Stayz’ best holiday homes of 2022 revealed

A holiday house in Kangaroo Valley that boasts seven bedrooms and a massive pool with picturesque views has been voted the best in Australia.

A southern highland acreage, rainforest hideaway and historical Victorian cottage have taken out Stayz’ top spots in this year’s best holiday homes of 2022.

When it comes to booking somewhere to stay for a getaway, Aussies have been leaning towards rentals over hotels, over simple reasons such as not having to share amenities with others and for overall privacy.

The gold medal winner, Kangaroo Valley property ‘Attunga KV’, is one of those places that boasts stunning features you won’t want to share with anyone else.

Stayz has revealed the ‘Holiday Home of the year’ and the gold medallist is Kangaroo Valley property ‘Attunga KV’. Picture: Stayz

The $2700-a-night home boasts some stunning views. Picture: Stayz

The $2700-a-night-home is perfect for big groups having seven bedrooms which sleep 18 people, three bathrooms and a spacious living space that overlooks picturesque mountain views.

But perhaps the most alluring of all, it has its own massive pool, a vine to dine outdoor garden seating area and a barn that is perfect for celebrations.

“Even nicer than the photos,” one of its many positive reviews read.

Another view of the massive pool. Picture: Stayz

It sits on 60 hectares of lush rainforest above Kangaroo Valley. Picture: Stayz

“The Stayz Holiday Home of the Year Awards properties each year exemplify why families have booked with Stayz for decades,” Simone Scoppa, Stayz travel expert said.

“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.

“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.”

It boasts seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. Picture: Stayz

It also has a spacious outdoor entertaining area. Picture: Stayz

The property coming in second place is Rainforest Retreat in Buderim, a tropical oasis located in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Inside boasts a contemporary style and chic aesthetic, while outside features a spacious, sheltered entertaining area, a pool and cubby house for the kids. It sleeps six and goes for $829 a night.

Buderim Rainforest Retreat located in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast came in second place. Picture: Stayz

The three bedroom, $829-a-night property sits among a lush tropical garden that features a tranquil pool with a luxe cabana and the huge backyard complete with a cubby house. Picture: Stayz

Taking home bronze is Bootmaker’s Cottage, a rustic property located in the historic town of Birregurra at the foothills of Victoria’s Ottway ranges.

The charming restored home features something many are often drawn to – a vintage outdoor bathtub – as well as a hammock and fire pit.

It’s also right on the town’s main street, where you’ll find a selection of antique stores, cafes and the local pub.

Bootmaker’s Cottage in Birregurra, Victoria, took home bronze. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom rustic property is $331 per night. Picture: Stayz

The $331-per-night home sleeps six people.

“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.

“The bronze medallist in the Otways region is also a pet friendly property, along with 40 per cent of the other finalists also welcoming pets.

Ah, nothing like a beautiful, outdoor tub. Picture: Stayz

“This is a trend we have seen huge demand for in recent years, with a survey we commissioned earlier in the year finding over two million Aussies are planning to take their pet on holidays in 2022.”

Meanwhile, booking.com ‘Short Term Rental Snapshot’ report revealed the majority (87 per cent) of holiday homeowners who currently list their property, say it was easy to transform their private holiday homes into short-term rentals for travellers.

The benefits of using an online travel platform were reviewed in the study, with almost all homeowners stating they have or would use one to manage their holiday rental (95 per cent).

The top reason homeowners used or would use a booking platform was that it provided increased visibility of their home and increased occupancy rates.

It also revealed classic Aussie beach house is what travellers found most appealing followed by country cottages and cosy cabins.

More details on the Stayz winners and finalists can be found here.