Estate Ethos at Alsahwa Estate
Did you know there’s a secret oasis right in the heart of the Sunshine Coast that’s set to be the new must-visit destination? Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer explores the estate that’s embracing its sustainable future.
Picture a place with the most incredible enchanted garden feel – lush foliage to rival any botanic garden, tranquil water features, native birds soaring through the trees, and a stately colonnade of swaying palm trees welcoming you down the driveway. It’s hard to believe such a property exists – but it does, and it’s about to be transformed into something even more extraordinary. Previously known as Stonebridge Gardens, this venue in Palmwoods has found new life as Alsahwa Estate – an eco-lifestyle destination. Offering an inspiring array of food-focused and sustainable experiences that embody their MIND. BODY. PLANET. ethos, the team aims to foster strong community connections and promote a thriving future.
A huge venue like this requires a team with big dreams, and for Founder Jo Walker and General Manager Michelle Clark, the sky’s the limit. After relocating from their original Verrierdale location, Michelle said Alsahwa were thrilled to have taken over as the caretakers of this incredibly special estate, and were passionate about honouring the hard work the previous owners put into it.
“We certainly have grand plans for incorporating our MIND. BODY. PLANET. philosophy into everything we do here, with a deep respect for nature, including embracing biodynamic, syntropic and regenerative practices,” she said.
The team is working on the first phase of the new Alsahwa Estate, which is scheduled to open in the middle of the year and promises to be worth the wait.
“We can’t wait to open our gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, which is based on our farm-to-plate philosophy and will feature floor-to-ceiling windows for stunning views out across the property,” Michelle said.
“We’ll also be running a series of events to help people forge a deeper connection with nature – think Bees & Brunch, where you can don one of our hot pink beekeeping suits and learn about our precious bees; Mushroom cultivation workshops and tasting events; picnic offerings; Terra Firma Dining fire-cooking events; and our Wellness in Nature mornings. And we are very excited to be part of The Curated Plate food festival in July for the first time, with two events at Palmwoods.”
With their unwavering vision, it was vital that Jo and Michelle found a chef who embodied the Alsahwa Estate values to lead their restaurant. And, thankfully, the universe delivered – resulting in a serendipitous partnership with new Head Chef Sophie Phipps, the twice-hatted talent behind much-loved local restaurant Spice Bar.
“I met Sophie at a Hello Sunshine Magazine event and as soon as I tasted her food and started talking to her, I felt her genuine passion and knew we’d work together in the future,” Michelle said. “Introducing her to Jo felt like the start of something special.”
Jo said she loved the organic way Sophie had come to join Alsahwa Estate.
“Michelle had been wanting me to meet Sophie for months having the idea that we should do something with her at some point, so when we were looking for a chef for our new restaurant, it was so great that she is completely aligned with the Alsahwa Estate ethos – we’ve always been about farm-to-plate, healthy soil and growing our own veggies, and now we have a restaurant to showcase that.
“We’re proud to have a female Head Chef in our female led business and we can’t wait to create delicious magic together.”
The synergy between the three is clear.
“When we start brainstorming we can’t stop – there’s so much good energy in the room,” Sophie said.
The Alsahwa Estate restaurant will showcase Mediterranean-inspired food made from local Australian ingredients, with a focus on lingering, enjoying good company, and soaking up the organic experience of the estate.
“Our food will be true to its environment – marinated spray-free produce from our farm and local farms; a selection of ethically sourced charcuterie sliced to order; artisanal cheeses from our mini fromagerie; some interesting entree and main options; plus beautiful biodynamic wines and more,” Sophie explained.
As an integral part of the Alsahwa Estate team, Sophie is grateful that she gets to do what she loves while having a positive impact in so many areas she’s passionate about: sustainability, ethical sourcing, and helping to guide the next generation of female chefs.
“To not just have the freedom to champion these things, but to be actively encouraged to, is an absolute dream come true,” she said.
With plans taking shape and excitement growing, Alsahwa Estate is set to bloom into something truly unique. Watch this space!
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