Stay Awhile Journal

23/08/2024

Welcome to nowhere. This moody, off-grid hideaway in Tasmania’s enchanting Central Highlands overlooks the mystical yingina-The Great Lake. What was once a humble fisherman’s shack has undergone a thoughtful transformation into a dreamy getaway for two.

With a sprinkle of design magic from .co of The Hosting Masterclass, this once unassuming shack has become a cosy sanctuary with some serious vibes. Picture subdued hues, a dash of vintage charm, and eclectic interiors that dance between old and new, creating a setting that beckons you to linger.

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20/08/2024

Misty mornings at this architectural masterpiece nestled in nature.

Proudly part of our Beautiful Stays Collection in Volume 02, this unforgettable property is a fusion of luxury and unique design amidst 25 private acres. Witness spectacular sunrises as the morning mist pirouettes across the fields, framing the distant tablelands. The home’s vibrant living area is curated with designer furnishings and contemporary Aboriginal art from revered painters. In the centre of the house are the generous living, kitchen and dining spaces - all flowing to the large deck - perfect for all day dining, often in the company of kangaroos.

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To view our full Beautiful Stays Collection, visit the link in our profile.

19/08/2024

Yoga in the wild, anyone? It’s all part and parcel at this stunning retreat in the Mudgee wine region.

Owners Ruby and Ray have created a deeply immersive experience where the connection between the external and internal environments is seamless. The architecturally designed minimalist home blends with the natural elements of the Earth. With 4-bedrooms comfortably sleeping up to ten, the property is a perfect gathering space for friends, family, colleagues, or guests. Guests also have unlimited access to the wellness space to switch on relaxation mode - a beautiful, quiet environment curated to cater to yoga and healing.

Stay Awhile .retreat

06/08/2024

05/08/2024

This tranquil log retreat is thoughtfully renovated by norsu Interiors, showcasing their signature Scandinavian aesthetic full of warmth and comfort. Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the cabin is set on a spacious 3000m² plot, offering a serene wilderness feel near Macedon village.

This A-frame, double-story cabin features stunning wood beams, pitched ceilings, and a lush landscape for slow adventures. Inside, the cosy Scandi haven is filled with carefully curated furniture, original artworks, and exclusive homewares.

Ideal for families or friends, norsu Cabin sleeps up to eight guests with two main bedrooms and a kid’s room with four double beds. It includes two renovated bathrooms, an indoor bath, a fireplace, a relaxing sitting room with a bar, and an outdoor bath beside a fire pit for stargazing.

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19/07/2024

Some prisms and right angles in the bush.
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31/05/2024

Tucked away in the enchanting Heathcote Valley of Christchurch, lies a whimsical haven where luxury meets pastoral charm. Amidst the friendly ewes and their sweet lambs, playful calves and bustling honey bees that roam the expansive five-acre farmland, lies a luxuriously
modern barn escape.

Architecturally designed and completed in July 2020, this cabin is set in a serene paddock surrounded by poplar trees, with views stretching over Heathcote Park and its tranquil waterways. This modern retreat combines sophisticated finishes with the rustic allure of farm life, offering a perfect escape just far enough away from the city.

The cabin’s unique design features two “pods” connected by a covered outdoor deck, creating an inviting space that blends natural elegance with modern comfort. Clad in beautiful Cedar timber and boasting high vaulted ceilings lined with locally milled beech, the cabin is an idyllic setting for a peaceful weekend getaway.

Stay Awhile .nz 🐑
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30/05/2024

Inspired by the essence of the Australian classic *Storm Boy* (with a touch of *Pricilla Queen of the Desert*) and the owner’s cosmopolitan lifestyle spanning California, Mexico, and Australia, this Beach House is a modern rustic retreat. It sits on a private beach along the Southern Ocean on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, offering an off-the-grid, delightfully wild experience.

Located in a 250-acre conservation sanctuary, and offering total privacy with no other houses in sight, this rustic modern box is gives the perfect Wild West fisherman’s shack vibe, embracing off-grid sustainable design and green living.

The property is full of treasures, including a book collection, games, and art. It features two queen-size beds, one bathroom, and can accommodate up to four guests. Textiles from Mexico, Open Society, Pony Rider, and Romance Was Born add to its unique charm. Guests are encouraged to embrace the desert-boho style, lounging on the swags by the cacti and hill out out by to sea.

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29/05/2024

Nestled in a hidden vale on sixty-six acres in the heart of this picturesque retreat is the ideal blend of country-luxe comfort and farm charm.

