The Jalbrook Story

On a visit to Balingup in 1993 Jan and Alan purchased 10.5 acres surrounded by the babbling Balingup Brook, adjacent to the famous Bibbulmun Track and within walking distance of the charming village of Balingup. Their dream was to do a “tree change,”  breed alpacas, and create something very different with purpose built hosted accommodation.

 

Jan and Alan moved to Balingup in April of 1998 from Indonesia where they had resided for the past five years to start building their home and the first of the cottages.

 

The alpacas that were agisted in Perth came “home” when the first paddocks were ready in September of 1998 and the first cria (baby alpaca) was born at Jalbrook in 1999.

 

April 1999 was a busy year with the opening of the first de-luxe rammed earth two bedroom cottages Red Robin and Blue Wren for short term stay hosted accommodation. Ibis and Rosella were designed and purpose built for couples only in the following year. Rosella with a stunning outdoor gazebo with its own hot tub spa set high amongst the tree tops is the perfect getaway for honeymooners and couples wanting that perfect spa retreat.

 

Starting with bare paddocks Jan and Alan have created the South-West’s premier inland retreat with stunning rammed earth cottages.

The position of the property Jalbrook on Balingup Brook is totally unique with water views from all aspects.

 

Jalbrook is ideally situated for exploring some of the many attractions in this beautiful part of the south west. Four superbly appointed, luxurious self-contained rammed earth cottages on a very picturesque alpaca farm offer you serenity, tranquillity, meandering bush walks and star filled nights. Rosella Cottage with its outdoor Jacuzzi and hot-tub spa set high amongst the tree-tops is the ultimate getaway for couples.

 

This award winning property is also the venue for the Jalbrook Concert, an annual event of “concert magic under the stars” . Now in its eighth year, this event attracts high profile and world class Australian performers to the South West with many benefits for the whole region with all of the accommodation in the area booked for the weekend. Tour buses from Perth, Bunbury, Busselton and surrounding towns bring in visitors who love to browse the local wineries and attractions. Held on the last Saturday of each November this regional event is a  must on all social calendars.

 

Jan and Alan continue to build the dream and have opened a retail outlet to showcase some of the exquisite knitwear that is produced both locally and imported. Jalbrook Alpaca Knitwear Gallery is located on South-West highway in the centre of Balingup.

 

Jan while travelling in South America met some of the indigenous people who were creating totally unique and different garments of alpaca unlike anything she had seen. A range of hand knitted “art pieces” from designs that have been handed down over hundreds of years were so different and colourful she carried a range home to add to the local product from their own fleeces. They were so well received by all who saw them that they are now part of the Jalbrook range.

 

Working dogs at Jalbrook