Our Story

Sometimes the places that heal us find us when we need them most.

I grew up in Melbourne, but my heart always belonged in the country, barefoot on farms and surrounded by horses. From the age of eight, my school holidays were spent riding wild ponies and roaming paddocks with farm kids, completely free and deeply happy. Horses became more than something I loved — they became a place of safety, grounding, and connection.

Life moved on with university, work, marriage, and eventually raising our two boys. In 2006, we moved to South Gippsland for my husband’s dream lifestyle change, settling in the beautiful Prom Country region. Shortly after arriving, my world changed forever when he died suddenly, leaving me to navigate unimaginable grief while raising two young children far from family and familiarity.

Over the years, our family experienced profound loss through sudden death, illness, suicide, cancer and personal tragedy. Those experiences shaped not only who I am, but the deep understanding I now bring to this work. I understand what it feels like when life changes in an instant, when the world no longer feels safe, and when simply getting through the day takes enormous strength.

The years that followed were a blur of survival, resilience, rebuilding, and learning how to carry grief rather than outrun it. Through it all, the horses remained. Quietly grounding. Quietly healing. Never asking for words when there were none to give.

During that time, I experienced many unusual encounters with Wedge-tailed Eagles — known in Aboriginal culture as Bunjel, a powerful spirit and messenger. One particular encounter led me, through a series of unexpected twists and turns, to the property we now call home.

Stable & Nook was born from that journey.

What began as a place to heal and rebuild has slowly become a space we now share with others seeking rest, reconnection, meaning, and healing of their own. Whether you arrive for counselling, retreat, respite, or simply a quiet escape, our hope is that you leave feeling a little lighter, more grounded, and deeply welcomed.

Warmly 

Larissa & Tim