Upcycled shipping containers create exclusive eco-retreat

A stunning new eco-retreat opens to visitors in the Camden Haven region of New South Wales on the Mid North Coast. 

At Mansfield Estate you can wake up to the bright glowing sunrise over the valley and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets over the glistening waters of Queens Lake. 
 
Special consideration is given to minimising the impact of the accommodation on the environment through building design and tree preservation.

The Mansfield family has holidayed in the region for over 40 years and will open the Estate to tourists and the community for the first time in September 2020. 

Unique Layout and Design


The property uses upcycled shipping containers to create an exclusive venue, minimalist in design and beautifully executed with panoramic views towards the Pacific Ocean. 


The shipping containers create a modular design for the guest accommodation nestled on the hillside. “Sustainability is more important than ever for people and the planet. For our family it was a natural choice to choose sustainable methods of construction and hugely reduce our carbon footprint,” said owner Paul Mansfield.  

Shipping containers that once carried cargo across the oceans are now positioned on the lush Mid North Coast hillside looking out to the seas once travelled. 

The containers form part of a unique layout which captures ocean and treescape views and leads down towards a function area, sheltered outdoor entertaining and sundrenched pool.

Off the grid surrounded by nature

The property uses off-grid power and water, and includes 50kW solar panels, 260,000-litre water tanks and has three large dams for other water uses.

“This was the most sensible design option for our eco retreat. From an environmental perspective creating the eco retreat with shipping containers means additional building materials such as bricks and concrete aren’t used. It’s also great to give the shipping container a second life,” added Paul. 

Twenty shipping containers form the guest rooms, laundry, kitchen, office, pool cabana and storage areas. Plans are in place for four family cabins (3 containers each) and a dedicated conference facility (7 containers) to be completed in 2021.

“The design uses piers to allow for air flow and limited excavation of land. The venue is all northerly facing to get the best of the sun for solar and summer breezes so we didn't have to use air conditioning. Large decks give a spacious feel. Insulation also provides cosy room in winter,” said Paul. 

New South Wales Koala Country

Each shipping container has once travelled to ports around the globe. And now eco conscious and responsible travellers can visit the Mid North Coast to enjoy the national parks, beaches and koala country.

“Our retreat is nestled in the heart of New South Wales koala country, we’ve committed to planting new trees and are guided by environmental principles. 

We also plant a tree as a gift to every couple who chooses Mansfield Estate as their wedding venue. The tree planting honours the commitment couples make to each other and supports our promise to protect the environment for future generations,” said Paul. 

Venue for weddings, getaways and retreats

Mansfield Estate welcomes families and groups to exclusively book the venue for weddings, getaways and retreats. Guests can enjoy the property and explore the wonderful nature based activities in the area. 

It’s the first 'eco-tourist facility' approved under the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Local Environment Plan. The property safeguards an important link between Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land and Queens Lake Nature Reserve and preserves core koala habitat. 

A partnership with the Koala Hospital supports the vulnerable species by giving a home to recovering koalas injured in the wild. Two koalas were recently released onto the property with plans for Mansfield Estate to be a site for further releases. 

Mansfield Estate is situated 30 minutes from Port Macquarie Airport, 5 hours from Sydney, 2 hours from Newcastle and 6 hours north to Brisbane. 

This exclusive coastal eco-retreat set on 600 rural acres is suitable for weddings, lifestyle and corporate retreats and family getaways and accommodates up to 30 guests on site. We encourage guests to book the venue to experience low impact living off the grid and amongst nature. 

Mansfield Estate Highlights:

  • Queens Lake within the property for swimming, boating, fishing 
  • Direct access to Jolly Nose Mountain Bike Park and State Forest
  • Koala corridor of bushland and forest
  • Gateway to award winning Mid North Coast attractions and tours
  • Five minutes to Grants Beach and Camden Haven waterways
  • Recreation zone with mezzanine gym, half-court basketball, games room and audio-visual facilities 


RETREATS & GETAWAYS ECO - PRINCIPLES
Upcycled shipping containers create exclusive eco-retreat
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