Hamlan has helped homeowners create their dream acreage homestead across Geelong and Western Victoria. From Inverleigh to Gnarwarre and throughout the Bellarine, Hamlan has crafted acreage homes that embrace open spaces and natural surroundings.
Explore our stunning acreage home designs and hear from homeowners who have brought their vision to life with Hamlan.
What is acreage?
Acreage embodies ample space, privacy, and a deep connection to the natural landscape. These expansive properties offer the freedom to create a home that truly reflects your lifestyle—whether that means a grand architectural statement, room for entertaining, or a working rural property.
With generous land sizes, acreage homes provide opportunities for larger residences, extensive outdoor areas, and a sense of retreat from the fast pace of urban living in major cities.
Hamlan understands the unique appeal of an acreage homestead and has crafted a range of acreage home designs tailored for spacious rural settings.
Whether it’s the rolling hills of Barrabool, the emerging acreage lifestyle in Gnarwarre, or the expansive plains of Inverleigh, Hamlan’s new home designs are created to complement the natural landscape while maximising space, light, and functionality.
Each of our acreage house plans is carefully crafted to embrace the outdoors, featuring high ceilings, expansive windows that frame breathtaking views and big blue skies, and seamless indoor-outdoor living areas that invite easy access to nature and outdoor activities.
From fully custom builds to signature designs like the Gellibrand 287, Hamlan works closely with homeowners to bring their vision to life, ensuring their acreage home is perfectly suited to their land and lifestyle.
Acreage home designs by Hamlan: Where we build and what owners love
Olivia and Richie’s acreage home in Inverleigh
For Olivia and Richie, moving to Inverleigh was about embracing the best of both worlds—expansive bushland and open paddocks while remaining within reach of Geelong. Their journey began when they realised their small cottage in Geelong West wouldn’t provide the space they needed for their growing family. Drawn to the idea of acreage living, they impulsively purchased an acreage block in Inverleigh and began envisioning a modern ranch-style home that would complement the surrounding landscape.
Their acreage home’s design takes cues from the landscape, blending modern country home aesthetics with the rural character of the area. Originally set on fully cladding the home in timber, estate guidelines required a mix of materials, leading to a bagged brick façade painted in a contrasting colour. The result is a striking exterior that combines modern elegance with a rustic touch, standing out while still fitting seamlessly within the environment.
Inside, Olivia incorporated tones inspired by the estate’s river red gums, integrating soft greens and warm timber finishes throughout. The home’s open-plan layout maximises natural light, while a dedicated toy cupboard and ample storage ensure functionality for their young family.
Building with Hamlan provided Olivia and Richie with confidence at every stage. Visiting display homes helped them visualise their future space, while guidance from Hamlan’s team, including interior designer Mia Steinfort, refined their design choices. From luxe brass fittings in the ensuite to soft wool carpets, every detail was considered to enhance comfort and style.
Read more: How a Modern Farmhouse Design Perfectly Fits Its Scenic Acreage Location
Anna and Steve’s acreage family home in Bannockburn
Anna and Steve were looking for a home that could grow with their family, offering both space and a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
With two young children, they had outgrown their Hamlyn Heights home and wanted a lifestyle that blended rural tranquillity with easy access to Geelong. Their search led them to a two-acre acreage block in Bannockburn, surrounded by established trees and open space, providing the perfect foundation for their next chapter.
Initially, they considered designing and building a custom home, but the process proved time-consuming and costly. Instead, they turned to Hamlan, a decision made easier by a personal recommendation from a former site supervisor. The flexibility of Hamlan’s floorplans allowed them to tailor their home to suit their unique lifestyle, incorporating family-friendly spaces and dedicated areas for work and play.
One of the key features of their new home is the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. With a young, active family, they wanted an alfresco area that would encourage outdoor living year-round. Steve, a carpenter by trade, took on the task of building the decks and entertainment areas, ensuring their home was not just functional but also an inviting place for family gatherings.
Inside, Anna worked closely with Hamlan’s colour consultant to create a scheme that reflected their style, choosing a neutral palette that allowed for pops of colour and unique design elements.
The build came with its challenges, particularly the delays caused by a global timber shortage. However, their experience in the industry meant they understood the situation and appreciated the communication and support from their site supervisor throughout the process.
Now settled in their new home, they have embraced the space and freedom that acreage living offers. The kids have room to explore, while Anna and Steve enjoy the quiet retreat of their thoughtfully designed home.
Read more: How Anna and Steve built a new life in Bannockburn in their Hamlan acreage home.
George and Liz’s off-grid, acreage homestead in Paraparap
With a farming background and a connection to the Geelong region, George and Liz found Paraparap to be the perfect location to establish their home.
Just 15 minutes from Torquay and Anglesea, the area provided the right mix of rural living with easy access to the beach and city conveniences.
Their 200-acre property began as an open, acreage block with only a few sheep and cattle, but they saw its potential as a working farm that could complement their lifestyle while supplementing their income.
The design of their home was a collaborative effort with Hamlan, ensuring it integrated seamlessly into the natural bushland. Initially envisioning a traditional Australian farmhouse, their plans shifted after a trip to New Zealand, where they were inspired by black barn-style homes. The result is a modern Australian homestead with a high-pitched roof, hooded windows, and a striking facade.
