Proof that big things come in small packages…
It seems every other day a new tiny holiday house appears – and we’re still not any less fascinated than we were the first time we saw one. Seclusion and nature immersion is the modern-day luxury, and as the tiny house movement gains momentum more people are embracing sustainable, tiny getaways.
Since launching in 2018, Singapore-based company Tiny Away, considered one of the first companies to integrate the concept of “tiny houses” with eco-tourism, has built 12 six-metre houses across Victoria, with a further eight now throughout NSW in the Hawkesbury, Braidwood and Picton.
Australian-based Unyoked, too, has been luring burnt-out city dwellers with their self-contained private cabins in the Eastern States’ countryside with the promise of “minimum footprint, maximum chill” and “Attenborough-level nature”. All cabins are conveniently located within two-hours of the city, but there’s a catch – guests only find out the location of their hideout two days before the expedition. It might be quirky, it might even be novel. But it sure is a good way to get lost, without getting lost. You might even find yourself in the process. Read on for ten stylish ways to embrace the New South Wales countryside.
Heike by Unyoked
Environmental warriors and twin brothers, Cam and Chris Grant, have set up six eco-friendly cabins in NSW and Victoria where nature-loving visitors can experience minimalist stays in the wilderness. NSW has three Unyoked cabins, named Miguel, Coralie and Heike, hidden in secluded locations from lush valleys to wine country.
Edmond by In2theWild
Into The Wild curate pop-up stays in tiny homes in out-of-the-way locations about two hours from Sydney. The petite, portable houses are named after the owners’ favourite book characters, and kitted out with hot shower and toilet, bedding for four people and a fire pit with outdoor seating. On booking you’ll receive the exact location, which could take you anywhere from the Shoalhaven to the Hunter. Who doesn’t love a surprise holiday!?
Kindled
This thoughtfully designed tiny house sleeps up to four and sits in the Oberon Shire around three hours out of Sydney. Set on 250 acres beside pristine gum tree conservation and the river, it’s likely you’ll spot kangaroos, wombats and plenty of birdlife. The well-equipped dwelling has modern comforts such as a Koala mattress, air conditioning, soft linens and rain shower.
Tilba Lake Camp
One of the original tiny holiday homes in NSW, Tilba Lake Camp has a variety of accommodation including bell tents and two eco pods, Bonnie and Clyde, nestled in coastal paddocks with views of the lake, ocean and mountains. The cute pods are ideal for couples and have queen beds layered with soft linens, kitchen with fridge, microwave oven and stove top, outdoor private fire pit and access to a saltwater pool.
The Loft
Perched on the edge of the Cudgegong Valley fringed by native bushland, The Loft is a rustic eco home for two with a chic Nordic-style interior. On a rural property just 12 minutes from Mudgee, guests can enjoy a delicious local wine on the deck while watching the sun set, whip up breakfast in the well-equipped kitchen or have a nap on the mezzanine bed. The property owners supply Italian-brewed coffee, a range of teas and a small library of books too.
The Whispers
A perfect base to explore The Blue Mountains region, city dwellers will love the contemporary styling, rural setting as well as the laptop-friendly working nook in this tiny house near Lithgow. Guests can get active on the 1km loop trail at the back of the property, ideal for mountain biking or running, and the friendly hosts are happy help set up the fire pit at night or introduce you to the resident sheep, chickens, ducks and peacock during the day.
6Sixteen The Banks
A tiny home with a big personality – the styling is spot on and there’s lots of windows to let the rural views in. Located on a farm in Agnes Banks in Greater Western Sydney, 6sixteen is not far from the beautiful cafes of Windsor, Kurrajong village and Glenbrook. With a plush loft bedroom and comfy pull-out sofa bed there’s enough room for a family of four and lovely open spaces to soak up the views of horse studs, lagoon and turf farms, with a backdrop of the Blue Mountains.
Big Tiny Jindera Park
On a sprawling 500-acre property 10 minutes from Albury in the Riverina Murray region, this tiny home has a fresh, modern interior and an efficient set up with microwave, bar fridge, loft bed and sleek bathroom. For animal lovers there’s a menagerie of animals to observe outside on the property with horses, cows and kangaroos, as well as goannas and parrots too. Escape and recharge.
