A Sunshine Coast couple has been named Australia’s best Airbnb hosts for providing a “welcoming coastal vibe” to guests of their lakeside getaway.
Tracey and Adrian Ketterer have been offering their Private Lakeside Studio near Currimundi Lake to visitors for six years.
The superhosts have been recognised in Airbnb’s annual host awards, which celebrate the top hosts and listings on offer across the country.
The highly coveted host of the year award recognises hosts who have gone above and beyond in their duties.
Guests on the Airbnb platform have left reviews commenting on the guesthouse location and cleanliness, plus friendliness of the hosts and access to kayaks to enjoy the nearby lake.
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, Ms Ketterer said the announcement of the win came as an extra special birthday present.
“We knew that we were going to be a finalist, which felt like a win anyway for us,” she said.
“We found out about the actual win on my birthday – it was so completely unexpected.
“We really, truly love what we do with Airbnb and I think that’s why we’ve won it, because we pour so much love into it.”
Ms Ketterer said the guesthouse was part of their home, but completely private for guests.
“The way it was designed was to feel completely separate and completely private, so our guests have their own space for themselves and outside for themselves.
“We might occasionally see them if they are going to their car and we will give them a wave.”
Ms Ketterer said she began hosting as a way to generate an income and now it had grown so much it is booked almost every night.
“For me personally, it’s been a very healing journey,” she said.
“I actually had to find a way to create my own job and own work and generate an income, and that’s how our journey with it began. And from there it’s just grown and grown.
“The guests make the place – it’s always been really important that they go away from our Airbnb with a great memory.
“We have a lot of returning guests and that says to us we are doing our job right because these people want to come back and that’s an amazing feeling.
“We are always booked – I’m forever washing and cleaning, but I absolutely love it and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“It’s also a testament to Airbnb themselves, because they are very supportive of their hosts.”
Ms Ketterer said their guests loved the space and the personal touches provided on arrival.
“We get called out a lot for our modern decor and spotlessly clean presentation, along with great hospitality and easy check-in,” she said.
“Our guests call our studio a beautiful and private getaway.
“We leave a personalised welcome message upon their check-in, along with complimentary chocolate, biscuits and bottled water (as well as the basics).
“We also provide them with complimentary use of our kayaks and safety vests so they can paddle straight down to the beach or go exploring the many canals through the lake.”
Awards judge Sarah Huang said the Ketterers stood out as top hosts.
“This host stands out due to a combination of care, amenities and consistency in delivering a great experience,” she said.
“Having guests return for their fourth or fifth stay is a strong testament to the host’s ability to provide excellent experiences.”
Private Lakeside Studio is less than 50 metres to Currimundi Lake, sleeps two guests and features a full kitchen and outdoor dining area.
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