Twenty years in the making, grain silo becomes luxury escape

Australia’s iconic grain silos, some of which display vibrant murals, continue to have their moment in the country sun with the latest unveiling on a six-generation family sheep property in Junee in the NSW Riverina.

It’s been 20 years in the making for farmers Amber and Nicholas Heffernan, who had a dream to convert a silo into a luxe eco-farm stay.

The adults-only Grain Loft and surrounds.Credit: Matt Beaver

The couple repurposed a 100-tonne Lysaght grain silo, which has stood on the property since the 1960s, into the Grain Loft, a two-storey adults-only getaway.

“We have been shovelling grain out of the flat-bottom silo to feed stock for many years, especially during drought times, and we always thought it would be ideal for accommodation one day,” Nicholas says.

Inside the silo.Credit: Matt Beaver

“It’s been years in the planning and taken a lot of hard work, but we are pleased we have been able to create something special and also preserve a little of Australian farming history.”

The Grain Loft – a repurposed Lysaght silo.Credit: Matt Beaver

Located 13 kilometres from Junee, the silo is set on a hillside with expansive views over the picturesque Eurongilly Valley, which features a patchwork of farmland.

Step inside and there’s a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living area and double bath and en suite. A spiral staircase leads to the loft bedroom, which also captures the stunning views. An outdoor wood-fired hot tub is perfect for soaking under starry night skies and watching resident kangaroos.

“We found the perfect team of architects, engineers, steel manufacturers, plumbers, electricians, solar technicians and builders, who have successfully retained the charm and history of the original silo with all quality modern conveniences,” Nicholas says.

Breakfast, dinner, a cheese platter and drinks are included. See thesilosaccommodation.com.au

The Barns of Freeling is another silo find. The historic property located in South Australia’s Barossa Valley opened its silo suites in 2023. It also features revitalised buildings once used for grain storage and now for events, plus three luxury purpose-built silos. See thebarnsoffreeling.com.au

On a bigger scale, Tasmania’s Peppers Silo Hotel, a 108-room hotel on the banks of the Tamar and North Esk rivers in Launceston, incorporates four heritage 35-metre silos built in the 1960s for grain. They have been repurposed into rooms and suites with a second tower added.

It is also home to the Grain of the Silos restaurant, where celebrity chef Massimo Mele stars with a focus on the state’s seasonal produce. See peppers.com.au/silo

Silo art, this time in Portland, Victoria.Credit: Alamy

On the outside, numerous artists have used silos to display their artwork throughout the country, revitalising tourism to some areas.

The ever-growing Australian Silo Art Trail, stretching more than 8500 kilometres from Northam in Western Australia to Three Moon in Queensland, started in March 2015.

The striking mammoth murals depict scenes of famous Australians, soldiers, nurses, farmers, flora and fauna and entice you to stop, get out of the car and enjoy. See australiansiloarttrail.com

The writer was a guest of the Grain Loft.