Inside SA’s best holiday home

A New York-inspired house in a tiny country community has been listed in Australia’s top 10 holiday homes. See inside the unique property.

If you are making plans for your next holiday, and are on the lookout for unique properties to stay, a list of to 10 holiday homes should be a good place to start.

Stayz, a popular holiday home website, has revealed its top ten holiday homes in the annual Holiday Home of the Year Awards.

A New York-inspired, loft-style apartment called ‘The New Yorker’ – located in the tiny community of Yahl, about 7km southeast of Mount Gambier – has ranked seventh on the national list. It’s the only SA-based holiday home to make it to this year’s list.

Styled like an “industrial New York apartment”, the unique home boasts an open floorplan, exposed brick walls and quirky artwork.

'The New Yorker' is located in Yahl, SA.

Colourful artwork dot the walls.

Homeowners Margaret and Paul Jupe said a visit to New York in 2004 inspired their design choices when constructing this holiday home.

“Paul was trained as an art teacher and has always been able to visualise different concepts and design,” Mrs Jupe said.

“When we visited New York in 2004, we were struck by the use of industrial buildings being used for domestic living. It gave one the feeling of spaciousness and interest with the different fittings, artwork, architecture and appointments.

We wanted to present our unique accommodation with this in mind. (Our) guests’ reactions have confirmed the success of our thematic approach.”

Plenty of natural light.

One of the bedrooms.

Rented for an average $160 per night, ‘The New Yorker’ has three large bedrooms, two-bathrooms and a large family/entertainment area. The kitchen is well-appointed and a mezzanine library towers over the main living area.

The homeowners have done well to present a slice of New York living, miles away.

According to Stayz travel expert, Simone Scoppa, this year’s finalists represent a variety of price points, destinations, types of properties and design features.

Another bedroom.

The bathroom.

“The medal winning holiday homes are reflective of the different tastes that Aussie families have in homes, from luxe coastal experiences to unique regional accommodation,” Ms Scoppa said.

A homestead in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley edged out a Sunshine Coast beach house and regional Victorian cottage to the top honour.

All the finalists met the Stayz selection criteria, including a combination of 4 to 5-star ratings, positive guest reviews, number of bookings, and family-friendly amenities available.

Originally published as Inside SA’s best holiday home