The Hosted Home Movement
Instalment 001 - By Alice Armitage
In years past, I’ve spent a lot of time in Airbnbs. I’ve had twenty seven stays, covering five continents, from two nights to two months. From an apartment on Rue Paul Albert, in Paris to a log cabin in the middle of Wyoming, to a very particular shack in Dodges Ferry, Tasmania. I’m yet to have a bad experience and Airbnb has played a pretty big role in the life I’ve been lucky enough to lead. Not only has it been an affordable way for me to work and travel but it’s also given me an incredibly powerful lens into someone else’s life. The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had are truly invaluable.
There is no denying that Airbnb has become a true phenomenon. Founded by two designers Brian Chesky
and Joe Gebbia, and a technologist, Nathan Blecharczyk, in 2008, the team seemed to have cracked the code on developing technology that encourages in-person relationship building. The idea took hold and by 2019, 150 million people had used the platform and the company was worth $38 billion dollars, making the tech moguls a crucial piece of the shared economy puzzle. Their work is a true testament to how technology can create positive change in the way we travel, interact and share our lives.
All of this is impressive but what does the success and large scale adoption of Airbnb mean for the individuals that use it? Particularly for those that have taken to hosting in regional Australia?
For many, it comes down to an opportunity to generate a decent income. We’ve seen a real change in the hosted home market, with ‘it girls’ like Sarah Andrews making six figures from her shack on Tasmania’s South West Coast, arguably one of the most remote places you could come across. With stays like Sarah’s building cult-like followings, we’ve seen the cultivation of a particular micro culture around the hosting paradigm. That’s consistently generating individuals that are creating beautiful, personal experiences that go far beyond simply offering up your spare room.
The emergence of the home hosting platform, and this underlying subculture of cool, has undeniably been a lifeline for many in regional Australia. The shifting attitudes of metropolitan based humans getting the hint that unplugging and living a slower life is actually pretty great, and the power of platforms like Airbnb is seeing a new generation of people, mainly women, now having an avenue to generate income from their homes and an avenue to deploy their talents. Creating places that have become destinations in themselves, enticing people to the bush with inspiring and unique stays.
But is all the hype really translating to healthier regional economies? We think so, and it’s undeniable that the emergence of high quality stays across the regions are getting people to trek out into our backyards. Not only offering hosts a livelihood but also giving many visitors a realistic window into regional life.
The rising popularity of hosted homes has certainly changed the way we use spaces as well as the way we experience and access regional Australia. In this new series, we’ll be showcasing a handful of beautiful and unique stays as well as the people behind them. Focusing on a particular area in regional Australia in each issue to inspire your next road trip. You’ll find all of these places in Central and Southern New South Wales, so pack a bag and hit the road.
Callubri Station | Buddabadah
You’ll find Callubri Station nestled between the remote country towns of Nyngan and Tottenham in Central West NSW. This twenty eight thousand acre property is steeped in family history with hosts Angie and Mike Armstrong having family ties to the place for more that one hundred and forty years. Having been in the family since 1878, the property has a long association with merino wool and lamb production and now Angie and Mike also offer premium farm stays.
Angie and Mike share a passion for good food, the land and providing a genuine rural experience for their guests. As a professional caterer, Angie crafts mouthwatering dishes that convey a warm country hospitality and showcase the homestead’s homegrown produce alongside modern cooking techniques. As fourth generation custodian of Callubri Station, Michael’s in-depth knowledge of and connection to the land allows for an authentic lens into the vision of sustainable farm management taking place on the property. With first class hospitality, seclusion and exclusivity and premium accommodation options, Callubri Station is truly a luxury experience.
Tips from the locals : A visit to Callubri Station means that everything is taken care of for you. So Angie’s tip is to relax and enjoy the experience. A dip in the pool also comes highly recommended.
The Drawing Rooms | Berry
The Drawing Rooms are run by the Bligh family - Nick & Lissette, their son Michael and his wife Hannah. After selling their farm in St George, Queensland Nick and Lissette fell in love with this delightful property and all its potential. Already set up for short-term stays, the family were excited by the prospect of being able to live somewhere so beautiful, to be able to share it with others and to work on the venture together as a family.
Perfectly located to make the most of the country and the coast, the property features four self-contained lodges, each meticulously decorated with locally sourced artworks and homewares, making for the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. A stay at the Drawing Rooms is particularly tranquil with fifteen acres of garden, much of which has been designed by Michael’s landscape design studio, Paperbark. Eclipsed by mountain views and the chance of an encounter or two with some local wildlife.
Tips from the locals : Take the train from Berry to Kiama to soak in glorious coastal views, or walk part of the Kiama Coastal Walk. At night, you’ll be spoilt for choice with two hatted restaurants close by, South on Albany and Bangalay Dining as well as a lovely French bistro, Queen St Eatery.
Cedar Cabin | Thredbo
Monique Easton has always had a strong connection to Thredbo, dating all the way back to her great grandfather delivering the mail on horseback or skis when he was the Postmaster General in the region.
Merging her love for the region with her skills as a professional photographer, Monique has created a truly magical short term stay. Often playing the role of accidental travel agent for the area, Monique feels very fortunate to be able to share an experience with her guests that’s a little out of the ordinary while they explore the mountains.
Cedar Cabin forms part of a cluster of cabins that follow the form of the nearby Thredbo River and this modern loft is set up with everything a couple would need for a mountain adventure. Located at the start of the Thredbo River Track, guests can easily access everything on offer across the Thredbo village. With access to resort ski runs in the winter, local mountain bike trails in the summer and a Japanese inspired onsen in the bathroom. The sleek and contemporary design of this space has been inspired by the utilitarian design ideal of choosing ‘less but better’.
