Two Sunshine Coast luxury homes named among Australia’s best stays

Two Sunshine Coast homes have taken out plum positions in an annual Holiday Homes of the Year awards.

Two luxury homes at Buderim in the Sunshine Coast hinterland - one of which welcomes four-legged guests - have been named among Australia’s 10 best holiday homes.

One of the homes won the silver medal in Stayz annual Holiday Homes of the Year Awards announced Thursday.

It was pipped for gold by a sprawling country retreat in the Kangaroo Valley in southern NSW.

The silver medal winner boasts ocean views as well as a luxe pool with cabana and cubby house.

Burderim Rainforest retreat pool area.

The other is a Hamptons-inspired pet-friendly property which can accommodate up to 10 people and as many as four dogs.

Property manager Monique Kessler said the owner, an Australian businessman based overseas, had worked with a design company to create “a full experience for families”.

“There are things like gaming consoles, ping-pong tables, a fantastic swimming pool, huge lawn and a really big media room,” she said.

“After Covid, it’s become a really popular space for family reunions and special occasions. It’s a really beautiful space.”

Matt and Monique Kessler with their dogs Vader, Napoleon, and Mally at their property at Buderim named as one of Australia’s best dog friendly holiday homes on Stayz. Picture: Lachie Millard.

Ms Kessler said one family had brought their four border collies to stay at the acreage hideaway, which commands rates of more than $12,000 a week in peak periods.

“There’s such a big demand for pet-friendly accommodation these days - pets are part of the family and people want to be able to take them with them on holidays,” she said.

A lakefront home at Port Douglas also made the list of top 10 holiday homes.

Luxury Lakes Estate Port Douglas.

Simone Scoppa, of Stayz, said the awards were judged on location, guest ratings and reviews, booking numbers and availability of family-friendly amenities.

“The homes have a proven track record of earning excellent ratings and reviews, and the hosts who own and manage these places are dedicated to going above and beyond for their guests,” she said.

“We also know every family has different tastes and holiday preferences, so this list represents a variety of price points, destinations, types of properties and design features.”