Discover relaxation and tranquillity, the Italian way.
Set amidst the undulating hills of the picturesque Byron Bay hinterland is a sprawling farmhouse on a two-acre estate. Warm stonework blends seamlessly with the iconic Australian landscape, and yet this inviting abode is an ode to the neo-classical mansions dotted along the southeastern coast of Sicily. It is a quintessential taste of Italy in one of the country’s most sought-after holiday regions. Welcome to Lo Scoglio.
Owners Charlie and Angelica Arnott have designed this grounded but luxurious haven with a deep appreciation for the modern need to unwind. “We know the importance of mindfulness, of general wellbeing, and everything in between,” explains Charlie. “Innately, how we developed Lo Scoglio is who we are. It’s a natural extension of how we live.”
A home built on wellness and intention
Understanding the toll of grind culture and the general sense of fatigue that often plagues our lives, the Arnotts created Lo Scoglio with rest and recovery imbued in every brick and grain. With a background in natural regenerative living and biodynamic farming, Charlie and Angelica set out to “build a house that had a low toxicity, easy lifestyle that’s kind on the environment. It’s considered. It uses all natural materials.”
Crafted with character & cultural depth
Skilled local artisans, such as blacksmiths and stonemasons, were employed to craft the farmhouse that combines all the charms of a centuries-old homestead with modern spacious living. From rustic beams and rich wood floors to detailed tile-work and sumptuous metal fixtures – ornate chandeliers, wall lamps, and intriguing sculptures – every touch is refined yet earthy, and you feel instantly at home within these walls. “It was really important that this house evoked the feeling of having stood here for centuries and enduring many more,” says Angelica. Aged rugs, vintage tapestries, gold detailing and delightful splashes of colour, there is an eclectic ambience that both excites and comforts. “The Italians have a natural talent for blending styles and eras in a way that feels both effortless and richly layered. We aimed to recreate that timeless legacy here.”
And of course, Lo Scoglio was created on a foundation of culture and intrinsic connection to the past. “[It] is an expression of my heritage, a place where I can honour my late father’s legacy,” Angelica explains. Traditional Italian architecture and craftsmanship is interwoven with the serene beauty of the Australian landscape. Roll top baths, antique stone basins, unique décor shipped over from Italy, and products made by Northern Rivers artisans: every inch of this farmhouse has been attended to with love and detail. It’s a tribute to what Angelica describes as “the ultimate destination”. Her father was born on the Island of Stromboli in Sicily; “If I can’t get to Italy,” says Angelica, “I can always get to Lo Scoglio.”
“Lo Scoglio invites you to do as much or as little as you like.” – Angelica Arnott
Where food, family & slowing down matter most
With four sumptuous bedrooms in the main farmhouse, as well as an airy one-bedroom studio, the estate can sleep 12 but is able to host up to 35 people for intimate gatherings. You can immediately sense its idyllic readiness for family reunions, seasonal stays, friend-group getaways, or even a romantic escape with space to revel in. Producing food and sharing it with family and friends are well-loved rituals for Charlie and Angelica – which are also very much at the heart of Italian culture. Guests can make use of the veggie garden and rustle up a feast in the atmospheric chef’s kitchen – Italian marble, ILVE oven, butler’s pantry, and ice machine: this is an entertainer’s dream. Dine outside under the shade of the ample pergola – the perfect setting for a breakfast amidst the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. Or soak up the sight of evening stars with dinner in the paved courtyard.
The art of reconnecting through rest
Hunger satisfied, visitors are able to treat themselves to their pick of wellness-centred activities. A morning stretch session or Pilates practice on the expansive yoga deck, followed by a dip in the sun-drenched pool, a session in the infrared sauna and a twilight soak in the spa (or ice bath if you’re brave enough). Sojourn into Byron Bay town – just a short 10-minute drive away – or explore the surrounding hinterlands, home to unique villages and hidden culinary gems. All this aside, Lo Scoglio lends itself to one of the most simple and beloved wellbeing rituals – a good book to read with a comfy nook to relax in.
“Lo Scoglio invites you to do as much or as little as you like,” says Angelica. “Ultimately, this is luxury… your way.”
“Regeneration is about rest, recovery… the seeds of growth and new species that thrive when stress is removed,” Charlie and Angelica explain. “The same can be said for each of us on a cellular level when we rest to recover.” It’s this call to reconnect with the self that is at the heart of the homestead, a sense of earthy simplification and groundedness – after all, scoglio translates as ‘rock’. In this, Lo Scoglio is much more than a place to stay, it’s the epitome of that quintessential Italian phrase: ‘La dolce vita’ – the good life.
For more information visit loscoglio.com.au and @loscoglio_byronbay on Instagram.
WORDS: Erin McDonald
This article was originally published under the title La Dolce Vita in Issue 39 – A Little Abundance. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
