There’s a unique freedom in acreage living - the wide open spaces, room to grow, and the sense of truly being at home in nature. As more Australians look beyond city blocks to expansive rural settings, one name stands out for bringing design excellence to the countryside: Hamlan Homes.
With a long-standing reputation across Geelong and the Surf Coast, Hamlan is redefining what it means to live well on acreage, through thoughtfully crafted designs that balance lifestyle, functionality, and beauty.
In this article, we explore the distinctive designs that make Hamlan’s acreage homes so popular, and share the stories of real homeowners who’ve brought their vision to life across the Greater Geelong region.
Why Owners Are Choosing Acreage Homes
Once considered a niche, acreage homes are now among the most sought-after builds for modern Australian families. And it’s not just about space, it’s about lifestyle.
With remote work and lifestyle shifts driving people away from the city, more Australians are dreaming of life on acreage.
Acreage living allows them to design homes around their passions; gardens, sheds, workshops, pools, or even off-grid independence.
Acreage homes offer families room to grow, entertain, and embrace a more relaxed way of life.
Homeowners are also increasingly seeking a custom experience, where the design reflects their lifestyle, not just the land size. That’s why design is at the heart of every Hamlan acreage home.
Hamlan’s Acreage Designs
Hamlan’s approach to acreage homes is grounded in design that suits larger blocks, open skies, and a more relaxed pace of living. Their floorplans are tailored to maximise the orientation of the block, views, and natural light, while delivering the contemporary comforts and energy efficiency expected in a modern home.
Gellibrand 287
The Gellibrand 287 is designed for family living with a country soul. It features an open-plan heart to the home with easy flow from kitchen to living, dining, and outdoor entertaining.
The home also includes four generous bedrooms, a separate lounge, a versatile study nook, and a large walk-in pantry.
Features:
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Open plan living area, framed by windows on both sides and overlooking the courtyard
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Alfresco area
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Available in Boathouse, Prism, and Newport facades
Gellibrand Prism facade
Their Gellibrand home's open plan kitchen and living area opens out to the entertaining area.
Their build is a great example of how a well-considered design can feel right at home in a peaceful acreage setting.
Gellibrand 337
For those wanting a bit more room to breathe, the Gellibrand 337 extends the design with larger living areas and more room for everyone to spread out.
The home includes a large rumpus room, home office, and an option to add a large alfresco - ideal for entertaining against a rural backdrop.
Gellibrand Boathouse facade
Features:
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Open-plan living area which opens via double sliding doors
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Master bedroom featuring ensuite with a large INSITU shower and a double vanity
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Fourth bedroom with ensuite
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Study near the entry
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A rumpus room
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Also available in Boathouse, Prism, and Newport facades
Interested buyers can experience this design first-hand at the Bannockburn Display Village, where the Gellibrand 337 is on display.
Olivia and Richie’s acreage home in Inverleigh:
Olivia and Richie brought their dream home to life in Inverleigh, working closely with Hamlan to fine-tune their plans.
While browsing online, Olivia came across a blog on Hamlan’s website featuring a black barn-style acreage home. Inspired, she reached out and was soon in touch with new home consultant Narelle Sommerville.
With help from Hamlan’s new home consultant and interior designer, they designed a facade that met local guidelines, which allowed only 35 per cent timber or cladding.
Inspired by the surrounding river red gums, Olivia carefully chose the home’s colour scheme to blend with the natural landscape. She even brought samples of tiles, carpet, and laminates to her interior design appointment..
“There’s nothing in the design of this home or in its fittings that I would do differently if I was to build again,” Olivia says. “We absolutely love our home.”
George and Liz’s off-grid homestead in Paraparap:
In Paraparap, George and Liz created an entirely off-grid home built for sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Inspired by the bold, modular barn-style homes seen across New Zealand, George and Liz’s home has all the modern conveniences their lifestyle requires, including a pool and guest wing.
The pool was Liz’s non-negotiable must-have as she loves entertaining.
Eve and James acreage home in Barrabool:
Eve and James turned a rolling acreage block in Barrabool into a modern yet timeless family home.
When a property in the Barrabool Hills came up for sale, they jumped at the chance. It was just minutes from Highton, where they’d previously built their first Hamlan home. The block came with an old farm shack, lots of space for their horses, pets, and a big shed—everything they needed for their lifestyle.
Their new home includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms, with plenty of room for the whole family. There are two living areas, including an open-plan kitchen and living space, and a rumpus room that connects to three of the bedrooms. The master bedroom, with a walk-in robe and ensuite, is located at the opposite end of the house for extra privacy.
Custom acreage home in Gnarwarre:
A unique custom home in Gnarwarre showcases what’s possible when Hamlan works side-by-side with clients to shape something completely bespoke.
Custom acreage home in Gnarwarre
Why Choose Hamlan?
With over 40 years of experience, Hamlan is more than just a builder—they’re a partner in the design and construction of homes that are as individual as the families who live in them.
From pre-designed acreage plans to custom homes built from scratch, Hamlan understands the nuances of rural building. Their local knowledge of the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast regions means they’re equipped to deal with everything from bushfire zoning to orientation for solar gain.
Choosing Hamlan means choosing a trusted partner who listens, designs thoughtfully, and builds homes that truly reflect the dreams and lifestyles of their clients.
Publisher Website: www.homeshelf.com.au