The Field NoteS
Faeryland: A Life of Whimsy & Wonder
Somewhere beyond the last letterbox, serendipity takes the wheel: a family goes off-grid in the rolling hills of the Stony Rises, living by solar, tank water and seasons, held fast by an old volcanic ridge that seems to know their names.
Words & Photographs by APRIL BURTON
Late September, 2025 · Reading time 9 min
In the rolling hills of the Stony Rises, a family’s dream of off-grid living became a reality. The Turley-Kerchevals’ story is one of serendipity, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. Their property, affectionately known as Faeryland, was more than just a home — it was a manifestation of their desires, a testament to the power of vision and determination.
Kristen’s journey began with a broken collarbone and a series of meditations that revealed a recurring vision of a stone two-story house. The details were precise: patchwork tile floors, mandalas, slab timber benches, and twisted fork handles on the cupboard doors. When the family found the property, it was as if the universe had conspired to bring them to this exact spot.
The Turley-Kerchevals’ life on the Stoney Rises was not without its challenges. They faced the daunting task of renovating the property, learning to live off the grid, and adaption to a new community. But as they settled into their new life, they began to thrive. They threw themselves into community engagement, hosting markets, workshops, and gatherings that brought people together.
“Faeryland was more than just a home — it was a manifestation of their desires, a testament to the power of vision and determination.”
— The Turley-Kerchevals, Stoney Rises
At dusk, the volcanic rises hold their breath and the lights of Faeryland are the only stars on the ground. Somewhere between chance and choice, the Turley-Kerchevals settle in for the night, off-grid and unhurried, as if this whole place had been waiting for them to arrive.
Their property became a hub of activity, with women’s retreats, Indigenous camps, tiny house accommodations, and family camps. The family’s children grew up learning valuable skills, from hunting and foraging to tanning hides and navigating the wilderness. As they grew older, they hosted survival quests, challenging their friends to test their skills in the great outdoors.
The Turley-Kerchevals’ commitment to their community extended beyond their property. They led marches in protest of violence against women and children, secured funding for community programs, and hosted LGBTQIA+ pride gatherings that brought the community together.
As they prepare to pass on the keys to Faeryland to its next stewards, the Turley-Kerchevals reflect on the life they’ve built. It’s a life that’s been marked by moments of beauty and joy, but also hard work and dedication. They’re excited to embark on a new chapter, one that will take them to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, where they’ll continue to live their values and integrate into a new community.
Kicker
And so the gate at Faeryland swings shut one last time behind them — the solar panels still humming, the tank water still finding its own level, the volcanic ridge standing exactly as it always has. Somewhere in the Daintree, a new clearing waits. The Turley-Kerchevals will read it the same way they read this one: slowly, on foot, with both hands open.
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