Lo Scoglio: An Italian Sustainable Farm in the Heart of Byron Bay
“Lo Scoglio” is one of the luxurious properties in the Byron Bay hills in New South Wales, Australia, featuring a design inspired by Italian style. Recently opened, this place represents the concept of “new luxury,” blending elegance with environmental awareness. The design focuses on the use of entirely natural materials and low-toxicity finishes, which are fundamental to the space’s construction.
Sustainability as a Core Concept
“Lo Scoglio” was founded by Angelica and Charlie Arnott, advocates of regenerative farming, who carefully selected materials to ensure the property’s long-term sustainability. Both the farmhouse and the studio offer modern interpretations of the traditional rural home concept, relying on local and authentic materials, including hand-crafted, reclaimed wood, reflecting the philosophy of “heritage built to last.”
A Unique Location
“Lo Scoglio” is situated in the upscale “Coopers Shoot” area, offering complete privacy with a property that spans two acres, only about 20 minutes from the famous Byron Bay beaches. The surrounding area boasts environmental diversity, with native plants scattered across meticulously landscaped gardens, contributing to a seamless integration of the property with nature.
Enjoying the Surrounding Environment
Despite its proximity to nearby towns like Byron Bay and Bangalow, which offer a range of trendy organic restaurants and cafes, “Lo Scoglio” provides a perfect setting for cooking and enjoying communal meals, either indoors or outdoors. The property ensures an integrated experience for visitors, offering an organic care package containing authentic Italian products, including fresh herbs and Italian wine, enhancing the luxurious Italian experience amidst Australian nature.
Environmental Sustainability and Guest Well-being
In addition to its aesthetic design, “Lo Scoglio” ensures its environment is regenerative and sustainable. Through the holistic philosophy adopted by the property, no agricultural chemicals are used in the surroundings, promoting the health of guests and providing an ideal environment for relaxation and well-being.
Who is Behind the Design?
The “Lo Scoglio” farm is the first project of the Arnott duo, partners in both life and work. From the beginning, they collaborated with local artisans and specialized companies like “Skyline Projects” to bring their vision to life, resulting in a true homage to traditional Italian stone-built homes.
The primary focus of the design was the use of recycled wood, aged over 200 years, sourced locally. This wood was used for the roof, floors, and cabinets, adding a touch of authenticity and sustainability to the project.
One of the Arnott’s main priorities was to reduce toxicity within the residence, which led to the design of the space using entirely natural materials, with consideration to minimizing exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in sleeping areas, meaning no televisions were placed in those zones.
As for the gardens, the use of chemical fertilizers was avoided, and the landscaping was maintained with a local or Mediterranean-inspired design, ensuring the space harmonizes with the surrounding environment and enhances visitors’ sense of calm and connection to nature.
Custom Details
The local craftsmanship is embodied in every corner of “Lo Scoglio,” where the wrought iron surrounding the property was crafted by local artisans at “Eastern Forge.” Additionally, “The Land Company” from Byron Bay was tasked with landscaping, carefully selecting plants to reflect the beauty of the surrounding nature while maintaining a natural and rejuvenating character.
As for the furniture and interior design, “Tegmi Trading” in Byron Bay drew inspiration from Angelica’s Sicilian heritage to choose authentic Italian furniture and ceramics directly from Italy, along with a curated selection of signature pieces from their main line. These details not only add an aesthetic touch but also reflect the philosophy that Angelica and Charlie are keen to highlight in the design of the space.
The Kitchen: Heart of the Villa
The spacious kitchen, featuring stone walls and marble countertops, is one of the central elements of “Lo Scoglio.” Here, guests will discover “Di Lonidi x Lo Scoglio” handmade ceramic bowls adorned with unique hand-painted designs. Angelica Arnott says, “There are many elements in the house that create a sense of story, place, and time, but the kitchen is the one that brings everyone together. It is spacious enough for sharing cooking and conversations with a whole family of friends and relatives. ‘Lo Scoglio’ is an experience that is either complete or nothing, depending on what you want from it.”
This philosophy reflects the true spirit of the home, where the kitchen is considered a place to bring people together, enhancing the guests’ experience of enjoying moments that will be cherished in memory.
Bedroom
“Lo Scoglio” generally accommodates 12 people, with the property consisting of a farm that has four bedrooms, as well as a studio with one bedroom. It can also host up to 35 people for events. Among the standout rooms, the “Vescotti Suite” is the ideal choice for a stay, thanks to its stunning views from the balcony and its private attached bathroom. Beneath the clay-tiled floors lies a freestanding circular bathtub, adding a touch of luxury and comfort.
Sustainability and Small Details
There are no single-use amenities here; instead, refillable “Leif” products are provided in the bathrooms across the farm and studio, reflecting the property’s commitment to sustainability. Linen bathrobes from the ethical brand “CLB Living” are placed in the open wardrobes, enhancing the feeling of comfort and quality. In the workspace area, a desk adorned with leather office accessories encourages guests to express their literary or professional creativity.
The Stay Experience
“Lo Scoglio” not only offers a place to stay but also provides an opportunity for reflection and relaxation. Through its luxurious facilities and sustainable materials, the property becomes more than just a holiday home; it is a space for rest and well-being that caters to both the body and mind.
Where You Can Relax
It’s hard to find a better place to relax than the private outdoor pool and spa at “Lo Scoglio.” The wellness facilities have been carefully selected to meet the needs of guests seeking relaxation and renewal. The property features a private dry and steam sauna equipped with red light therapy, along with a modern gym providing an ideal environment for exercise.
Comprehensive Wellness Space
The property also boasts an ice bath nestled in a space cleverly designed under a viewing platform, ensuring that the stunning natural views remain uninterrupted. This design innovation allows guests to enjoy tranquility and wellness without disturbing the beauty of the surrounding environment.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
“Lo Scoglio” goes beyond just facilities to embrace a broader concept of wellness that relates to the entire environment. Thanks to Charlie Arnott, who hails from an Australian agricultural family spanning eight generations, the property ensures that no agricultural chemicals are used. This guarantees a healthy and safe environment for guests, reflecting “Lo Scoglio’s” commitment to holistic wellness that extends beyond just the amenities and into every aspect of the stay.
Final Verdict
“Lo Scoglio” joins a select group of luxury properties in and around Byron Bay, such as the new “San Ranch” and the legendary “Rise on Wategos,” offering a unique balance between style and authenticity. The property celebrates the Italian lifestyle, designed to be a place to enjoy with friends and family, whether indoors or outdoors.
Every corner of the property has been thoughtfully crafted to redefine the concept of luxury in the style of Byron Bay. With areas dedicated to socializing and self-care, the Arnott’s philosophy at “Lo Scoglio” embodies this vision: “Creating a rejuvenating atmosphere so that the guest experience becomes more than just a vacation. It must allow for relaxation and reconnection with oneself.”
This approach makes “Lo Scoglio” more than just a tourist destination—it is a comprehensive experience aimed at renewing both the body and mind.
