Every trip to the Ferguson Valley is a vision of lush rolling hills, sweeping vineyards and towering jarrah and marri trees; taking those who visit back to a state of simplicity, solitude and grounding serenity. It’s the ideal location to get lost in, to retreat to and never want to leave. So, the concept behind husband-and-wife duo, Ashleigh and Jon Bramford’s Hidden Cabins, is aptly at home here.
Fuelled by a passion for design and interiors, Ash and Jon have carved out intimate little spaces in Ferguson Valley where visitors are welcomed to stay and experience the innate calm the area has to offer, with beautiful, completely off-grid cabins as their base.
“We’ve always been drawn to the simplicity and beauty of the great outdoors, with camping trips being our go-to escape from the corporate grind. Yet, we couldn’t help but wish for a way to hold onto the raw appeal of camping without the exhaustive prep work,” says Ash. “The idea of Hidden Cabins sprouted from this very wish — a longing to blend the thrill of adventure with the comforts of a cosy retreat.”
Margot and Henry are the names of the two enchanting cabins they have carefully constructed and tucked away on picturesque properties within the Valley. Following the creation of their first cabin, Florence, based in the Peel Region; Henry was constructed mid-2022, with Margot the latest addition, added early 2023.
While Florence and Henry are adults only retreats, set within bushland and on a vineyard respectively, Margot is the first Hidden Cabin to be designed with a family in mind. It reflects all the signature Hidden Cabin special touches and more, sitting high on the plains of an old dairy turned regenerative farm, right in the heart of the Ferguson Valley on Kaneang country. With no other manmade structure in sight, at Margot you are completely secluded with only the friendly farm cows as your neighbours.
“We design each of our cabins specifically for the property it’s going to,” says Ash. “We took a lot of inspiration from the old dairy on the farm for the design, creating our version of a modern barn. Margot looks right at home on the farm.” Sleeping four and dog friendly, Margot is the ideal base for getting the whole family off-grid and into nature. The loft style queen bed and under-bunk double bed are built with comfort and lazy mornings admiring the views in mind. While the addition of a small dining room under a large picture window is perfect for whiling away the afternoon with a board game or two. The outdoor bath is an extra special feature of Margot, inviting visitors to soak under a dusky amber sky or dazzling stars.
Powered by solar panels and gas; the off-grid set-up is completed with a waterless composting toilet and rainwater tank. Across each of the cabins, an indoor mini wood burner makes the intimate spaces even cosier in the cooler months, while fire pits and outdoor seating are perfect for making the most of clear, country skies at night. You’ll also find beautiful linens and towels, freshly roasted coffee beans, a curated selection of boardgames and books and luxurious rain showers.
While it can be tempting to never leave the cabin at all, once guests decide to emerge from their sanctuary there is so much to explore around Ferguson Valley. Graze upon locally sourced produce platters while experiencing a blind carafe wine tasting at Green Door Wines, taste some exceptional expressions on the region at Willow Bridge Estate, or dine at the award-winning St Aidan Wines restaurant. To embrace the abundant nature that surrounds, wander the 600 metre Forest Path at Crooked Brook Forest; or make your way to Wellington National Park. While at the park, admire the world’s largest dam mural, Reflections, before selecting from a network of scenic hikes and cooling off in the Wellington Dam or Collie River.
Ultimately, the Hidden Cabins experience is all about mindfulness and reconnection with nature. “It’s like Bonnie and Clyde, or bacon and eggs. Humans and nature just go well together,” says Ash.
“Being out in nature and practicing mindfulness are crucial for mental and emotional well-being, acting as antidotes to the stresses of modern life. They encourage us to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the now, which is essential for a balanced life.
“At Hidden Cabins, we’ve woven these principles into the very fabric of our guest experience. When you step into Florence, Henry, or Margot, you’re stepping into a thoughtfully designed space that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings.”
Hidden Cabins have been awarded or named as a Quality Tourism Accredited Business, Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business, EcoStar Accredited Business, SILVER in the New Tourism Business category at the 2023 WA Tourism Awards, and Finalist in both the Unique and Eco Tourism categories at the 2024 WA Tourism Awards.