Choose from six 2-bedroom architecturally designed farm Quarters or a cosy 3-bedroom cottage in the Acreage. Each cabin features expansive decks, wood-burning fireplaces, freestanding baths, full kitchens, supremely comfy beds, and the very best of stylish mod-cons.

Positioned halfway between bush and beach, unwind for a weekend and explore the stunning coastline and hinterland.
Spot platypus in the creek, lounge on the deck with a good book, or hand-feed the resident miniature cows, donkeys, and sheep, there’s always something to do at this ever-evolving eco farm stay.

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16/05/2024

Meet our Editor, Stefanie Ash, Ch 7 Sunrise Edwina Bartholomew… and a floating strawberry. All of whom made Volume 02, our Water Issue, pretty damn great!

Meet our Editor, Stefanie Ash, Channel 7 Sunrise’s Edwina Bartholomew… and a floating strawberry. All of whom made Volume 02 of Stay Awhile, our Water Issue, pretty damn great. We’d like to introduce you to a series we’ll be running every now and then called ‘Meet Our Makers’. This is ou...

14/05/2024

Stay Awhile at a perfectly designed modern farmhouse for families or groups. Nestled on 60 lush acres and offering breathtaking 270-degree views of scenic Kangaroo Valley, the this unique haven has been thoughtfully built from the ground-up by owners Courtney & David, who have a young family themselves! Made up of two large living spaces seamlessly joined by the common gym area, this residence is all about tranquillity and ultimate privacy.

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10/05/2024

Proudly part of our BEAUTIFUL STAYS COLLECTION, in print and online.

This award-winning country escape steeped in history and lovingly restored by its owners, this stay is tucked away just 15 minutes from the heart of Kangaroo Valley. Perfectly melding heritage charm with modern elegance, and dating back to 1918, this uniquely special home was given a best renovation award from Home Design magazine in 2022!

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To view our entire BEAUTIFUL STAYS COLLECTION visit the link in our bio, and look out for them in Volume 02 - out now!

08/05/2024

Got a Mum? Last Day for same day, express post… ON US! Stay Awhile Volume 01 is the PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY gift. If you order Mum a copy by 3pm TODAY, we will pop it in an express post satchel (at no extra cost) to make sure it arrives in time!

Order via the link in our bio. 🖤
^^Australia only (sorry NZ, we love you but we can’t guarantee it’ll arrive in time)
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06/05/2024

Calling all daughters, sons, granddaughters, grandsons, god sons, god daughters and everyone in between. We got you covered this MOTHER’S DAY, with SAME DAY, EXPRESS POST…. ON US🖤🖤

Stay Awhile Volume 01 is the PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY gift. If you order Mum a copy today or tomorrow (wed), we will pop it in an express post satchel that same day (at no extra cost) to make sure it arrives in time!

Order via the link in our bio.
^^Australia only (sorry NZ, we love you but we can’t guarantee it’ll arrive in time)

04/05/2024

This stunning heritage-listed lodge offers an escape back to a simpler era. Constructed in the 1860s, and nestled in the picturesque Lenah Valley, it has been meticulously restored and decorated by owners Ariane & Dan to blend luxurious comfort with unique, historical charm. The lodge offers all the modern amenities you need, without anything too superfluous.

The three bedrooms feature sumptuous, soft French linens, ensuring an amazing sleep throughout the seasons. The master bedroom boasts a spacious queen bed set against large, antique windows. Additionally, another queen room and a king single room are gracefully set beneath the lodge’s historic 19th-century dormer windows.

Explore the beautifully understated interiors or relax as you watch the sunset in the gorgeous gardens.

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Photos 📷 by talented

30/04/2024

She’s a morning fixture on channel 7’s Sunrise, but more recently she’s become an internet poster girl for sleeping in separate rooms with her husband 🤷🏼‍♀️. We think it’s a genius move to be honest. Introducing Eddie - the next creative in the ‘Meet Our Makers’ series. With a no bs policy, loyalty beyond words and a self deprecating humour that’s instantly infectious, she’s also a bit of a powerhouse when it comes to creating short term accomodation - a woman of many (many, many) hats. Alongside her husband, Neil Vercoe (who she maintains is the budding hotelier in the family) they created - a restored 1890’s farmhouse turned serene, authentic farm-stay. There’s been a lot of hubub about their new journey - and we can’t wait to feature it when it’s open - but let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember where it all began. For Volume 02, Eddie penned the next instalment of our ‘On Hosting’ series. She reminisces about the mishaps, midges and milestones of going in blind and buying a random farm in the middle of beautiful bumf*** Glen Alice Valley (we love you GA). Amongst her many hats is an earnest mad hatter storyteller, and this is only the beginning:

“To me, the most wonderful compliment is ‘you must be from the country.’ It translates to being down to earth and average, in a very positive way. The reality is I grew up overseas in the huge metropolis of Tokyo, Japan . At least, that’s my excuse for not buying fly screens for our property, Warramba….”

