A husband-and-wife duo who run a large hinterland acreage have been recognised as the best Airbnb hosts in the country.
Veronica and Colin Eastmure, from Down at the Dale at Conondale, claimed the Host of the Year gong at the third annual Airbnb Host Awards, which recognise exceptional hospitality and the benefits it brings to communities through the accommodation platform.
Mrs Eastmure said they were delighted by the opportunity to bring joy to guests.
“Down at the Dale sits on an 83-acre property and is home to a self-contained, open-plan cabin with a kitchenette and separate bathroom,” she said.
“I think the bath on the deck and the very private firepit stand out the most to people looking on the Airbnb platform.
“We also offer farm tours around the property on our buggy, where we take guests out to see the sheep and baby lambs.
“We always leave a personalised welcome note, marshmallows with ribbon-tied sticks to toast by the fire, fluffy slippers and comfy robes. Plus good-quality local milk.
“Guests can expect a romantic getaway with privacy and views to soothe the soul. We are passionate about promoting love and togetherness, and we want to make people smile.”
Mrs Eastmure said they made running an Airbnb work around their lifestyle.
“Both Colin and myself have other jobs outside Airbnb-ing, as well as running an 80-acre farm here at Down at the Dale,” she said.
“We both mostly work from home, which gives us flexibility to take great care of the Airbnb side. Running a farm means we are here working seven days a week.
“When we need a break we block out our other jobs and Airbnb from booking out, and also get farm caretakers in.
“We normally plan one holiday a year. We both love being here, so working is not difficult as this really is our little slice of paradise and the Airbnb cabins are my one true pride and joy.”
She said they were “absolutely honoured” to be recognised with the platform’s Host of the Year award .
“Being recognised for your effort is the cream on top of the cake. I can honestly say career-wise this is the pinnacle for me,” Mrs Eastmure said.
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Winning hosts were selected based on Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews, with oversight from a panel of judges that included Australia and New Zealand Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon.
“Here in Australia we have so many incredible hosts who consistently go above and beyond for their guests and shine a spotlight on this beautiful country,” Ms Wheeldon said.
“We know that hosts put in tremendous effort to ensure their listings are unique, curated and full of thoughtful touches that allow guests to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience to remember.
“We’ve seen that cost of living has created fundamental shifts in the way people are travelling and living, creating tangible opportunities for communities that lay off the beaten track.
“Domestic and affordable trends are seeing the benefits of tourism spreading further afield into regional Australia, and empowering locals to earn a living and make ends meet. It’s incredibly exciting to see travellers still enthusiastic about exploring new destinations and hosts act as passionate advocates for the regions and communities they live in.”
Four other Sunshine Coast hosts were recognised as finalists in the awards: Storybook Cottage in Kenilworth, Sunshine Coast Guest Suite in Woombye and Hunsley Hill in Kidaman Creek for Best New Host; and Eh Frame in Sunshine Beach for Most Unique Stay.
Airbnb began in 2007 and has since grown to have more than four million hosts across the globe.
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