Ten minutes south of York, in the Avon Valley, a 56-hectare property runs along the Avon River with a sandalwood plantation and paddocks of alpacas, sheep and cattle. One-, two- and three-bedroom self-contained cottages, several themed, are scattered across the farm, each with its own barbecue area and wood fires for winter. River walks, dark-sky stargazing and craft and quilting retreats draw groups, while the working-farm setting suits families after room to roam.