Market News

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee on the deck of your own private cottage, taking in the brisk fresh air and vast expanse of the country land, surrounded by snow capped mountains, just metres away from the meandering of sheep going about their business.

This is what Hamish and Anna Orbell from Clayton Station have envisaged. They are re-branding Clayton Station and developing their cottage into a retreat bathed in nature, in order to encourage more visitors to experience the very best of the high country, share the story and rich history of Clayton Station - and of course to promote their venison.

Welcome to the newly re-branded Fox Cottage!

The idea of the cottage as accommodation came about by chance. Three years ago, it burned down. It was originally going to be built with the intention of housing farm staff. But once re-built, they started using it for accommodation for visitors from far and wide.

Even before the re-branding and additional development began, the cottage had gained momentum with visitors - especially via Airbnb. They get all sorts of tourists coming through and it is particularly popular with Chinese tourists. 

As the Orbell’s say, “when they get here, they love it”.

They are now looking into setting up a website to help promote the cottage - and the stunning scenery that comes with it:

Hamish and Anna are currently building a walkway/cycleway from the cottage to the hills where the deer and stags roam. Most of the tourists have never seen them up close before and running free.

And what better way to market their high quality free-range venison, than by having them on display so close to where their guests are staying!

Hamish and Anna are tossing up ideas around selling whole deer and/or certain cuts for visitors to purchase at the retreat. They’re also thinking of packaging them up in gift boxes that also feature possibly sausages or even salami from other local farms. 

Whats more, Clayton Station merchandise is on the mind too! The possibility of offering jumpers and beanies adds to the overall experience and gives them something more to bring back with them when they go home and spread the good word of their stay there. They’d also love to collaborate with other locals businesses to add some extra activities to their experience; possibly horse trekking or e-bikes.

The possibilities are endless.

Hamish and Anna say that they sometimes take it for granted living in such a beautiful part of the country. People comment when they arrive “you get to look at that everyday?!”.

It’s not hard to be amazed too - the thought of enjoying a local wine, basking in the wood-fired hot tub on a moonlit night, and taking in the breathtaking atmosphere is certainly something special.

We look forward to getting more updates from Hamish and Anna and their developments at Clayton Station and wish them all the best with their ventures!