When Hannah Williams came across a rundown home in the beachside Sunshine Coast suburb of Mooloolaba, she knew it would be the perfect spot to create her vision of the perfect holiday home.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is having its literal moment in the sun. It is that perfect mix of coastal and hinterland, with a thriving food and wine scene, stunning beaches, and a busy tourism industry, yet it still retains that village, regional feel. It is not hard to see why property prices are booming and experts are calling it the next Byron Bay. It was here that Sunshine Coast local, Hannah Williams, a property professional, and her partner, Huw, a doctor, chose to purchase a three-bedroom home back in 2016 with the idea of renovating to create a luxury holiday rental.
After an overseas holiday, Hannah and Huw came back determined to share what they had experienced. “Vacay Co. is our little dream come true, combining our passions for travel, design and property development. It all began with a trip to Morocco and Greece. Inspired by so many beautiful interiors, unique stays and local hosts we were determined to bring a piece of that back to the Sunshine Coast.”
Three months after returning they had purchased a home in Mooloolaba, a centrally located suburb on the Sunshine Coast, surrounded by pristine beaches and canals. Hannah says “I grew up on the Sunshine Coast and really wanted my own little piece of paradise. When searching for the property I was looking for something with tall ceilings that was walking distance to the beach and cafes.” Their plan was a major renovation on the original home, which would become The Palm House, and a new build in the backyard which would become The Pool House. The home was in its original state and Hannah and Huw set about renovating it from the ground up. They did as much as they could themselves on the main house before beginning the build of the New York style loft pool house, pool, deck, carport and finally, the landscaping.
Property development and design has always interested Hannah. She studied property economics at university and has been working in the property industry since she was 18. When Hannah started renovating, she had no formal design experience but has since studied interior design in the UK. The exterior and interiors of both properties were designed by Hannah, with many late nights after work sketching how she wanted it all to come together. Hannah also designed the garden and through her work has been lucky to work with some of the best landscape architects in Australia, which guided her design. Hannah set out to keep the garden very tonal with lots of greens rather than having a lot of colours. One of Hannah’s joys is seeing how the garden has taken off over the years, watching it grow and evolve. Hannah has also managed to capture that beautiful indoor-outdoor flow. “There is nothing quite like opening up the bifold doors to get a seamless to the sea breeze and a connection to our beautiful tropical garden and pool.”
When asked to describe her style Hannah says “My style has definitely evolved throughout my twenties, but I have always tried to introduce character through using a mix of old and new finishes. I love to use raw unlacquered brass and organic materials like recycled timber and marble.” Her best interior design tip is a bench seat “People often seem hesitant when I recommend them, but I always ask them when they go to a café do they instantly go for the bench seat or a chair? They are comfortable, great space savers and you can also build in storage.
Hannah and Huw have been surprised by how in demand their holiday home have become and as Hannah says they are incredibly grateful to be able to help their guests make lasting memories with an authentic local experience in the Mooloolaba beachside community. Their next adventure is renovating their latest holiday home in the UK and continuing to grow their business further by providing more quality and unique stays for all their loyal guests.
Getting to know Hannah Williams – owner of the Vacay Co.
What designers inspire you?
Tough question, I have so many! At the moment my favourites are Athena Calderone, Kelly Wearstler, Sophie Bell, Jake Arnold and Lynda Gardener.
Favourite places to eat and shop on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast has evolved into a foodie’s paradise over the past five years and I couldn’t be happier about it! My top restaurants would be: Sum Yung Guys, Rice Boi and Pier 33.
We also have so many beautiful boutiques. My favourite spot for fashion is Alterior Motif and the best spot for artisan homewares is Hello Trader or Clo Studios.
Favourite pieces in your home?
Our recycled timber barn door that leads into the ensuite. It was given to me from my grandmother and is from my dad’s childhood home. It’s over 100 years old and adds so much character in the space and that can be difficult to achieve in a new build.
Biggest splurge?
Our beautiful hardwood European oak herringbone floors in the Palm House.
Greatest budget buy or budget decorating tip?
I love a raw log side table. I have had my dad cut me many from his wood pile. They are perfect by the bed or next to the sofa.
What’s favourite way to spend a day on the Sunshine Coast?
Our favourite kind of day starts with a smoothie at the Noosa Farmers Market followed by a hike and a swim in Noosa National Park.
Favourite coffee haunt? The Velo Project
Favourite restaurant? Sum Yung Guys
Favourite overseas destination? It’s a tie between Italy and Greece
Favourite Australian fashion label? St. Agni
Favourite flower? Poppy
The Palm House and The Pool House are both available for holiday stays via Airbnb or visit:
@vacayco
IMAGES: Palm Co.
Want more? Click here for Modern Elegance Meets Vintage Charm: A Century-Old Johannesburg Cottage Revitalised
Leave a Reply