Airbnb
A suspended timber walkway winding through the trees is the first hint that something good lies ahead. With nothing but the song of tawny frog-mouthed owls and leaves rustling overhead, the walk to the secluded 1930s cabin in Bonogin, Queensland feels like a shedding of sorts.
First you shed your mobile signal, then the noise of everyday life fades out and then slowly, as the cabin’s dark cedar facade comes into view, you feel the effects of nature’s therapy begin to work.
The cabin is surrounded by trees.
(Photo: Airbnb)It’s fitting, because when owners Marlon Sayer and Rom Romeo first arrived on the scene in 2017, the cabin itself was crying out for metamorphosis.
“The interior had mould-infused carpet from the 1950s, as well as an ample supply of spiderwebs and snakeskins,” says Marlon. “It was as bare and as rustic as you can imagine.” In other words, it presented the kind of challenge that only a pair of seasoned renovators could rise to.
The welcoming entryway.
(Photo: Airbnb)While the cabin itself required work, the pair were convinced the property’s restorative atmosphere and unmatched rainforest views would make the effort worthwhile.
“Perched high in the trees, it has a magical outlook down over a freshwater creek that flows with crystal clear water,” says Marlon.
The rough-hewn staircase harks back to the home’s history as a cottage for timber cutters in the 1930s.
(Photo: Airbnb)Situated on a 7.5-acre parcel of land that backs onto Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland, the cabin was originally constructed as a cottage for timber cutters in the 1930s.
And while a walk through the surrounding forest and paddocks might today offer peace and respite, it hasn’t always been this tranquil. Since European settlement in the 1870s, these trees have echoed with the sounds of varying industries; timber cutting, dairying and banana growing.
The white washed fireplace is the focal point of the cabin’s cosy living room.
(Photo: Airbnb)It wasn’t long after they arrived on the scene that Marlon and Rom, eager to share their slice of paradise with friends and guests, began the “grunt work” required to restore the cabin themselves. “It was mostly a DIY job for us,” says Marlon.
“We retained the original slate flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, but ripped out everything else. We white-washed the walls, hand-painted the fireplace bricks, hunted through salvage yards and op-shops to pull the interior decoration together,” he says.
While many original features of the cabin were retained, Marlon and Rom installed a brand new kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and a coffee machine.
(Photo: Airbnb)
Original slate floors were retained throughout the home.
(Photo: Airbnb)The pair wanted the interior to channel the atmosphere of traditional log cabins common in Canada, their home country.
“Log cabin design is all about comfort and cosiness,” says Marlon, who describes the cabin’s eclectic interior as “almost ‘Hampton’ style but not quite, almost ‘log cabin’ but not quite, and almost ‘antique flea market’ but not quite.”
The bathroom strikes the right balance between modern and vintage rustic.
(Photo: Airbnb)
The view from the soaking tub.
(Photo: Airbnb)Eclectic the interior may be, every piece of furniture was carefully selected by Marlon to contribute to the home’s overall rustic atmosphere.
“We wanted it to be immaculate and stylish but have natural materials dominate,” he says. “We purposely left parts of the home unpolished and chose furniture made from unfinished wood. Even wood stacked by the fireplace not far from an old piano adds to the warm atmosphere of the room,” he says.
A vintage armchair in the second upstairs bedroom.
(Photo: Airbnb)It was this design philosophy that guided the pair’s delicate dance between preserving history while adding much needed modern comforts.
“We left the dark cedar exterior as original as possible to retain the cabin’s original charm and character,” he says, adding, “We modernised the cabin by enclosing the bathroom and building an entry porch so that guests wouldn’t have to brave the elements outside to use the bathroom.”
The property backs onto Springbrook National Park.
(Photo: Airbnb)For Marlon and Rom, who live in a separate house on the property, the decision to share their cabin with holidaymakers via Airbnb just made sense. “There’s nothing like the satisfaction you get from having guests fall in love with an experience you’ve personally created.
“Guests can stroll down the cleared pathway to the creek that runs through the property and spot the fireflies – or can meander further through the pathways and come out to the paddocks, where the chooks will come running to you with pure delight looking for a nice gentle pat,” he says.
The cabin is constructed from dark cedar. Marlon and Rom were careful to leave the exterior as original as possible.
(Photo: Airbnb)It’s not often that a 90-year-old property can be restored beyond its former glory, but that’s exactly what Marlon and Rom have achieved.
When asked to name his favourite thing about the treetop cabin, Marlon can’t help but break into a list: “Charm, character, quiet and tranquil, calm and private, surrounded by mother nature and a flowing creek – no traffic or air pollution – perched high amongst the trees – with all the modern elements you’d have at home – not sure you can get much more special or magical than that!”
For more information, visit the cabin’s listing on Airbnb.
WHAT TO DO IN BONOGIN, QLD
Beaches – Bonogin is about a 20-minute drive from the most beautiful beaches the Gold Coast has to offer, including Nobby Beach, Miami Beach, Palm Beach and Mermaid Beach.
Springbrook National Park – Visiting this 6,197-hectare, UNESCO protected national park is a must for both casual bushwalkers and seasoned hikers. The site is home to some of Australia’s rarest birds, several waterfalls, and unrivalled bushland vistas.
Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat – Learn to horse ride at Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat. Beginners can take a 30-minute learn-to-ride class. Visit Bonogin Valley Horse Retreat for more information.
Shop – In Bonogin, stop into Bonogin Bath & Body for a range of handmade soaps, skincare and scented candles, or Man Things, which claims to be Australia’s #1 Man Cave Store. There are also great places to shop in neighbouring towns of Robina (15 minute drive from Bonogin) and Mudgeeraba (6 minute drive from Bonogin).
Eat – The Hunted Cafe is just a short drive from the cabin and serves delicious coffee, pies and pastries, wraps and hot meals.
