When it comes to accommodation on the NSW Central Coast, the area has plenty of options, from privately-owned rooms and homes, to large hotels and resorts in prime, waterfront locations. But few offerings sit in between — privately-owned spaces in prime, waterfront locations.
The Little Boatshed in Killcare fits that criterion. It’s in a stand-alone home with a terrace overlooking boat-dotted Brisbane Waters and Bouddi National Park. It sleeps two in a king bed.
Wake to glittering bay views and birdsong before heading into nearby Hardys Bay village for coffee and breakfast. Then, spend your day reading on the sunny deck or in the lounge room, fishing for king, spanner, or bream at spots nearby or simply chatting or picnicking on the lawn and garden area downstairs.
The property was bought by its now-owners around 15 to 20 years ago, but only in 2021 did it undergo a full renovation and refurbishment. The build’s aim was to use as much of the fishing shack and boatshed from its original structure as its owners could retain.
“The boatshed in its traditional form was originally located on the foreshore of Hardys Bay and was carefully moved to where it is today, so it is a real treasure of the local area,” says Anna McCall, Director of Beach Retreats.
“The property was renovated for the purpose of holiday letting, with the objective of creating a space that captured its history, the area, and a lovely warm and cosy holiday feel with all the modern comforts. The property is perfectly situated in the middle of nature with its natural well-being attributes.”
McCall says the aim with the property’s furnishing, mostly nautical-themed and all with a vintage feel, was to embrace the heritage of the building, as well as to acknowledge the attributes of the local area, namely the water, bay, its fishing heritage and, of course, the bush.
“The use of all recycled wood gives the space a really warm, welcoming feel like a nice hug from a grandma or grandpa,” she says. “It has a great mix of old-world charm, coastal living and modern comforts.”
On a stay in the area, McCall suggests visiting Bouddi National Park, particularly the coastal walk from Killcare Beach to Maitland Bay. There, she says you’ll see beautiful flora, fauna and wildlife, as well as secluded beaches.
You might also want to afternoon fish, or kayak or stand-up paddleboard through Hardy’s Bay, available for hire from Killcare Marina. If you’re up for a day adventure, you could also catch the Palm Beach ferry from Central Coast’s Ettalong. In Palm Beach, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and shops.
As for what McCall loves most about the property, she says there is no one detail she can put her finger on — she appreciates all of it.
“The beautiful sunshine in the mornings, the peace and tranquillity, the view over the bay, the deck for an afternoon G &T, the slightly sloped floor with its traditional floorboards, the breakfast bar windows for early morning coffees and the firepit in the yard for wintery afternoons,” she says. “We also really like its maritime feel and the warmth of the natural timbers and furnishings.”
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