19/03/26
When Ally and Stu started looking toward the future, they knew one thing for certain: a traditional retirement village wasn’t for them. They wanted to design a home on their own terms, finished with a personal touch.
That vision led them to team up with Wide Span Sheds to design The Werombee Hive. Located in Theresa Park, just over an hour from Sydney, this project proves you don’t need a traditional brick or timber house to achieve a modern farmstay.
Living in a rural, bushfire-prone area, safety was the top priority. Ally and Stu needed a structure that offered no compromise on security or durability.
"We wanted something that could withstand the elements in a rural area," Stu says.
By choosing a Wide Span Sheds steel kit, they secured a home engineered to full residential house specifications. It isn't just a shed; it’s an approved, high-quality home featuring superior insulation and wall thickness designed for total peace of mind.
As owner-builders, the couple wanted a project that was manageable without sacrificing quality. They found the GALVASPAN® portal frame system far more intuitive than traditional construction methods.
The flexibility of the design allowed them to get creative. They repurposed materials found around their farm to give the interior a unique, personal character. The result is a beautiful one-bedroom home featuring a garage and a shady alfresco area where the family can gather.
While the plan is to eventually move in full-time, Ally and Stu are not ready to retire just yet. The Werombee Hive currently serves as a popular farmstay, welcoming guests to slow down and breathe in the country air.
Check Availability at The Werombee Hive
Visitors get to experience the rhythm of farm life, from gathering fresh eggs and tasting honey harvested by "The Werombee Man" himself, to joining Ally for seasonal workshops like candle-making or mosaics.
It’s also become the ultimate family hub. When family comes to stay, they have their own private space, and the grandchildren have plenty of room to run a muck.
"Everyone that stays here can’t believe it’s a shed," Ally says. "It’s a nice, comfy home."
Ally and Stu’s dream is now a reality you can own. We are excited to announce that this liveable shed kit design is now available to order.
This design serves as a durable option for a secondary dwelling, rural guest house, or a permanent, low-maintenance residence.
Disclaimer: Windows and doors are not supplied by Wide Span. Some of the feature windows pictured required external engineering.
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When Ally and Stu started looking toward the future, they knew one thing for certain: a traditional retirement village wasn’t for them. That vision led them to team up with Wide Span Sheds to design The Werombee Hive.
From Liveable Shed to Dream Retirement: The Werombee Hive StoryPlease provide as much information as you can so we can assign the correct specialist in our team to help you out.
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