fishing, boating, kicking a ball with the kids, or simply enjoying a cold drink while taking in the water views. The property offers so much, ensuring that there's never a dull moment, especially for the little ones. We aspire for Neat Acres to become a beloved retreat, a place where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and simply be present.
In 2021 you sustained a C4/5 spinal cord injury. Despite the overwhelming challenges you faced after your injury, you quickly shifted your focus to helping others in similar situations. Can you share more about what inspired you to create Stronger Together, and how you’ve channelled your own experience to support others?
The inspiration for Stronger Together grew during my time in the hospital. While I was working through my own challenges, I witnessed many others who couldn’t return home because critical things like accessible transport or home modifications weren’t in place. It was heartbreaking to see people ready to move forward in their recovery but held back by logistical and financial barriers beyond their control.
Transport, in particular, stood out as a massive hurdle. For someone with a spinal cord injury, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about reclaiming independence, maintaining social connections, and accessing life-changing therapy and medical appointments. Without it, recovery can stall, and mental health can suffer. I knew this was a gap that urgently needed addressing.
Seeing these challenges firsthand motivated us to act. We wanted to create a solution that didn’t just raise awareness but offered real, tangible help. Stronger Together was born from this need to ensure that no one’s progress is delayed because of transport issues or inaccessible homes. It’s about giving people the tools to regain control of their lives and move forward with confidence.
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