Dream Airbnb Stay: A Swedish Weatherboard Cottage In South Australia

"She who comes here, finds what's lost." This is the opening line on the 'about' page of My Sister & the Sea'. And looking at the pictures of this beautiful white weatherboard cottage and its surroundings, I can well imagine it's true! The little cottage is owned by sisters Sarah and Emma who have enjoyed endless family holidays here with 'sandy feet, long meals, naps on daybeds, swimming.... dreaming, laughing and loving." Nestled in the small town of Marion Bay on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, the cottage was actually moved from Sweden by the Australian government many years ago. The sisters visited Sweden together to draw as much inspiration as possible for the interior. Today, Airbnb guests are invited to come enjoy the white interior, indoor and outdoor bathing under the stars and a fireplace." Sound like heaven? Step this way!   

True to its Swedish heritage, the sisters have dotted the living space with remnants collected from their coastal walks. A plant has been trained to climb the window - just like you see in many Scandinavian homes (see this and this home as an example!). 

Rattan fans* make beautiful wall art.

A simple wall lamp from IKEA serves as a reading lamp over the day bed which has been covered in striped linen* and a mix of grey and olive green cushions. 

In the dining area, a basket hangs from a hook on the side of a vintage cabinet for extra storage and a classic Scandinavian brass candlestick holder* awaits dusk on the table. 

A glass cabinet is ideal for keeping books and other treasures dust free, while s simple tree trunk serves as a side table beside a canvas safari chair. 

A simple wall-hanging made from shells and striped bed linen* add a beachy vibe to the bedroom. 

In the back yard, various vintage chairs have been arranged around a farmhouse table, while a simple striped deck chair allows for a little alone time with a book! 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? In my mind, I'm already there! 

I'm sure it would be equally magical in the winter, watching the waves crash against the rugged coast and reading by the fire. 

One to add to the travel list for the days when we can move freely again! 

Check it out on Airbnb, visit their website My Sister And The Sea and feel inspired by their instagram @readandhall. 

Curious to see other Airbnb stays I've added to my (dream) itinerary when I travel down under? 

Australia:

Dreamy holiday let: a cosy waterside eco cabin

A charming miner's cottage amongst an acre of roses

A beautiful boho cottage in Byron Bay

The White House Daylesford

Tasmania:

The Shack: A super cosy cabin on Bruny Island

Captains cottage: A cosy bolthole in Hobart

A Dreamy little cottage by the sea

Have I got you dreaming too?

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

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A Dreamy Little Cottage By The Sea

Every now and again I come across a home which takes my breath away. This little cottage is one of them. Charmingly named Captains Rest, the secluded heritage cottage looks out over the water from it's vantage point in Lettes Bay, Tasmania.  Owner Sarah Andrews, an interior stylist, writer and sailor, describes it as "my pride and joy, my haven of peace and serenity." The cabin has been decorated with "love and delight" with objects and furnishings from around the world and is "brimming with curated collections, fine linens, cosy textures and objects of delight". Guests (yes, it's actually available to rent!) are invited to read in front of the fire, take long baths, walk in the forest, swim, fish, and dream. The question is, would you ever want to leave?! 

"When I’m here I can tell when the rain is coming, when the salmon are in the bay, if the sun will rise rosey and when to turn to look and see a rainbow."

Sarah Andrews

GET THE LOOK FROM CAPTAINS REST COTTAGE



1. Nectre 15 Radiant Wood Heater
2. Barrel Picnic Basket
3. Original Continental 18th Century Bearded Gentleman Oil Portrait
4. Raul Gorgeous Grey Medium Curved Factory Style Lampshade
6. Limited edition vintage cotton and linen striped cushion
7. Green decorative pillow cover
8. Vintage wooden oars
9. Isabella striped jacquard robe
10. Off white linen decorative pillow cover
11. White pillow

You can see more picture of this beautiful one bedroom cottage on the Instagram feed and homepage and make a booking here.

