GIANT VIEW FROM TINY HOME
FLOATING 300M ABOVE SEA LEVEL ON AN INFINITY HAMMOCK, THERE’S NOTHING BETWEEN YOU AND THE VIEW AT THE SCENIC RIM’S FIRST TINY HOUSE ECO RETREAT
It’s what’s outside that counts at this tiny home. Baya, which means “to come into view” in the traditional Yugambeh language, is designed to showcase the beauty of its Scenic Rim surrounds.
Owner-operators Alex and Anna Cooper describe the newest accommodation at Ketchup’s Bank Glamping as an evolution of their personal tree change.
“Anna and I bought Ketchup’s Bank Glamping in December of 2017,” Mr Cooper said.
“The natural beauty along with a diverse ecosystem really ticked all the boxes of what we wanted to be able to share with those who needed a little checkout time from their everyday lives.
“We initially knew we needed to add to the already two eco-tents on the property … but adding more canvas tents would have required significant clearing and harm to the current flora and fauna, so we decided to take on the challenge of being the first tiny house eco retreat in the Scenic Rim.”
Baya is completely self-sustaining.
“It has a full off-grid system that allows guests to understand that you don’t always need poles and wires to have power,” Mr Cooper said.
“Baya also has a gas hot water system for nice hot showers along with a rain shower head for extra luxury.
“And, of course, a normal flushing toilet which is not that common in genuine eco experiences.”
Mr Cooper said the tiny home’s custom design meant they were also able to include features such as a loft bed with a stargazing window.
“We thought when designing it that would be a bit of a gimmick,” he said.
“But it’s actually quite awesome on a clear night.
“The infinity hammock is also rather awesome. It extends 4m off the end of Baya where our guests can take a couple of throw rugs out at night and lie under the stars.
“If it’s a little chilly, there is a fire pit overlooking the valleys and mountains and also a fireplace inside.
“There’s bean bags, a barbecue, a sunset bar, bi-fold windows to bring the outside in, and one side of Baya is just glass so you can wake up with nothing but the Scenic Rim in front of you. There’s a view in every direction but not another house or person to be seen.”
While the set-up is cosy for couples, it also draws singles seeking solitude.
“Whether their art is painting or writing music, it has been the perfect place for (guests) to be in their own thoughts without distraction,” Mr Cooper said.
The compact stay may be tucked on its own private ridge line, but it’s only 15 minutes to the country town of Boonah and beyond to tracks, treats and tipples.
“The Scenic Rim is full of hidden gems and the top of that list would have to be the great wineries and breweries,” Mr Cooper said.
“Karoomba Winery has an incredible cellar door and first-class restaurant.
“If beer is your thing, just down the road is the iconic Scenic Rim Brewery, or why not enjoy a good old-fashioned pub lunch at the historic Dugandan Hotel?
“The Overflow Estate 1895 looks over Lake Wyralong and is a great place for a Sunday lunch and live music.
“If trekking is more where your motivation takes you, try out some of the 10km of bushwalking on our property.
“Or (you can try) the Lower Portals walk in Mt Barney National Park.”