UPDATE: Barrel Farm, Albany’s latest food and beverage destination, officially opened its doors this week, marking a significant milestone for the Buxton family after years of hard work and dedication. The venue, located on South Coast Hwy in Marbelup, is a labor of love that embodies the Buxtons’ passion for farming and winemaking.
The Buxton family, led by Peter and Peg Buxton, has been cultivating local farms and vineyards for over 50 years. Their dream of creating a cellar door for their Yilgarnia Wines finally came to fruition when they secured a suitable parcel of land several years ago. The family poured their hearts into the three-year building project, working tirelessly on weekends to transform the old dairy farm into a vibrant venue.
Holly Buxton, the venue manager and youngest daughter, shared that the entire family participated in the construction, saying, “We’d come every weekend… and we’d help with literally everything.” The family built timber tables, landscaped the property, and restored historic stone buildings to maintain the venue’s rustic charm.
Adding to the venue’s unique appeal, the Buxtons transplanted 50 ancient olive trees from a nearby farm, achieving a remarkable 100 percent survival rate. Holly’s sister, Sally, took on the project management role, while her husband Mike contributed his craftsmanship to create stunning features, including the bar and pendant strip lights.
The family sourced materials from Albany’s historical sites, using old jarrah timber and 2,000 red clinker bricks recycled from a century-old house. Holly’s brother, Anthony, serves as the chief viticulturalist for Yilgarnia Wines, ensuring that the quality of the wine remains top-notch.
The property, once neglected, required extensive clearing to restore its natural beauty. Holly noted that her brother and father spent weeks removing invasive weeds from the paddocks and dam, revitalizing the ecosystem to attract local birdlife.
Since opening, Barrel Farm has received an overwhelmingly positive response from patrons. “Seeing tables filled with people spanning several generations is incredibly gratifying,” Holly remarked, reflecting on the family’s achievement of creating a space that resonates with their values and experiences.
Located at South Coast Hwy, Marbelup, Albany, Barrel Farm is now welcoming visitors to enjoy its unique blend of food, wine, and family heritage. For more information, visit www.barrelfarm.com.au.
As news of Barrel Farm spreads, this heartfelt endeavor is poised to become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more updates as the Buxton family continues their journey in creating a community hub.
