The Hosted Home Movement
Instalment 004 - By Sophie Smith
Growing up in a coastal town, I have always loved the salt in my hair, the sand on my feet and being at the beach for as many hours of the day as possible.
I quickly came to learn that for inland country folk, there is not the same desire to constantly have salt and sand on your skin. Instead, they have found a way to take the quintessential beach holiday and make it an indulging experience.
Holidays to the coast can be fleeting or an annual tradition, but either way, travellers are now spoilt for choice with a stunning range of one-of-a-kind guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.
Since moving to the country, it has always been a favourite of mine to get into conversations with people about their holiday plans to go and visit the amazing coastal regions Australia has to offer. What I have learnt from these conversations is the importance of choosing the right accommodation.
Before living remotely, the cheapest option would be the one for me. There was no real thought about where it was located or the people behind the business. I have come to understand and value the importance of supporting locals who beautifully curate their spaces to provide their guests with a sense of home and all their creature comforts while travelling.
The unique hosted homes featured in this issue offer travellers an indulging stay while they explore the local area. The stunning accommodation options combine the beauty of the natural landscape and the luxuries anyone would expect in a five-star city escape.
So, dust off the old beach hat, buy yourself some SPF 50+ and book your next coastal escape.
Morningside Guesthouse | Yamba
Nestled among the breathtaking Yamba region hinterland lies a unique guest house available for your next adventure. Situated on five acres of undisturbed land and only a quick twenty-minute drive from Yamba town centre, the Morningside Guesthouse is a beautiful homestead right on the bend of the Clarence River. The stunning river views, multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, fully equipped country-style kitchen and private jetty will make your stay feel like a home away from home. Tim and Bernadette Phelps purchased the Morningside property as a potential retirement opportunity and felt the need to share this slice of paradise with people travelling in the area.
Tips from the locals – The twenty-minute drive into Yamba to explore top-quality local shopping, food and beaches is a top priority. Make use of the private jetty by throwing in a line, taking a river cruise or getting a bit wild and jumping on a jet ski. Or what stay would be complete in this region without enjoying a seafood platter, caught by yourself in the river or taking the short trip to a local co-op and finding your favourite scenic point on the property and enjoying the breathtaking views with the luxury of peace and tranquillity.
Thirlestane Farm Cottage & Barn | Noosa
Treat yourself and escape into the serene beauty of Thirlestane Farm Cottage & Barn. On twenty-eight acres of rolling hills near Cooroy, the exquisite rural retreat is a twenty-minute drive to the pristine beaches of the Noosa Shire. The property is owned by the delightful Tee, who emigrated with her family from Scotland in 2004. Tee is no stranger to the tourism industry, with thirty years of experience owning guesthouses in Scotland. There are two accommodation options that house eight guests: The Cottage and The Barn. Both are filled with indulgent luxuries and all the small creature comforts that give guests the sense of being in a home away from home. The breathtaking panoramic views, ideal location and thoughtfully curated touches will make your stay unforgettable.
Tips from the locals – Take advantage of the wonderful location where in twenty minutes you can be shopping on Hastings Street or escaping the hustle of everyday life to indulge yourself in the secluded landscape. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are many local markets, craft brewers, nature walks and renowned restaurants close to the farm.
The Slow Drift | Denmark
Christie and Dave Collis are the delightful, humble owners of The Slow Drift – an idyllic guesthouse curated for lovers and naturists. Seeking a chance to live life at a slower pace and raise a family, Christie and Dave were delighted when they found their new family home: a 1970’s Australiana beach shack, nestled between ancient karri forests and the wild southern ocean. An experience at The Slow Drift allows guests to step outside their lives for a moment, take a deep breath, stare longer and listen closer to the surrounding country and imagine what it would be like to throw in the mundane nine-to-five lifestyle.
Tips from the locals – Days are best spent waking with the birds, cosying up in bed with a book and hot coffee, hiking the pristine local coast or forest tracks, or engaging with the local community markets, farm stalls and restaurants to discover the area’s talented residents.
Martha Vale Park | St Helens
Martha Vale Park is a regenerative farm positioned where the river meets the sea, offering visitors a truly immersive agritourism experience. Located on the East Coast of Tasmania, the farm is surrounded by stunning Bay of Fires beaches and ancient Blue Teir forests.
Martha Vale Park allows guests to experience one hundred years of craftsmanship, developed and changed over the years to suit the requirements of the owners and their families. There are endless secluded, enchanting areas for guests to relax – whether taking a bath in either the indoor or outdoor bath, taking a stroll around the stables or through the delightful gardens. It truly is a fully immersive experience.
Tips from the locals – There are so many fantastic things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania. Some highlights include visiting wineries, local dining and shopping. Derby is a notable place to schedule a visit with a range of activities to take part in. Make sure you visit a quintessential Tassie pub, enjoy the local wildlife on the beautiful walking tracks and relax and recharge.
Bill’s Boathouse | White Sands
Luxury on the mighty Murray River in a delightful sustainability-built tiny home. Bill’s Boathouse offers couples or solo travellers the unique opportunity to experience the gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and wildlife the Murray River has to offer. Whether you wish to take in the surroundings in the hammock, on the wrap-around deck or in the open-air clawfoot bath, you’re sure to be impressed. Owner Cheryl’s passion is in life experiences and finding the work/life balance. She has carefully curated this luxury accommodation to allow guests to escape their busy lives and take in this extraordinary environment. With the option to adventure into swimming, kayaking or yabbying, or taking it a bit slower and reading a book on the deck, all guests will find an activity to enjoy and relax on the Murray River.
Tips from the locals – Grab yourself a nice bottle of wine and sit back on the deck to watch the amazing sunset over the river. There are beautiful walking tracks, lots of local restaurants and shops, and a winery that are all worth a visit. Bill’s Boathouse is the ultimate place to relax and unwind, so do as little or as much as you like, immerse yourself in the local landscape and enjoy what this area has to offer.
Bannisters Port Stephens | Port Stephens
Offering a relaxed blend of coastal charm and retro- inspired style is the luxury seventy-eight-room boutique hotel, Bannisters. Situated in the beautiful Port Stephens area on the central coast of NSW, Bannisters pride themselves on reimagining the classic beach holiday tradition and pairing it with laid-back comfort, gourmet dining and breathtaking water views. Offering short stays has allowed Bannisters to provide a luxury holiday feeling within a few hours’ drive, which allows guests to disconnect and recharge without the dreaded travelling home feeling. Attached to the hotel is the famous Rick Stein’s restaurant, which is definitely worth a visit for a divine taste sensation.
Tips from the locals – Eat, sleep, pool, repeat. There are some seriously delicious restaurant and poolside cocktail options all close by. Or wake to bird songs, take in the views from Tomaree Headland [a steep but well pathed thirty- minute walk], take a visit to Shoal Bay or take in the local area with shopping, cafes and dining experiences you’ll love.