Save on postage and pre-order Volume 02 now via the link in our bio.

Thanks Eddie and thanks to and for the beautiful images.

28/04/2024

Changes are afoot over here at Stay Awhile HQ. For Volume 02, we’ve listened to you, our amazing readers and cheerleaders! We’ve taken on a small (small) number of advertisers to bring the magazine cost down, without sacrificing the beautiful quality and content of our printed publication.

We’ve included more opinion pieces and beautifully-crafted first-person stories from writer’s such as on unique and awe-inspiring experiences in Australia and New Zealand.

We’ve made the pages of the printed publication more user-friendly. Volume 01 was thick (!), almost too thick… The pages of Vol 02 are easier to lay flat and read, however, it’s still a hefty tomb at half a kilogram, and aesthetically, it will easily slide into your budding stay Awhile collection.

When you buy Stay Awhile you are investing in a collector’s item for your coffee table. Volume 02, our Water Issue, is 156 pages of beautiful photography and unforgettable stories.

Do yourself a favour and save on postage - pre-order your copy now at the link in our bio. 🖤

27/04/2024

This exclusive collection of contemporary luxury dwellings is nestled on an old Mango farm amidst the rolling hills of the Byron hinterland.

As a family-owned estate, each corner exudes a warmth and character that’s hard to find elsewhere. Over the past five years, they’ve poured their hearts and minds into transforming the historic farm into a haven of tranquility and style. It’s been a journey of rediscovery, from nurturing the land back to life to breathing new purpose into historic farm buildings. Each private, bookable residence stands as a testament to the beauty of blending old and new.

Come and

25/04/2024

This beautiful barn is all yours as part of a luxurious estate retreat in historic Berry, NSW. It stands as a tribute to the centuries-old craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Rather than relying on modern fastenings like screws, its soaring ceilings, timber beams, trusses, and intricate details are all meticulously joined with traditional timber dowels. Infused with character and charm, the barn seamlessly blends its rich history with a touch of contemporary elegance following its modern makeover. Plush lounges, table tennis, infra-red sauna, chill zones, exercise equipment - it’s the perfect addition to the masterpiece that is Linnaeus Farm.

Stay Awhile at Jamie’s Barn 🌳

23/04/2024

Very clever creative, Pip Brett, has turned a once-dusty bank in Molong, into Sona, meaning ‘gold’, redefining luxury in the process. Known for her fabulously quirky store in Orange, Pip stumbled upon this gem during a romantic, wine-filled weekend of real estate hunting with her husband, Nick. They fell for it instantly, and made an offer the next day, giving their accountant a mild heart attack.

Far from your average bank, the building showcases a 1930s Spanish-mission style with standout features like Solomonic columns and intricate plaster work. The renovation was a true adventure, with Pip and Nick, a seasoned builder, uncovering quirky surprises and historical treasures beneath layers of neglect. They discovered original floorboards and unique tin ceilings, all incredibly preserved—a nod to its past life under the Commonwealth Bank. “Unfortunately there was no hidden stash of money,” Pip jokingly reflects.

Today, Sona is a boutique luxury haven bursting with colour and quiet opulence, and has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and sumptuous living spaces, complete with indoor and outdoor fireplaces. It’s a masterclass in blending rich history with modern comforts. It’s the ultimate spot for golden days and cosy nights.

Stay Awhile .molong 🖤
Beautiful images 📸 captured by

23/04/2024

Hello Facebook world, it’s me, Stefanie Ash, founder and editor of Stay Awhile. I’ve popped on here to introduce you to a series we’ll be running every now and then called ‘Meet Our Makers’. This is our way of introducing the creators - the amazing writers, photographers, designers and brains who’ve contributed to the Stay Awhile world - continuing to make the magazine what it is (and what it’s gearing up to be)! I suppose I should go first, chief buck-stopper ’n all that…

I started the Stay Awhile instagram account sometime during COVID, mostly because I was restless and unemployed. Like most people, I spent the majority of my time buying useless crap on Amazon, dancing to stupid TikToks and procrastinating at life. My favourite type of procrastination? Scouring the interwebs for unique airbnbs and small design hotels. I love doing that, always have. Although international travel was always my thing - I’d been a freelance travel writer for the likes of CN Traveler and Travel and Leisure and a brand consultant in tourism for over a decade - COVID nudged me to narrow my search terms to regional gems, desperately hoping to skip a domestic border or two the moment it was humanly possible! The Stay Awhile account started to resonate with others, and the community grew organically online. The fact remains, when everyone’s wings were clipped, couch-potato-travel was the only way to get a fix.

