Imagine a Scandinavian seaside fishing village in cool and casual Byron Bay, the historical and spiritual home of surfing in Australia. You'd want to linger in a place like that. And if you did, you’d be following in the footsteps of Kimberly Amos and Stephen Eakin, ex-Sydneysiders who decided after a year’s sabbatical in Byron Bay that they'd settle permanently. She's an artist, he's an ex-banker, and together they founded Atlantic Byron Bay, a boutique hotel with several types of beach cottage accommodations that the pair renovated themselves. Our favorite is an enclave called Driftwood. We’re not sure whether it’s the charcoal gray cottages with their white trim and striped awnings that we're most drawn to or the Airstream trailer set against a backdrop of palms. We propose spending a night in each to find out.
Photographs via Atlantic Byron Bay.
Above: Each room at Driftwood has its own private entry off the deck. A striped awning adds to the crisp aesthetics and keeps the sun at bay. Have you ever considered using awnings on your windows? In 10 Easy Pieces: Window Awnings, we show you some of our favorite examples.
Above: A set of hooks in an entry hall provides convenient organization. (See 7 Space-Saving Hallway Solutions for more ideas.)
Above: An all-white studio with its own kitchen is light-filled and airy.
Above: Food and surf are the primary concerns at Atlantic Byron Bay.
Above: A white bench with black-and-white cushions works well against the charcoal gray cottage and white window trim. Shaker pegs stand ready for wet bathing suits and towels. (See more in Remodeling 101: How Shaker Pegs Saved My Summer Sanity.)
Above: The cottages on the grounds are connected by a series of bleached wood decks and boardwalks. (If you're looking for the perfect shade of gray for your house, see Expert Advice: Architects' Top 10 Gray Paint Picks.)
Above L: A surfboard matches the Driftwood black-and-white palette. Above R: Painted bowling pins add colorful beach decor.
Above: Large potted plants on the deck tie into the native tropical floral and fauna.
Above: A perfect outdoor shower comes with the territory.
Above: The glint of the Airstream trailer can be spotted just beyond the Driftwood deck.
Above: The Airstream comes with its own private deck area, striped awning, and surfboard. For more stripes, see Object Lessons: Classic Summer Stripes.
Above: Compact and efficient, the refurbished interior is kitted out for sleeping, lounging, cooking, and bathing—and is air-conditioned.
Above: A view of the adjoining rain-forest reserve.
Above: Some beachside accoutrements.
Got the Airstream bug? See Wanderlust: 10 Airstream Trailers for Living Small and Luxe Urban Camping: The Hotel Daniel Airstream in Vienna. On Gardenista, visit A Modern Farmer and Her 10 Acres in Australia.
Atlantic Byron Bay is located in the surfing community of Byron Bay, just south of the Gold Coast of Australia.
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