Designer furniture, dream kitchens, and the sort of interior styling that makes you swoon. Sometimes, a stay in an Airbnb is as much about the home you're staying in as it is about the destination or some well-deserved time off. If like us, you love to pair your appreciation of architecture and good design with your need for a weekend getaway, this list is for you.
Here, we've found the best (and most beautiful) architecturally designed Airbnbs in NSW. From a Harry Seidler masterpiece to off-grid eco huts and country cottages with magazine-worthy interiors, make a plan to live out your best design lover life in these jaw-dropping homes.
The Seidler House
Southern Highlands
Ok, let's start big, shall we? The Seidler House is considered to be one of the late Harry Seidler's residential masterpieces, built into a natural sandstone cliff escarpment in Joadja in the Southern Highlands. Beneath the rolling curve of the roof, floor-to-ceiling glass windows peer out onto the wide gulley below, while Alta quartzite floors, Verde marina granite, and Norwegian stone make for an ultra-luxurious interior. Then, there are the viewing decks, gardens, sculptures, and a central swimming pool. The house sleeps eight with four bedrooms—perfect for a luxe group getaway. Book your stay here.
The Courtyard House
Hawks Nest
Hawks Nest is the magical little beach village on the north side of Port Stephens—and The Courtyard House, by CHROFI architects, is a whole new reason to visit. This off-grid home is perfectly built into the surrounding coastal bushland, and wrapped around a central courtyard garden, filling the kitchen and bedrooms with natural light. It's also close to both of Hawks Nest's beaches (Jimmy's Beach on the harbour side and Bennetts Beach for surfing). Book your stay here.
Gawthorne's Hut
Mudgee
Now for a more romantic getaway. Winner of Airbnb's inaugural Host Awards 2021 for the "most unique stay", Gawthorne's Hut is a luxury off-grid eco hut for two, located on the beautiful Wilgowrah property about 10 minutes outside of Mudgee. Complete with a king bed, full bath, shower, fire pit, and beautiful views across the property, this is a charming spot to really, truly, get away from it all. We love the natural timbers used throughout and the way the sweeping windows and doors capture the stunning valley beyond. Book your stay here.
Werona
Southern Highlands
Good design doesn't have to be sleek and modern. Werona in the Burrawang village in the Southern Highlands is all about countryside charm, like something torn from the pages of Country Style magazine. The name Werona is an Indigenous word for quiet, which fits the 1930s weatherboard cottage perfectly. As well as the stunning sage green kitchen, you'll find hand-picked antique furniture and objects, and traditional and contemporary artworks peppered throughout. Book your stay here.
88SOUTH
Boomerang Beach
Designed by Kersti & Stuart Faulkner architects and featured in Vogue magazine, this beautiful beach house is four levels of perfect seaside luxury. The property features two king-size retreat-style bedrooms (amongst the total five roomy suites), a giant Carrara marble bath, an elevated lap pool, sprawling sun decks, and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors and windows with views onto the beach outside. Book your stay here.
Sky Ridge
Kangaroo Valley
Set on 10 acres of rolling green hills in Kangaroo Valley, this sleek barn stay is the work of architect and designer Alexander Michael. It features four queen bedroom "pods" on the second floor, each with its own ensuite and giant sliding windows which open out onto the valley beyond. There's a yoga deck for morning sun salutes, a sprawling open lounge and dining, and a huge industrial kitchen. Sky Ridge is off-grid too, designed to have the lowest impact on the environment that surrounds it. Book your stay here.
Image credit: David Taylor via Airbnb, David Taylor via Airbnb, Gawthorn's Hut, Airbnb, 88SOUTH, Airbnb, CHROFI
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