I am so inspired by this delightful cottage that I am completely lost for words. But please feel free to leave your own in the comment section below - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Have a lovely day!


Photography courtesy of Sarah Andrews / Captains Rest.

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The Shack: A Super Cosy Off-The-Grid Cabin On Bruny Island

Sorry about the radio silence these past few days. I've been on a girl's trip with my Mum and sister to Norway. We did nothing but sleep, eat and hike, it was absolutely magical! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Norway? *Everyone rolls eyes*.  This morning I'm dreaming of returning to the wilderness and would so love to swap my desk for this simple, earthy cabin in Bruny Island, Tasmania. Affectionately known as The Shack, the cosy bolthole is fully off-the-grid (power comes from solar and wind sources) and is built from reclaimed timber.  Owner Janene invites guest to "beachcomb for art supplies, forage in the herb gardens for breakfast, reconnect with Mother Nature" and kick about in the cosy space, overlooking Sheepwash Bay. Fancy joining me? 

I love this linen combination, doesn't it fit the vibe of the cabin perfectly? If you're feeling inspired, you can source similar brown and indigo linen bedding on Etsy. 

On colder days the wood-burning fireplace keeps the cabin feeling toasty! 

The cabin has an indoor kitchenette with outdoor cooking facilities including a glass burner. 

Your stay is an eco-living experience. Lights are 12 volts and the hot water is instant gas with an inline pump bringing fresh rain water in for you to bathe and drink.  

A pair of king billy French doors open out onto a deck from where you can enjoy dreamy views out over the bay with the snow-capped Southern ranges in the distance. 

From the deck, you can wonder down to the private beach front and launch a kayak, fish or simply stroll along the shore. 

Bags packed yet?

The Shack sleeps two (remind me to speak to Per about this later today!) and Janene takes bookings via Airbnb here. Juuuust saying! 

I've featured so many charming places in 'Tas' recently that I'm starting to see it as a sign (what do you reckon?). Here are a few other homes I think you'll love:

Captain's Cottage: a cosy bolthole on Hobart
A relaxed artist's cabin by the sea
You very own dream island hide-away

Have a dreamy start to the week friends!

Niki

PS I loved reading all your comments about whether or not to go for two single duvets or a double on a double bed last week! My conclusion from reading all your comments, e-mails and instagram messages is that the best solution is to go for two queen duvets on a king size bed. Bliss!

Photography by Sarah Andrews courtesy of The Shack / @sheepwashbay

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A Weekend of Solitude at a Dreamy Island Hideaway

Recognise this place? I first featured beautiful Satellite island in 2016 and was completely blown away. It's been my dream to visit this remote and rugged island off the southern coast of Tasmania ever since. Sadly, I've yet to make it Down Under yet, but I know a girl who has. Twice! The lucky woman in question is travel photographer Kara Rosenlund, who completely fell in love with the island five years ago - and decided to return to capture the wilderness and pure solitude. Kara spent her days waking to the sound of low-flying gulls and the gentle lapping of the waves, foraging for fresh Tasmanian oysters  - and watching the sunset over the water. I couldn't think ion a more heavenly way to spend a weekend, can you? Here are here snapshots: 

So incredibly beautiful - what a dream! 

Could you imagine spending your weekend here?

Interestingly, Per just walked past my computer screen and thought this cabin was somewhere in Scandinavia (if only!) - perhaps that's why it's stuck with me all these years? 

More info about Satellite island can be found here. And you can see more of Kara's incredible photography here - and her lovely prints are available in her online store. 

Shall we compete the week with a tour of a few more island hideaways? Here are a few I dream about on grey, dreary January days: 

A cosy hideaway by the sea

The ocean-view whale song shack 

An off-the-grid shack on Bruny Island

A charming and relaxed swedish cabin by the sea

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography: Kara Rosenlund found via Lobster & Swan with thanks

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