Best Australian Airbnbs: Inside a Victorian terrace in NSW lies an award-winning cosy hideaway filled with clues that nod to its rich history

Australia
By William

Located in a picturesque country town behind the doors of a historic building you will find a luxurious guesthouse with a stunning modern and traditional design.

Mr. Munro has just been crowned Best Design Stay at Airbnb’s Host Awards 2023 for its lovingly restored space that combines historic details that pay tribute to the building’s roots with modern comforts.

The award-winning three-bedroom apartment is located in an 1890s Victorian terrace in the charming town of Crookwell, a three-hour drive inland from Sydney, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales.

Inside is a mix of light-filled corners and moody corners with shades of dark green, brown and black that contrast with crisp white walls and is peppered with elements that refer to the building’s previous residents.

Host Elise Croker explained that the spectacular residence was named after its first resident William Munro, a tailor who lived in the stately residence about 120 years ago.

Inside is a mix of light-filled corners and moody corners with shades of dark green, brown and black that contrast with crisp white walls and is peppered with elements that refer to the building's previous residents

Mr. Munro has just been crowned Best Design Stay at Airbnb’s 2023 Host Awards for the lovingly restored space that combines historic details paying tribute to the building’s routes with modern comforts

The award-winning three-bedroom apartment is located in an 1890s Victorian terrace in the charming town of Crookwell, a three-hour drive inland from Sydney, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales.

The award-winning three-bedroom apartment is located in an 1890s Victorian terrace in the charming town of Crookwell, a three-hour drive inland from Sydney, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales.

The bathroom houses a wet room and dressing room with a glass wall separating the sleek shower, sink and toilet with brass fittings and a plush area with an antique sink and bench

The bathroom houses a wet room and dressing room with a glass wall separating the sleek shower, sink and toilet with brass fittings and a plush area with an antique sink and bench

The living room is cozy by the fireplace, while forest green walls complement the vintage decor and mini corner library.

The bathroom houses a wet room and dressing room with a glass wall separating the sleek shower, sink and toilet with brass fittings with a plush area with an antique sink and bench.

In the kitchen there is a rustic brick wall with a small dining area, a black Smeg refrigerator, deep emerald green cabinets and dark wood floors.

Up to six guests can relax in the elegant guesthouse’s three queen-size bedrooms, where natural light floods in from the original windows.

Host Elise Croker explained that the spectacular residence is named after its first resident William Munro, a tailor who lived in the stately residence about 120 years ago

Guests come to the small, secluded town of Crookwell, population less than 3,000, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the area's fascinating history, heritage trails, gourmet food and agriculture

Host Elise Croker explained that the spectacular residence is named after its first resident William Munro, a tailor who lived in the stately residence about 120 years ago

In the kitchen there is a rustic brick wall with a small dining area, a black Smeg refrigerator, deep emerald green cabinets and dark wood floors

In the kitchen there is a rustic brick wall with a small dining area, a black Smeg refrigerator, deep emerald green cabinets and dark wood floors

Up to six guests can relax in the elegant guesthouse's three queen-size bedrooms, where natural light floods in from the original windows

Up to six guests can relax in the elegant guesthouse’s three queen-size bedrooms, where natural light floods in from the original windows

Guests come to the small, remote town of Crookwell, which has a population of less than 3,000, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the area’s fascinating history, heritage trails, gourmet food and agriculture.

Elise did ‘quite a bit of research’ on Victorian terraces in Britain to gain design inspiration and create a home suitable for modern living, whilst retaining a strong heritage feel throughout.

“The interior is inspired by colors and finishes that show respect for the history of the building while at the same time feeling contemporary and fresh,” says Elise.

‘You can read the layers of history and story of the building as you move through it. The house is a place to retreat, rest and relax, entertain and simply be with the family. It’s warm, textural, earthy and soothing.”

Elise did 'quite a bit of research' on Victorian terraces in Britain to gain design inspiration and create a home suitable for modern living, whilst retaining a strong heritage feel throughout.

Elise did ‘quite a bit of research’ on Victorian terraces in Britain to gain design inspiration and create a home suitable for modern living, whilst retaining a strong heritage feel throughout.

Elise's thoughtful renovation paid off as Mister Munro beat 11 incredible properties from across Australia to earn the award in the Best Design Stay category, which recognizes distinctive homes that offer guests a unique stay

Elise’s thoughtful renovation paid off as Mister Munro beat 11 incredible properties from across Australia to earn the award in the Best Design Stay category, which recognizes distinctive homes that offer guests a unique stay

Judge and Airbnb superhost Sarah Huang (Yang-Fen), who is also a member of Airbnb's global Host Advisory Board, praised Mr Munro's

Judge and Airbnb superhost Sarah Huang (Yang-Fen), who is also a member of Airbnb’s global Host Advisory Board, praised Mr Munro’s “captivating” interior design

Elise’s thoughtful renovation paid off with Mister Munro beating eleven incredible properties from across Australia to earn the award in Airbnb’s Best Design Stay category, which recognizes distinctive homes that offer guests a unique stay.

Judge and Airbnb superhost Sarah Huang (Yang-Fen), who is also a member of Airbnb’s global Host Advisory Board, praised Mr Munro’s “captivating” interior design.

‘I love that Elise welcomes the guests and accentuates the historic features of the terrace, such as keeping the fire going on arrival and having the record player available. It’s a nice gesture,” she said.

‘The winner of the Best Design Stay category is a visionary and talented host who demonstrates creativity and innovation with exceptional attention to detail. Mister Munro seamlessly combines aesthetics with functionality and evokes emotion and nostalgia, setting host Elise apart from the competition.’

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