Tiny house a fit for families

Peep possums and kangaroos when you take the tribe on this mini break in the bush, only a two-hour drive from the Gold Coast

SOMETIMES it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

The owners of this humble tiny home – Nathan and Karlee Deane and their parents Jan and David Deane – are banking on it.

“Little Country Stays began as a possible dream – sitting on the veranda at Mum and Dads’, who work and run a small cattle property in Toogoolawah,” Nathan said.

“It didn’t happen overnight, but took a good 12 months of planning, researching, and coming up with the ideal country stay that would appeal to guests who needed a break from the fast-paced lives we all live.”

Packing life’s simplest pleasures into its petite floorplan, Little Country Stays provides a rural retreat for up to four guests.

“Our tiny house has a fully equipped kitchen, a loft bedroom where you can wake up to see amazing sunrises, a comfy lounge and TV,” Nathan said.

“The bathroom has a shower and what is, for most of us, a novel and new loo experience – a composting toilet. We cater for couples, and families with a Koala pullout lounge for the kids and extra guests.

“A country brekkie is in the fridge – just throw it all on the barbecue and make a cuppa while you wait. Everything is supplied.”

Nathan said the home was completely off-grid, with solar power for its aircon and other electrical needs, a rainwater tank and fire-pit.

“Hear the birds, the wind in the trees and an occasional visit from our cows who come to say hello,” he said.

“Set on top of rolling green hills with views to the mountains, you are able to sit on the deck and take a breath.”

Toogoolawah is a rural town in the Somerset Region, around two hours’ drive from the Gold Coast. Nathan said most visitors preferred to soak up every second of the serenity, but could also explore the local cafes or tuck into a parmi at a country pub.

“For our energetic guests we have the Brisbane Valley Bike Trail, Rambler’s Parachute Drop-Zone, golf, tennis, a 24-hour gym and a town pool that caters for the kids with a fun Splash play area,” he said.

Little Country Stays’ guest book is fast filling up with happy holiday memories.

“The kids leave the best (comments) of all – they describe the joy of seeing a possum, a kangaroo hopping past and most of all the inquisitive cows who come to say hello,” Nathan said.

“We truly are blessed and proud that our tiny house experience is appreciated and treasured ... to have a place where others feel they can propose to the one they love, spend time as a couple before their first baby arrives, or make memories as a family with younger children. It just reinforces the fact that our dream that became a reality was a decision that has truly changed our lives.”