Top 10 Australian holiday homes of 2023 revealed by Stayz
From castles to a converted industrial shed and country cottage, check out the 2023 top 10 holiday homes across Australia.
The top 10 holiday homes across Australia have been revealed.
Stayz has announced its 2023 Holiday Homes of the Year with the top three on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Berry in New South Wales and Wilyabrup in Western Australia.
The holiday home awards are in their 12th year with criteria based on a 4.5 star or higher rating, standout amenities and spaces to relax.
Stayz travel expert Daniel Finch said common themes in this year’s awards were the character and personality of the houses.
“They’re intriguing, warm, charming and when you stay there it feels like the home speaks to you and tells you its story,” he said.
“We’re noticing a trend in the reviews with people loving the charm, old world character, history and unique character of houses.”
Mr Finch said the awards also looked at houses suitable for large groups of family and friends.
“These are houses where there’s something for everyone, the versatility is very special,” he said.
“One thing that’s coming through as a must is alfresco cooking areas where people can spend time together cooking and enjoying each other’s company.”
He said Stayz was noticing a trend in people wanting larger holiday homes to spend time with friends and family.
“These homes are popular with people wanting to reconnect with family and friends,” he said.
Here are the winning three houses, along with the seven finalists rounding out the top 10.
WINNERS
SUNSHINE COAST, QLD
A Mediterranean-inspired ‘Mykonos’ castle on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland took out the gold medal as the best holiday house in Australia for 2023.
It is described as “perfect for Aussies seeking a Euro-trip without the expense”.
The one-of-a-kind house features a grand turret room, daybeds scattered throughout the property and three outdoor entertainment areas that include an elevated luxe heated pool, an outdoor kitchen and barbecue on the roof deck.
The house is also a short walk from the white sand of Sunshine Beach.
Mr Finch described ‘Mykonos’ as a remarkable holiday home.
“What’s most remarkable is you actually feel like you are in Mykonos,” he said.
“It’s like a castle with an amazing rooftop area.”
BERRY, NSW
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A farmhouse in the heart of NSW’s Berry secured the silver medal.
The two acre property, called ‘Sinclairs of Berry’ overlooks the Broughton Mill Creek.
The house is ideal for large groups, sleeping 18, and has an open plan kitchen and large dining area. There’s also an outdoor fire pit and pool.
The property hosts say they “try and think of everything for a perfect holiday experience”.
“We greet them on arrival, treat them to homemade cakes and preserves, fill the house with flowers grown on our farm, baskets of fresh farm eggs and herbs, have the dining table set, fireplace and fire pit is stacked and ready, and the marshmallow jar is always full of course,” the hosts said.
WILYABRUP, WA
A Federation home in WA’s Margaret River wine region has taken the bronze award, described as a home where “guests are transported to the English countryside”.
‘Birdwood Estate’ castle features a grand turret room and towers over three stories. It has four fireplaces, high ceilings, traditional bay windows and exposed beams salvaged from Westralia rail sleepers.
Mr Finch said it was the unique features of this home that made it stand out.
“It’s not the location you could expect, however there are so many unique features,” he said.
“They used rail sleepers from WA tracks throughout the home. It’s just an amazing space and so warm.”
FINALISTS
MONTVILLE, QLD
The house, called ‘Magical Malindi’ has views over the Obi Obi Valley and Lake Baroon.
The home features stunning cathedral ceilings and private decks surrounding its lower and upper levels, offering privacy, tranquillity, and luxury in one place.
MOUNT FRANKLIN, VIC
This house is known as ‘Sky High’, located on top of a ridge directly in front of Mount Franklin with a 360 panoramic view.
There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms along with features including heated saltwater plunge pool, stone fireplace, and a centrepiece kitchen ideal for large groups.
Hosts Daylesford Country Retreats say that the house was designed to take “full advantage of the dramatic 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, farm animals and bushland, with the position of the main living spaces capturing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
“Our guests consistently tell us the home is an unforgettable experience,” the hosts say.
BYRON BAY, NSW
It’s the location which continues to attract celebrities with the latest Margot Robbie who snapped up her latest property.
This holiday house, known as ‘The Palm’ is a beautifully restored luxury cottage with a heated pool, spa bath, cosy fireplace, and sun-filled daybeds.
You can watch the sun rise from the home’s front balcony and see it setting among the palm trees from the back deck.
BENWERRIN, VIC
This house was inspired by the Chinese and Japanese philosophy of life energy.
‘Qii House Eco Retreat’ is described as a “spectacular mountain retreat in the lush rainforest of Erskine Fall”.
Built by renowned architect Edgard Pirrotta and restored by local artisans, the home features
an alfresco kitchen area, a tea house, meditation room, and an eco-bathhouse.
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HINTON, NSW
Known as ‘Vintage Steel’ this home in the NSW Hunter Region combines modern living with the rich 120-year history of an industrial warehouse.
The house sleeps up to 16 guests, ideas for large group getaways, with a luxe industrial kitchen, a stunning 6m plunge pool, and a custom-made wood fireplace and pizza oven.
PORT DOUGLAS, QLD
The ‘Port Douglas Beach House’ is the epitome of luxury over three levels.
It has a rooftop deck that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining with a group.
The home has both indoor and outdoor alfresco kitchens, an indoor elevator for easy accessibility, 25m pool and is the only top 10 finalist to feature a swim-up bar.
BRIGHT, VIC
The Alpine inspired four bedroom, three bathroom stay ‘Alpine Barn Retreat’ rounds out the last of the finalists.
The home features pitched ceilings and exposed beams in the open-plan living zone giving the place a sense of luxury and cosiness.
Guests can spend hours outside in the picture-perfect entertaining zone including an outdoor deck, barbecue and large in-ground pool featuring a gorgeous backdrop of Mt Buffalo.
“As soon as guests enter the driveway of Alpine Barn Retreat they are immediately impressed by its alpine charm and character,” the host of Alpine Barn Retreat says.
“With a wood fireplace for winter and a pool and entertaining zone in summer, it’s a year round property which we love to share.”
Originally published as Top 10 Australian holiday homes of 2023 revealed by Stayz
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