Even after global travel resumed, I found myself drawn to local stays and adventures. I’d amassed a collection of so many genuinely special stays in Australia & NZ and connected with so many creatives, hosts, business owners and likeminded souls doing some really cool and novel things within the travel, lifestyle and design space, that all I yearned for was to stay, touch, taste, feel, experience and share those stories with others in a format more akin to this new slow and authentic way of exploring.

And so, our print baby was born. Volume 01 explored 12 unforgettable slow stays and explored authentic, local experiences. Volume 02 is just as special (but more on that tomorrow 😉)! [CONTD. IN COMMENTS] …

17/04/2024

Lovingly part of our BEAUTIFUL STAYS COLLECTION…

This beautifully styled, boutique home is hidden in the woods an hour outside Melbourne. Here, time stops, creating a haven for genuine connection and serenity among nature.

Surrounded by stunning manicured gardens, and under the guardianship of venerable magnolias, maples, and beech trees, it’s easy to find space to relax and recharge. With curated comforts and thoughtfully styled interiors, every nook invites you into a world of presence and reflection celebrating a balance of texture, form, and light.

Whether seeking a romantic haven, a solitary retreat, or a picturesque background for wedding preparations, this spot is an exquisite escape.

Stay Awhile
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To view our entire BEAUTIFUL STAYS COLLECTION, visit the link in our bio, and look out for them in Volume 02, out May. 🖤

16/04/2024

Against a captivating backdrop of Mount Taranaki, this charming cabin is hidden amidst farmland and native bush, just 15 minutes from New Plymouth city. The retreat boasts a cosy living area with a wood burner fireplace, and the bedroom is a peaceful space to lay low and chill out. The tranquil outdoor bath is the perfect spot to unwind at sunset, and to watch the it hide behind snow-capped Mount Taranaki in the distance. Do as much or as little as you like; fall asleep to the sounds of the nearby stream (accessed down a flight of stairs a few steps away), or go on a hiking adventure around the countryside. This is an ideal base to rejuvenate and connect with nature.

Stay Awhile 🌲
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12/04/2024

A place where the bush, the farm and the sea meet, this luxury abode nestled among the raw and rural beauty of the Banks Peninsula in NZ, is a couples dreamscape. Wake up to never ending ocean views, bathe within the bush and observe the ever changing light from the floor to ceiling windows. This 1-bedroom retreat set on a large family farm is a modern interpretation of the iconic rural New Zealand / Akaroa shed… and that tub is to die for!

Stay Awhile at Big Hill 🌊
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11/04/2024

Perched on the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin, New Zealand, this serene getaway sits amidst the most breathtaking scenery. Crafted from locally sourced timber, the eco-friendly lodge harmonises with its coastal hillside setting. With room for six or more guests, it’s a cozy spot for family or small group gatherings, offering direct access to a private beach and the chance to see rare wildlife like Yellow-Eyed Penguins and Huka Sea Lions right outside.

Stay Awhile ☀️
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08/04/2024

Part of our BEAUTIFUL STAYS COLLECTION … this award-winning 320-acre working sheep and cattle property offers a unique and quintessentially Australian escape. Stay in luxury villas or immersive glamping tents, each thoughtfully designed for ultimate privacy. Nestled close to Mudgee’s captivating vistas, renowned wineries and gourmet restaurants, it’s iconic Australiana everywhere you look. Say g’day to the Roos and slow down in the outdoor spa, this farm stay is 100% off-grid, offering an eco-friendly experience without compromising on comfort.

Stay Awhile
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To view our full BEAUTIFUL STAYS COLLECTION, visit the link in our bio.

28/03/2024

This Motel is more than just its kitschy facade, it’s a retro lovers dream.

Each of the five bespoke rooms blend modern comforts with a dash of retro allure. Nestled by the gentle Tarwin River, the motel offers a sweet escape with spaces that whisper stories of Australian nostalgia, yet shout with contemporary flair. Whether you’re unwinding in the lush gardens or enjoying an evening barbecue, every detail is a nod to both the past and the present.

A mix of nostalgia and design, make your roadies just that little bit more cool. Stay Awhile