Famous for its lush vineyards, wineries, and luxury accommodations, Mudgee town in New South Wales is home to the award-winning Gawthorne’s Hut. Designed by Australia-based Cameron Anderson Architects (CAARCH), Gawthorne’s Hut was born as a second income source for the owners while promoting sustainable tourism. Sitting on lavender fields and beef-producing farmland on the outskirts of the town, it is a unique off-grid studio-style Airbnb rental.
Flaunting a triangle-shaped galvanized exterior with solar panels lined on the 30-degree inclined roof, the vacation accommodation offers 430 square feet area with an open-floor layout. The design of the angular structure mimics existing hay sheds. The roof of the tiny cabin faces north to harness maximum solar power to store and reuse. Its windows and doors are towards the south to offer natural ventilation on hot days and insulation on cooler nights.
However, the best part isn’t the structure or the layout, it is the fact that this vacation lodging was created using pre-existing and recycled materials. It observes the use of recycled bricks and wood panels covering floors and ceiling. Each detail – inside and out – has been designed to minimize the structure’s impact on its surrounding environment.
The entrance of the cabin is clad in multiple glass windows and glass doors, bringing in the lush outdoors. The interior has numerous wood and brick accents highlighting a farmhouse that meets rustic design aesthetic. An open space features a living room setup with a chair, a couple of bean bag chairs, and alcove storage. Facing this space is a wood-burning fireplace.
Adjoining the fireplace is a kitchen. Here you will find a two-burner cooktop to prepare your meals during the stay if you’d like to have breakfast in bed. The wooden countertops, shelves, walls, and cabinets add a fresh and nature-infused touch to the space. There are barbeque utensils available so you can have a little grill party of two outside the eco hut.
The countertop extends into a breakfast bar facing a row of giant windows. In the center of the cabin sits a king-size bed with plush bedding to offer you pleasant sleep. Behind the bed is a brick-accent half wall that separates the living areas from the bathroom. On the other side of the wall, a stone sink is placed on a wooden countertop with toiletries stacked underneath. The bathing area is huge and has separate spaces for a bathtub and shower. The toilet is placed in a small room opposite the sink.
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The solar electric system is hidden in space behind the toilet. A huge 40,000-liter tank provides water to the accommodation. Its solar power, battery storage, and rainwater tank offer a completely off-grid experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Gawthorne’s Hut is a warm and inviting vacation rental for couples looking for a romantic escape. It won several awards in 2021, including the Best Unique Stay Australia during the 2021 Airbnb Host Awards. If you wish to stay at this beautiful rental, you can book it through Airbnb for AUD 550 per night (roughly USD 350).