Tips from the locals : Lunch at the Wild Brumby Distillery is a must. Followed by an afternoon dip in the natural pools in front of the cabin and an evening on the balcony watching the sun set over the mountains.
Lotte’s Hjem | Pambula
This charming 150 year old weatherboard cottage is nestled in the heart of Pambula, a small village on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales. Surrounded by lush gardens, this place offers a chance to disconnect for the daily grind. The cottage’s style is the perfect blend of rustic elements and a subtle European influence that reflects owners Miranda and Harrison’s passion for antiques and treasures collected from their travels. Care has also been taken to keep meaningful elements of the home’s history intact, including the name which pays homage to the previous owner, Lotte, who still lives nearby and continues to influence the rich history of the place.
The creators of Lotte’s Hjem are an intriguing couple. Miranda being a criminologist and environmental scientist and Harrison working in television and film. While Miranda brings a desire for a creative outlet to balance her professional life, Harrison brings a keen eye for detail and aesthetics to this venture. Together they have crafted a space that perfectly marries old world charm and contemporary comforts. This humble cottage is sure to encourage guests to slow down and take pause.
Tips from the locals : Miranda’s biggest suggestions for guests is to make sure you balance your time well between exploring and relaxing. And no matter the season, the remarkable local beaches are always worth exploring.
Woodside Huts | Coonamble
These original shearer’s quarters are available as accommodation and camping grounds on Henry and Rosie Moxham’s working family farm. In the midst of the sheep, cattle and cropping the quarters can sleep up to sixteen people and offer an adventurous traveller a place to lay their head just twenty kilometres outside of Coonamble. Set amongst the gum trees and a short walk from the waters prime for fishing and catching the occasional yabby, Henry and Rosie offer a genuine country experience. Born from their own love of adventurous camping trips, this duo have opened their own home to offer a great experience for guests. With self guided farm tours and a nature walk that includes a visit to the original farm buildings like the shearing shed and the homestead there is plenty to keep you busy while visiting the Woodside huts.
With four young children who love the outdoors and helping out on the farm, being able to offer accommodation to those passing through has given Henry and Rosie a fantastic opportunity to meet some incredible people and to share a slice of farm life with people who many never have experienced before.
Tips from the locals : Get in touch with your host Rosie and ask her what’s going on in the region during your stay. There is always something going on locally, you just need to know where to find it. No trip to Coonamble would be complete without a visit to Mink and Me for a coffee and to browse through their perfectly curated selection of homewares.
The Byng House | Orange
This beautiful property is also bought to us by Henry and Rosie Moxham. Lovingly restored in 2020, this home is full of period charm and modern amenities. Just steps away from the centre of Orange and all the cafes, restaurants and shopping that comes with it, the Byng Street House is a sophisticated and family friendly accommodation option full of convenience.
From their own experience, Henry and Rosie know that for those living in remote areas, finding a place that feels like a home away from home in a major service centre like Orange isn’t always easy. This home can sleep up to twelve people, so whether you’re in Orange to spend a weekend enjoying the local wineries or to take care of a long list of jobs, the Byng Street House is the perfect place to stay.
Tips from the locals : You’ll never be short of things to do in and around Orange but Rosie highly recommends picking up supplies for a picnic from the Agrestic Grocer and heading to Lake Canobolas for a picnic.
Clonsilla | Goulburn
Since taking ownership of this historic home built in the early 1900s, Nik and Ken have had the intention of safeguarding its character and allure. As two dentists with a fondness for character homes, taking on the restoration and custodianship of this home has given the pair a much needed creative outlet. Nik and Ken take immense joy in hosting and love sharing the distinctive charm of Clonsilla with their guests.
With four bedrooms as well as a detached one bedroom apartment, Clonsilla is ideal for up to eight people making for the perfect location for a family getaway or friends weekend retreat. Meticulously restored, it features a charming wrap-around verandah, quaint cottage garden, old school glass house and hand-painted murals for a truly unique combination of history and artist flare.
Tips from the locals : Spend a slow morning with a cup of coffee enjoying the glorious verandah before taking a stroll around town. Enjoy the local shops and historic architecture before checking out what’s on at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
Oyster Catcher | Huskisson
When Abby, Sadie and Phil speak about their vision for Oyster Catcher they always envisaged being in the place to be the way you wished you could spend everyday. You’re barefoot in the kitchen, there is coffee brewing and the sound of Kookaburras replace the usual hum of your commute or morning routine.
And while the trio behind this slice of beachside heaven reside in Sydney most of the time at the moment, what they’ve created at Huskisson is a reflection of their vision for their future. For now, they get to share that with others.
Those in the know will spot the signs that this space has been architecturally designed. Double-height ceilings in the entry pull warm air up and out the louvre windows, creating the perfect environment below. Hardwood windows, doors, flooring, decking, and stairs provide the perfect canvas for thoughtful interior design. This delightful place is made all the more special by the community you find it in. It almost feels like going back in time when you enter Huskisson with its tight-knit community and old school beach town feel – making for the ultimate ocean adjacent getaway.
Tips from the locals : Getting mussels from the Jervis Bay Shellfish Market is a must, they’re harvested from inside the bay so you don’t get any fresher than that. The best beach around is Blenheim, leave Hyams for the tourists.
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