Inside, raked ceilings and an open-plan layout enhance the sense of space, while the kitchen and outdoor entertaining area were designed for hosting friends and family.
Living off the grid was a necessity as well as a conscious choice. Bringing power to the property would have been prohibitively expensive, so they worked with Hamlan and CSR Bradford to install a custom solar power system with battery storage and a backup generator. Water is sourced from a catchment system with two large tanks and a dam, ensuring their home operates independently of town utilities.
The property functions as a working farm, with Angus cattle, sheep, and hay production contributing to their sustainable lifestyle. While they have embraced off-grid living, George and Liz continue to explore new ways to enhance their self-sufficiency.
Building in a bushfire-prone area required careful material selection to meet high safety standards. Double-glazed windows and fire-resistant cladding provide essential protection while maintaining the home’s aesthetic appeal. The thoughtful integration of these elements ensures their home is not only beautiful but also practical and resilient.
Reflecting on their building journey, George and Liz credit Hamlan’s expertise and flexibility for bringing their vision to life. From the initial design phase to the final build, the team’s communication and attention to detail made the process seamless. Their home now stands as a testament to their commitment to a sustainable, acreage life—one that balances modern comforts with the tranquility of Paraparap’s bushland setting.
Read more: How we created a dream lifestyle property with Hamlan
Eve and James Coates’ dream acreage home in Barrabool
Set against the rolling hills and vineyards of Barrabool, Eve and James Coates have built a modern farmhouse with Hamlan positioned to maximise privacy and take full advantage of the panoramic views of the Barrabool nature.
After purchasing their Barrabool property, the couple spent four years planning the ideal placement of their new home. Moving away from the original house near the road, they opted for a more secluded position further into the property, ensuring uninterrupted views and a stronger connection to the landscape. The long, single-storey design was a deliberate choice, minimising the home’s impact on the environment while creating a layout that runs parallel to the tree line.
Large windows and skylights flood the interiors with natural light, framing the picturesque countryside. The high ceilings add to the sense of openness, while a black fireplace creates a striking contrast against the predominantly white interior. Their open-plan kitchen and living area serve as the heart of the home, featuring a standout induction cast iron oven that adds both function and character to the space.
The home’s layout balances practicality with comfort. A mudroom helps contain the mess of rural life, keeping dirt and boots from tracking through the house. The butler’s pantry ensures clutter is kept out of sight while maintaining easy access to kitchen essentials. With four bedrooms, two living areas, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design supports their active lifestyle.
For Eve and James, their home is more than just a residence—it’s the realisation of a long-held vision. With their horses and pets close by, they are now able to fully immerse themselves in the country lifestyle they always dreamed of. As they settle in, their newly completed deck offers the perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of Barrabool, a place they now couldn’t imagine leaving.
Read more: A walkthrough Eve and James’ modern farmhouse
Custom acreage home in Gnarwarre
Gnarwarre is fast becoming a sought-after location for acreage homes, offering expansive land and picturesque rural surroundings while remaining connected to Geelong and Melbourne. The owners of this custom Hamlan home saw the potential of the area and envisioned a residence that would balance the tranquillity of the countryside with the ability to host family and friends.
Tailored to their lifestyle, the home was designed with three spacious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, ensuring comfort for both the owners and their guests. High ceilings and oversized windows enhance the sense of space and frame the sweeping views of their working farm. The light-filled interior creates an inviting atmosphere, while the dark exterior cladding provides a striking contrast against the landscape.
The process of creating this bespoke home was deeply collaborative, with Hamlan working closely with the owners to bring their vision to life. The result is a home that not only meets their functional needs but also reflects their personal style—an entertainer’s dream home set in the heart of the countryside.
Gellibrand 287 acreage home design in Inverleigh
The Gellibrand 287 is designed for expansive rural settings, making it a perfect fit for this stunning acreage property in Inverleigh.
The design philosophy behind the Gellibrand 287 focuses on maximising natural light and enhancing the connection to the outdoors. Raked ceilings create a sense of openness, while custom lighting highlights the home’s architectural details. Luxurious double showers add a touch of indulgence, reinforcing the balance between functionality and sophistication.
For the homeowners, this design was the ideal choice. Its spacious layout allows them to fully enjoy their rural retreat without compromising on style or comfort. With meticulous attention to detail throughout, the home reflects their vision of a modern countryside escape—where every element has been thoughtfully considered to suit their lifestyle.
Hamlan as your acreage home builder
Building on an acreage property comes with key benefits as well as its own set of complexities, from understanding the landscape to ensuring infrastructure like water and power is properly planned. With over 40 years of experience in the Greater Geelong region, Hamlan has built a reputation as the trusted choice for those seeking a seamless and expertly managed building process.
Hamlan’s acreage home designs are tailored to suit large blocks, maximising space with open-plan layouts, high ceilings, and expansive windows to take advantage of fresh air, extra space, and natural views.
Whether you’re choosing a signature design like the Gellibrand 287 or opting for a fully custom home, Hamlan works closely with each homeowner to bring their vision to life while addressing key site considerations.
For those looking to explore Hamlan’s acreage home designs, the Gellibrand 337 display home in Bannockburn offers a firsthand experience of the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that define Hamlan’s homes. Virtual tours are also available for added convenience, providing a glimpse into the modern acreage lifestyle from anywhere.
