Hidden gem named on 2025 Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year
This home hidden on the outskirts of a major city may not look like much from the outside – but there is a good reason it has been named one of the best.
Nestled among the trees on the outskirts of Melbourne is a home that has just been named one of the best private holiday rentals in the country.
The four-bedroom house in the charming town of Sassafras in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges, about an hour from the city, has made this year’s list of Stayz 10 best homes – chosen out of more than 50,000 properties on the website. (Scroll down for the full list).
Every traveller knows it is not often your accommodation is better than the pictures, but that is exactly what this writer said when she stayed there last month.
It is hard to capture the smell of fresh bread left out for you, the sound of nothing but birds chirping when you open your eyes in the morning, or the feeling of the afternoon sun on your face as it beams through the trees. With cozy furniture, thoughtful decor and obvious attention to detail (hidden cupboards next to one toilet are little barn doors), and every kitchen appliance you could think of: Mountain Lodge feels like a home.
Social media often has stories from travellers sharing their decision to make the move back to hotels after becoming fed-up with having to clean dishes and put the bins out (and even sometimes vacuum or strip the beds) on holiday time, but premium holiday homes like these are a reminder of why private rentals are loved.
The sentiment was echoed in the property’s guest book by previous guests who had shared that their family reunions, proposals and elopements had happened right there in the garden or dining room.
Sassafras and its surrounds is a popular spot for weekend day-trippers.
In the main street, you can find cute cafes and restaurants, a toy shop, lolly shop and second-hand book store that are appealing for a browse even if you are not much of a shopper.
It pays to get in early at some sought-after spots. On a nice day, it is not rare to find a massive queue for Proserpina Bakehouse, an organic bakery that mills its own flour to make artisan breads and pastries, and Miss Marple’s, an English tearoom inspired by Agatha Christie’s famous character.
Nearby, is the gorgeous Sherbrooke Forest, a national park attracting walkers and picnic-goers.
2025 Stayz Holiday Homes of the Year
Stayz dropped its annual list of the best private holiday homes in Australia on Tuesday.
The list is based on guest ratings (9.8 or above) and reviews, space (must have at least three bedrooms), standout amenities (such as pools, saunas, tennis courts and pizza ovens), and host status (‘Premier hosts’ is recognition for owners and managers with a proven track record).
“Every year, Stayz’ Holiday Homes of the Year aims to inspire travellers to book their next group getaway, and the 2025 collection is no different,” Stayz’ Sarah King said. “The homes on this year’s list reflect incredible guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer some of the most requested amenities on Stayz from private pools to fire pits.”
MOUNTAIN LODGE
Sassafras, VIC – Four bedrooms, sleeps eight. $855 average per night.
Mountain Lodge (AKA White Lodge) is owned by foodies and has been designed with entertaining in mind. The house has a butler’s pantry stocked with cooking staples, but there is also the option to have a professional chef come for a three-course meal inside the home. The owners are in the process of building a tiny house hidden in the lush back garden.
ABERCORN
Buckaroo, NSW – Four bedrooms, sleeps eight. $848 average per night.
Abercorn is an architect-designed country house set on a farm just outside of Mudgee. The house was designed and built by a husband-and-wife duo. There is a veggie garden and small herd of Belted Galloway cattle.
CARPE MYKONOS
Margaret River, WA – Four bedrooms, sleeps 10. $879 average per night.
Carpe Mykonos is set across 3.2 hectares and aims to bring a piece of the Mediterranean to Margaret River. It is conveniently positioned between the town centre and Gnarabup beach. The property has a private tennis court and fire pit.
THE CAPE HOUSE
Dover, TAS – Three bedrooms, sleeps six. $662 average per night.
The Cape House has 100 hectares acres of wilderness, wildlife and water. The renovated turn-of-the-century farmhouse wants to blend old-world charm and modern decor. It has alfresco dining and a heated outdoor spa with panoramic water views.
THE HAMPTONS HINTERLAND RETREAT
Gold Coast, QLD – Six bedrooms, sleeps 14. $1495 average per night.
The Hamptons Hinterland Retreat is on a 1.7-hectare block with a 16 metre saltwater pool, three lounge areas and a designer kitchen. The house is 20 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast.
FROGWELL HOLLOW
Stirling, SA – Three bedrooms, sleeps six. $828 average per night.
Nestled in the hills of Piccadilly Valley, Frogwell Hollow features a sunlit conservatory, a wildlife-rich garden and a study overlooking a flowing creek. Outside there is a wood fired oven and fire pit.
THE BAHAMA HOUSE
Port Douglas, QLD – Five bedrooms, sleeps 10. $961 average per night.
The Bahama House is just steps from Four Mile Beach. It features a pool and alfresco dining space with built in BBQ and outdoor bar fridge. It is promoted as the ideal base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
OLIVER’S COTTAGE
Yarra Glen, VIC – Six bedrooms, sleeps 13.
Oliver’s Cottage in the Yarra Valley has views of the mountains, as well as a fully equipped farmhouse-style kitchen and indoor living area with a gas fireplace. Outside there is a fire-pit, built in BBQ, a six-seater spa and a cedar wood barrel sauna.
BRAESIDE
Kangaroo Valley, NSW – Four bedrooms, sleeps eight. $1436 average per night.
Braeside is a 2-hectare retreat just minutes from Kangaroo Valley village. The home features a 12 metre saltwater swimming pool, an outdoor fire pit, wraparound decking and four large ensuite bedrooms.
LE CHATEAU
Holgate, NSW – Eight bedrooms, sleeps 18. $1492 average per night.
Le Chateau, in the Central Coast hinterland, is a secluded French chateau-inspired property set over three levels. It includes a billiard room, a infinity-edge pool surrounded by greenery and an art collection.
This writer was a guest of Stayz
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