About The Ridge

One Hundred and Sixty Acres. A Heritage Property

THE FOUNDER

Karen Ablett

For almost twenty years, Karen was drawn to the Southern Downs, Stanthorpe and its surrounds. There was something about this place. The quiet. The landscape. The people. It stayed with her long after every visit.

"It was time. That same weekend, I began the search for a place of my own."

In 2023, a weekend away became a turning point. What had always been a feeling became something more certain and the search began. What followed was the discovery of one hundred and sixty acres of open land, with sweeping views toward Girraween National Park. It felt still. Grounded. Certain.

01

Disconnection

No signal. No noise. Just the quiet that reminds you what you came for.

02

Connection

To each other. To the land. To a
slower, more honest way of
being present.

03

Restoration

Leave lighter. Return to yourself.
The kind of rest that lingers long
after you leave.

THE PROPERTY

A heritage held across generations.

McLaughlin Ridge is not a place that was built, it was found, held, and gently reimagined. Its story begins long before Karen arrived.

1886

Established

McLaughlin Ridge is first settled, entering the care of a single family. For the generations that follow, the land becomes both home and heritage, held with quiet loyalty across more than a century.

2003 - 2022

A feeling takes hold

Over nearly two decades, Karen returns again and again to the Southern Downs. Each visit deepens a connection she can’t quite name, to the landscape, to the pace, to the particular stillness of the Granite Belt.

2023

The search begins

A weekend at a local bed and breakfast becomes the moment of clarity. Karen begins searching for land with the help of a local agent, looking for something that matches not just a vision, but a feeling.

2024

The Ridge is found

One hundred and sixty acres of open land, with sweeping views toward Girraween National Park. The property, held in the same family since 1886, enters its next chapter. The design process begins.

2026

Reimagined

Two off-grid cabins, Piccolo Casa and Petite Maison, open their doors. Thoughtfully designed, gently placed within the landscape, and built for couples seeking stillness, connection, and the quiet luxury of slowing down.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Nothing here is rushed.

Every decision at McLaughlin Ridge, from the placement of the cabins to the products on your shelf, has been made with intention. This is what that looks like in practice.

Off-grid by design, not by accident
Couples only – space and privacy are non-negotiable
Washpool amenities – considered, local, beautiful
No televisions. No schedules. No rush.
Handpicked local experiences when you're ready
A landscape that does the work

"What's being created here is not just a place to stay, but a place to reconnect, to each other, to the land, and to the quiet luxury of slowing down."

McLaughlin Ridge is Karen’s life’s work, not in the sense of labour, but in the sense of love. Every detail has been chosen with the same care she hopes you’ll feel when you arrive.

We hope you’ll come and find it for yourself.

Karen Ablett

Caretaker and Curator – McLaughlin Ridge