Our Story
Julia had a strong desire to “create” beautiful spaces. Over her lifetime she transformed many properties into an oasis - lakefront, mountain, oceanfront, woodlands, streams and city condos - always with scenic views. Her designs were inspired by nature, so when it was time for her "sunset career" she focused on her dream to create an eco-retreat. Julia wished to connect with her family and to become “Auntie Auntie” with a greater presence. She was seeking connection across generations, as well as a true sense of community.
When she began her trek to the island, she was met with a genuine community - a step back in time. She was seeking connection and she found it. This is when Julia invited us to join her in creating a family-based business. One evening she walked us down to the wetlands through thick woodlands at sunset while she floated her ambitious ideas. She stopped us at the edge of the water and proudly pointed, “Just look”. the view was breath taking. then she looked at her brother and said, “I need to get from here to there” as she pointed across the water.
From the building of the magical bridge across the wetlands came yurts, pavilion, bath house and sauna. There were many years of lists with work parties with AJ and friends delving deep into projects. While there were tears of joy and dancing in the kitchen when hot water flowed through the taps for the first time, there came a time of profound sadness. Julia lost her life to illness in November 2016. Her wish was for us to carry on with kirribilli EcoRetreat and pass it down to our 4 children.
Wanting our children to value experiences above our materialistic world was a priority for us as parents. together we created a plan and worked incessantly to make this dream a reality.
Our wish is to share this “experience" with other like-minded people.
If you enjoy nature, feel rejuvenated after spending time on the beach and are curious about off-the-grid living then you may wish to give us a ring.
The island is a place to explore, to seek solitude, to refresh and re-connect.
AJ & Paula Law