20 holiday homes in regional Australia to book (2024)

THE BANK BED AND BREAKFAST, HAY

Hay’s beautiful three-storey, double-brick Victorian bank was built in 1891, but in 1973, it was sold to Noreen Smith and her sister, Marjorie Houston, who were responsible for its conversion into a family home. Since then, Noreen’s granddaughter, interior designer Sheila Smith, and her husband, Grant Volz, have taken custody – and it now stands as both their home and a bed and breakfast.

THE SHEARER’S HALL, NSW

Set on 105 hectares of verdant countryside just outside Bathurst in NSW, this historic ex-shearing hall holds many clues of its working past. Homeowners Mez and Hamish Keith did their best to make this the case, using an old wool table as the dining table, preserving the sheep chutes and hanging timeworn shearing pieces on the walls. “The challenge was keeping it authentic and original, so the building could tell its story, but also ensuring it was luxurious,” says Mez of transforming the shed.

THE SHIPWRIGHT’S MISTRESS, AUGUSTA

Built in the 1960s, this charming two-bedroom cottage sits in a peaceful spot on the Blackwood River in Augusta, WA. It was brought back to life at the careful hands of Pepper Hutchinson and her husband, Marko, who thereafter named it The Shipwright’s Mistress: “Marko is a fourth-generation boat builder [shipwright], so we had a vast collection of boating memorabilia that we loved using here,” Pepper shares. “It also inspired the house name, The Shipwright’s Mistress, a fun reference to the family’s heritage.”

NORWOOD ROSES COTTAGE, TOOWOOMBA

Quaint, colourful and utterly charming, Toowoomba’s Noorwood Roses cottage instills happiness in whoever is lucky enough to visit. Originally constructed in 1897, new owners Caitlyn and Sam have fittingly filled the home’s walls with vintage collections, clusters of art and secondhand market finds. “I never buy something for a particular spot – I buy it because I love it and then I find a spot for it. It’s been years of collecting and loving these pieces, and they make sense together,” explains Caitlyn.

LITTLE RED BARN, NOOSA HINTERLAND

Created from a standard barn-style kit home, The Red Barn is full of country-style charm and luxurious perks, such as the alfresco claw foot bath and Allcast Precast pool, perfectly positioned to soak up the surroundings. Despite magnificent appearances, the original owners, who have since sold the property, were very thrifty, driving around to pick up online finds and call into various antique stores.

SINCLAIRS OF BERRY

A blazing fire, lit candles and freshly baked cake are what you can expect to be greeted with upon arriving at Sinclairs of Berry. Imbuing an instant sense of relaxation, Sinclairs of Berry is well equipped for gatherings, with eight bedrooms (and ensuites), open-plan living, dining and kitchen, butler’s pantry and a luxurious standalone studio.

MARGE’S COTTAGE, SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Once dilapidated and overrun by the elements, this sweet secluded cottage was brought back to life in 2014 by Cheryl Guzzardi, who had long dreamed of owning her own bed and breakfast. Between pressed metal ceillings, salvaged materials, a cosy fireplace and a freestanding bath with a pretty spectacular view, Marge’s Cottage embraces a slower pace.

GLENFERNIE FARM, NEWRYBAR

Tucked away in the hinterland village of Newrybar, Glenfernie Farm is a quintessential weatherboard country holiday home. “We fell in love with this farmhouse the minute we saw it,” says owner Millie says of the century-old Queenslander. Complete with a swimming pool, spaces for entertaining and front verandah with spectacular views, this two-hectare property is certainly worth a visit.

THE BARN AT RANGEVIEW, GLENQUARRY

On a 4 acre parcel of land that once dedicated to cattle and dairy farming sits a newly built, fresh take on barn-style living. Somewhere between tiny home and full-sized house, The Barn at Rangeview is a two bedroom holiday stay complete with open-plan living areas, a Cheminee fireplace and outdoor entertaining areas.

LIPTRAP LOFT, CAPE LIPTRAP

Against a backdrop of bushland, rolling rural fields and set nearby to the coast, Liptrap Loft was created by couple Mike and Fleur to invite escape and respite. The first in their portfolio of unique stays (including first-class train carriage, Steam Carriage), Liptrap Loft features a striking saw-tooth roofline, almost exclusively local materials and a Japanese-style bath house.

