Basalt

Set amongst the vines at Basalt Wines, this project extends the vineyard’s existing cellar door and hospitality offering, giving guests the opportunity to stay on the property and experience more of what Basalt has to offer. Ample worked with Basalt from the early stages of the project, looking at the buildings as part of the wider business rather than simply as accommodation. This included detailed project costing and feasibility work based on local occupancy rates, expected operating costs and the potential for accommodation to support Basalt’s existing food, wine and cellar door offering. The completed project uses our Weekender, a 45m², one-bedroom building designed for short-stay accommodation. At 10m x 4.5m, the Weekender includes a generous kitchen and living space, private bedroom and separate bathroom within a relatively small footprint. Full-height glazing opens the building towards the landscape, while the built-in deck creates a natural extension of the living space and a place to sit amongst the vines. The layout has also been designed with privacy in mind. The glazed gable end can be positioned towards the best aspect or view, while the more protected sides allow multiple buildings to sit within the same property without guests feeling like they are on top of one another. Inside, natural materials, warm finishes and a wood fire make the space feel less like a typical accommodation unit and more like a small home. Large areas of glazing bring plenty of natural light inside and keep the vineyard present throughout the building. For Basalt, adding accommodation creates another revenue stream, but it also supports what was already happening on the property. More people staying means more opportunities for dining, breakfast and picnic packs, wine tastings and cellar door sales. It means a visit to Basalt no longer has to end after lunch or a tasting. Guests can stay, spend more time on the property and experience the vineyard at a slower pace. The result is accommodation that adds to the existing business without trying to compete with it, and helps turn Basalt from somewhere to visit into somewhere to stay.