EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE EDGE
PERCHED ON THE EDGE OF AN ESCARPMENT AND WRAPPED IN RAINFOREST, THIS ARTFUL AIRBNB IS AN ANECDOTE TO BUSY MODERN LIFE
ARUSTIC cabin cradled in the canopy has become one of the most popular Airbnb listings on Mount Tamborine. Regular travellers may know owners Meg Carlsen and Mark Wareham from their Brisbane properties, Plantation House and Bunker, but their hinterland hideaway is a world apart.
“My husband is a cinematographer and I wear a few different hats – documentary and podcast creator, artistic director of an arts initiative, and operator of three accommodation businesses,” Ms Carlsen said.
“The mountain is the antithesis to our city places.
“It is all about nature as it sits perched on the edge of a cliff surrounded by rainforest with views down through the valley, looking towards the Gold Coast.”
The cabin began its life in 1932 as a hardwood timber milking shed.
Also serving as the couple’s private guesthouse for family and friends, it was opened to the public four years ago as Paddy’s Mountain Eco Cabin.
“Until recently everything was designed from upcycled, recycled or repurposed items, however, we installed a new bathroom just before Covid hit,” Ms Carlsen said.
“It is earthy, minimalist, and modern, with a massive glass window to bring the outside inside.
“It is all about timber with a steep raked ceiling and lots of glass to intensify the immersive rainforest experience.”
The Airbnb Superhost’s signature “eccentric minimalism” styling is a way to showcase her vast collection of furniture, fabrics, books and everything in between.
“My husband’s mother is originally from Fiji, so we have used family tapa cloth and smaller vintage items as homage to his birthplace,” she said.
“I am big on detail and supporting artisans, so our plates and cutlery are sourced from potters or design studios and mixed with vintage finds.
“I adore books and unusual periodicals, so we regularly change over a selection for the cabin.
“Other extras include high-quality French linen, yoga mats, picnic blanket and a basket, bushwalking guides and a barbecue.
“We supply small-run organic toiletries, my gluten-free muesli, my 87-year-old mother’s famous chocolate chip cookies (we get asked for the recipe all the time), organic eggs from our free-range chickens and, starting this month, guests can purchase seasonal organic produce, flowers and plants grown or made on our property from a weekly farm gate menu.”
Wi-Fi is the one thing that’s been left out.
“Although we could connect, we believe guests appreciate the idea of stepping away from technology for a few nights,” Ms Carlsen said.
“Most come to deeply relax to a symphony of birds. We have a regular guest who works for the world’s most famous internet tech company.
“Pre-Covid, he would fly in for the weekend and relished the ability to disconnect. Mobiles do work though and, if guests need to connect, the cafe up the road offers free Wi-Fi.”
The cabin shares the owners’ acreage property, where they grow avocados, citrus, mango, lychee, macadamia, olives and more, but it’s completely secluded.
“We have minimal contact with respect to guests’ need for privacy, but on weekends you will usually see us working the property as you drive out,” Ms Carlsen said.
The hosts can, however, help out with local tips for those planning on venturing further afield.
“Since the (pandemic) began, rural areas have experienced a boom,” Ms Carlsen said.
“This means rapid gentrification, and the mountain is no exception – we find it challenging to keep up with new business popping up.
“Our favourites are Main Street Providore for fresh-baked pastries and coffee, and Picnic Real Food Bar.
“While there visit Christine Sharp’s gallery space. (You could also) take the picnic blanket and watch the sunset from the hang gliders lookout.”