About Us

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Blanch's Rest is run by Lea and Craig Cook. 

There is a story about our little farm told by generations. The Byabarra community have shared with us that the Blanch family lost two small children in a horse accident on our farm many years ago. From what we can work out, it would have been around the mid-1800's. We cannot find any records to prove this story, however the belief is the children were laid to rest on the farm and it is known by too many for us to question.

It is because of this history and for the love our own children and grandchildren that we chose to call our farm "Blanch's Rest". Together, we all feel the genuine love and happiness when we are on the farm.

We chose this name in honour of what the Blanch Family lost. Each day we are thankful for what "Blanch's Rest" provides us and creates for our Family in return.

Lea and Craig are Mid North Coast born and bred, as are their parents and their parents. They have lived most of their lives and raised their three children between Wauchope, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and Settlement Point in Port Macquarie. Once their children flew the nest, they began to chase their early childhood dream. Somewhere their children, their partners and their children could come together and enjoy a sustainable future and to share with them the love they have found for their land.

Lea and Craig looked for over 18 months and when they came across the farm in Byabarra, they knew it was the one for them. Their children and grandchildren share hours of work, fun, play and laughter on the farm and together they have created so much more than they could have ever imagined, something they are all so very proud of.

Byabarra is a glorious part of the world. It can be found in the luscious hinterlands of Wauchope/Port Macquarie. Approximately 40 minutes' drive from the coast, the small, tight knit community has so much to offer.

With a population still within the hundreds (rather than tens of thousands), there is not much that goes on without everyone knowing about it. Do we care? No, we love it! We love the support we all give each other. We love seeing the small businesses thrive and we love that the majority of us have the same intention; to be somewhat self-sufficient. We are part of a hard-working community and we wouldn't change it for anything.