The Storekeeper’s House, Goulburn Valley

Renovated with care, revitalised with wares from the past, full of squashy leather armchairs and warmed by a wood-fired stove, The Storekeeper’s House in Goulburn Valley is a bowerbird-type’s delight. “Dad’s a collector,” says owner Carrie, “and I’ve always loved to collect homewares and curios, too.”

THE QUARTERS, JUGIONG

Converted shearing shed ‘The Quarters’ in Jugiong represents a unique country stay like no other. Totally spellbinding but completely functional, the refurbished building includes high ceilings, an original brick fireplace, linen-draped beds and a verandah for watching local wildlife.

ROOM + BOARD, DAYLESFORD

Decorator Lynda Gardener’s new home in Daylesford, which took over a year to build, follows a classic barn design, with a high-pitched ceiling, exposed beams and split “Mr Ed-style” doors. Four large windows from an old schoolhouse add authenticity to the new build and flood the space with light. When she’s not staying there herself, Lynda opens up the barn for accommodation bookings.

***Book your stay at Room + Board via [Airbnb](https://airbnb.pvxt.net/c/3001951/264339/4273?subId1=htl&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.airbnb.com.au%2Frooms%2F39155962%3Fsource_impression_id%3Dp3_1686020391_EncWk0BwDO6OU4Ne|target=”_blank”|rel=”nofollow”).***

CAPTAIN’S REST, TAS

Part of a line of heritage shacks in quiet Lettes Bay, this cosy one-bedroom cottage was salvaged, restored and furnished by sailor Sarah Andrews. The house is designed to withstand the wild weather that sometimes lashes this coastal area, while offering guests all the home comforts they could wish for.

***Book your stay at Captain’s Rest via [Airbnb](https://airbnb.pvxt.net/c/3001951/264339/4273?subId1=htl&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.airbnb.com.au%2Frooms%2F18949357%3Fsource_impression_id%3Dp3_1686020577_h6Suaxw%252Bv0%252F64zkp|target=”_blank”|rel=”nofollow”).***

The Bails, northern NSW

A Sydney couple have transformed an old cottage into a modern holiday home called The Bails. The two-bedroom abode, on a former dairy-turned-mango farm on the outskirts of Bangalow, is now available as deluxe accommodation for limited dates throughout the year. Relax on the large covered deck or in the plunge pool made from a repurposed concrete water tank and enjoy breathtaking views of the Byron Bay hinterland.

COPACABANA BEACH HOUSE, NSW

Set atop a cliff with views winding down the coastal fringe to Sydney, Danielle and Adam Eurell’s holiday home is free from modern distractions, where kids can watch passing whales rather than a screen. The main living room has a loft bedroom above, and is a favoured spot to sit and relax during the cooler months. “Being floor-to-ceiling glass, it’s like a sunroom in winter!” Danielle says.

Two sisters have created a whimsical beach cottage on the rugged south Australian coast. They’ve created a beautiful and restful space with daybeds — perfect for afternoon naps — and a collection of vintage wares sourced from their favourite stores in Adelaide and beyond.

HARGAN’S COTTAGE, CARCOAR

Inspired by the tropes of slow country living, Hargan’s Cottage is the brainchild of self proclaimed forager Belinda Satterthwaite. As the owner of local homewares store Tomolly, Belinda was the perfect person to fill the historic 1925 abode. “I’ve collected old bits and pieces forever,” Belinda says. “Sometimes from the tip! Some things stay, some things don’t.”

DAIRY FLAT FARM AND LODGE, DAYLESFORD

Custom-made furniture, original art, on-ground vineyard and olive grove, a live-in concierge and – most uniquely – a secret underground tunnel, this 15-hectare property in the hamlet of Musk offers an immersive farm stay, complete with frequent workshops and every luxury under the sun. “The Farm will continually be full of experts in their fields, giving guests an opportunity to observe, immerse or dive deep depending on their level of interest in getting their hands dirty”, says owner Alla.

ROSEDALE FARMSTAY, ORANGE

Steve Cordony and Michael Booth’s country stay outside of Orange, NSW, could easily be mistaken for a Beatrix Potter illustration. The renovation of the main house and workers’ quarters pays homage to the heritage of the property, with the gentle restoration of original ceilings, floorboards and other features, while Steve’s design upgrades draw the home into the modern era.