Visitors to the new Meelup Farmhouse are gasping with delight as they wander through the country garden via timber archways into the stylish and relaxed light-strewn restaurant.

The new restaurant in WA's Margaret River Region opened just over a month ago, filling a gap in the local dining scene by heroing brunch and all-day grazing, offering a decadent cocktail list, and a variety of seating areas to kick back and relax in salty feet, or stilettos.

A chance meeting with a wine rep in Perth set husband and wife team Liz and Mark Ahearn on course to realise their dream of opening a restaurant experience in their signature style 'down south'.

Meelup Farmhouse is located at the northern end of the popular Margaret River region tourist destination, a short bushwalk from the turquoise waters and white sand of popular Meelup Beach.

“Mark and I talked about how fantastic it would be to open a venue down here when we were holidaying from Perth, to give us an excuse to live here,” Liz said.

“We happened to tell our wine rep about this and, a week later, she told us she knew of a possible spot on Wise Winery's beautiful property.” The restaurant on the site (Lot 80) had recently closed and was in between leaseholders. Timing was right.

“Our minds just exploded with what we could do to this place. That's probably what Mark and I enjoy the most is seeing something not at its greatest and thinking, 'How can we turn this around?'

“We got creative and worked through how and what would be the best thing to go into that venue, what didn't work before, what did work, and how we can make it better. And it just pretty much stemmed from there,” she said.

A distinct theme runs through the décor of Liz and Mark's ventures – popular Perth cafes Little h and The Little Bay, and now Meelup Farmhouse. “I like things white, it's fresh and clean. It creates a blank canvas to work with for the styling of furniture, lighting and decor."  Timber and other natural materials are a feature, providing a relaxed vibe.

“We wanted it to feel a little bit coastal because we are so close to Meelup Beach, but we also wanted to feel a little bit country, a coastal farm.”

There's a bush track for diners to arrive straight from the beach to enjoy an ice cream, beer or morning coffee, or guests can book in for a long lunch and celebrate special occasions.

“That's obviously something that we were very mindful of when we were designing the space,” Liz said. “We wanted to have a beautiful seated area, but we also wanted to have lounges on the lawn that allow people to come up with their dog and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine. And even if they didn't want to wear shoes, then that's absolutely fine with us, because that's what that space has been created for.”

Family is also key to the success of Meelup Farmhouse. Liz' parents have always worked in hospitality. “We grew up in the industry around hotels and restaurants so we've lived and breathed it from the get go.”

Chef Dean Williams is Liz's brother-in-law and has brought to Meelup Farmhouse a relaxed homestyle dining experience. Liz's sister Anneliese is managing the restaurant's events and marketing.

“We've been to Dean and Anneliese's house many times for family gatherings. When discussing the menu for Meelup Farmhouse, I asked Dean to give us what he'd serve when we go to their home for dinner. We wanted that family style, shared main courses and then a few grazing choices. When you're down south I think that's what you do, grazing throughout the day at different venues.

“Whether you are just wanting something light, or a substantial three-course meal, the menu is diverse enough to be able to provide your choice, to share amongst large groups, or just with your partner.”

With Wise Winery on the back doorstep, there's a range of their wine on the menu, complimented by a great selection of wine, beer and spirits from the Margaret River region.

Regulars at Liz and Mark's Perth cafes know they like to create something a little bit unique to experience. At Meelup Farmhouse it's the resident farm animals. Liz is an animal lover but until now hasn't had the space to indulge her passion.

A brood of fluffy hens has made themselves quite at home amongst guests, and children are invited to help the Farmhouse team collect eggs from the designer hen house built by Mark. A friendly highland cow strolls along the property fence enjoying nose scratches from guests.

“People are staying a little bit longer to hang out with the animals or stroll around the garden, or move onto the lawn for coffee, because there's so much more to see than just the venue.”

Opening hours are currently Monday and Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 10pm and Sunday 9am to 8pm. Tuesday and Wednesday are closed. Find out more at meelupfarmhouse.com.au, on Facebook and Instagram, call 9756 8848, email hello@meelupfarmhouse.com.au or drop into 54 Sheens Road – just opposite the turn off to Castle Rock Beach.