Swan Valley sister Tara Farrell is Entwined in the Valley

WHEN their brother died in 2015, sisters Tara Farrell and Ann-Marie Conama wanted to do something meaningful with the inheritance from his estate.

The answer was to buy Swan Valley Sisters Chalet and Produce Cafe at the end of Gnangara Road in Henley Brook.

“We were away for Christmas when Ann-Marie showed it to us and we thought ‘Why not? Let’s go for it’,” Farrell said.

Farrell with her husband Dean and their two teenage daughters, along with Ann-Marie and her three teenage daughters, all moved on to the property (although after 15 months it was too crowded and Ann-Marie and her girls moved off-site).

Nestled among citrus trees with black swans by the lake, the property has four self-contained chalets for short-term accommodation where guests can pick fresh produce (currently asparagus before moving into mango season).

The produce shop is another side of the business where Farrell works the weekday morning coffee and toastie run.

“I was told this morning that I served the most amazing bacon and egg toasties ever; I was pleased as punch,” she said.

“Then on the weekends we have the market, gathering produce from our land and also Muchea, Gidgegannup or anyone else locally who brings their produce in.

“It’s nice to know where your food comes from and the farmers who provide it.”

All of this made Farrell an ideal choice to be an ambassador for this year’s Entwined in the Valley on October 10 to 13, featuring a program of homegrown boutique events.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be able to represent such a fun event here in the Swan Valley,” she said

“Last year was the first time we had participated in the event with our first market day, which we’re doing again this year.”

The Swan Valley Sisters and Friends Market Day on October 12 will have local produce, art and beverages with market stalls including Swan Valley Tea, Swan Valley Kombucha and Honey in the Garden.

There will be the return of Swan Valley Wagon Tours, Express Wildlife Rescue and other family friendly fun.

Wholefoods chef Jude Blereau will also return for an Eat the Season masterclass at Swan Valley Sisters on October 13 where guests pick produce to cook with Blereau before sharing the feast paired with wine at a long-table by the lake.

“There are just so many varied events during Entwined in the Valley with something for everyone,” Farrell said.

“It’s a full program and I’m sure it will be a beautiful weekend where everyone will showcase their best. It’s a unique place to live.”

Program at www.entwinedinthevalley.com.au.

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