Stayz Holiday Home of the Year Awards 2022: The winners
A southern highland acreage, rainforest hideaway and historical Victorian cottage have taken out top spots in this year’s list.
There’s something special about hiring a holiday home for the summer, as opposed to a hotel. There’s no jostling for a sun lounger at the pool, you can walk around in your cossies all day without drawing odd looks from strangers, and for some unexplained reason, memories made in them just seem to stick better.
They also seem to exude their own personality and uniqueness, much like the wide assortment of family units and groups who frequent them throughout the year.
It’s with this in mind that holiday rental company Stayz compiles its annual Holiday Home of The Year awards.
From their location and design to amenities and quirks, each of the 10 top abodes offers something unique and exceptional enough to warrant glowing reviews from its guests, many of whom vow to return year after year.
“The Stayz Holiday Home of the Year awards properties each year exemplify why families have booked with Stayz for decades. 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,” said Stayz Travel Expert Simone Scoppa. “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.”
And the 2022 winners are …
WINNER
Attunga KV-Kangaroo Valley, Berry
With its wet-edge Mediterranean-style pool, ‘entertainers barn’ and chic furnishings, it’s no surprise guests are gushing with their reviews of this Kangaroo Valley property, with one stating it’s “even nicer than the photos.” The expansive 150-acre grounds and spacious dwelling also ensures multiple families don’t feel cramped.
Sleeps: 18
Nightly rate: $2700
SILVER
Rainforest Retreat, Buderim
With the possibility of another wet summer ahead, this tropical oasis in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has its guests covered; literally. Its outdoor entertaining space is large and sheltered, while kids can enjoy the outdoor pool or simply hang out in the property’s cubby house. You’ll also fall in love with the property’s contemporary styling and chic aesthetic.
Sleeps: Six
Nightly rate: $829
BRONZE
Bootmaker’s Cottage, Ottways Ranges
Located in the historic town of Birregurra at the foothills of Victoria’s Ottway ranges, this beautifully restored home oozes old world charm. The central courtyard is perfect for al fresco dining and comes complete with a vintage outdoor bathtub, hammock and fire pit. It’s also right on the town’s main street, where you’ll find a selection of beautiful antique stores, cafe’s and the local pub.
Sleeps: Six
Nightly rate: $331
BEST OF THE REST
Hampton’s Hill, Buderim
With a kid’s media room, pool, trampoline and playground, this expansive Hamptons style compound in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is the ideal choice for parents who dread hearing the words ‘I’m bored’ during the school holidays. The property sleeps 10 and includes myriad entertaining areas both inside and outdoors.
Sleeps: 10
Nightly rate: $900
Greenhouse Retreat, Pearl Beach
With its classic exterior and contemporary styling, this coastal compound straddles the relaxed vibe of a vintage beach shack and a luxe day spa. A separate dwelling from the main house makes it a great choice for large families or couples who want to spend their summer holidays relaxing around the central pool or heading to the beach, which is just a short stroll away.
Sleeps: Eight
Nightly rate: $920
Lakes Estate, Port Douglas
Tucked away in a gated estate just a short drive from Port Douglas’ main street, this four-bedroom lakeside villa has all the trappings of a tropical getaway. The open plan living space features a spacious kitchen with butler’s pantry and looks out over the home’s heated saltwater infinity pool and palm-flanked lake. There’s also a media room for the kids, making it perfect for groups or large families.
Sleeps: Eight
Nightly rate: $690
Flinn’s Hill Kyneton
One hour from Melbourne by train, this modern country home is primed for a large family, with four bedrooms sharing views of the green valleys below. Outdoor and indoor entertaining areas offer more than enough space for group dining, but the ultimate drawcard of this property – at least for the couple who scores the master bedroom – is an ensuite featuring two bathtubs.
Sleeps: 10
Nightly rate: $914
Maison Du Lac, Margaret River
This tranquil holiday home kisses the shoreline of a calm lake near the township of Margaret River, and its modern style and open plan design has garnered it plenty of five-star reviews from guests. Despite its remote feel, it’s also very close to town so your barista-brewed coffee is only a five-minute walk away.
Sleeps: Eight
Nightly rate: $553
The Shed, Gerroa
Comparing this property to a shed feels somewhat blasphemous, but with its industrial-style facade and utilitarian décor, it really does resemble one, albeit a very luxurious, architect-designed one. The small circular plunge pool and proximity to Walker’s Beach also adds to this property’s desirability.
Sleeps: Eight
Nightly rate: $1080
The New Yorker, Mount Gambier
Rejecting the notion that country holiday homes should meet a quota of Liberty prints and oak panelling, this urban style retreat features industrial warehouse-style elements and pop art.
Sleeps: Six
Nightly rate: $160