A striking Sunshine Coast hideaway has just taken home a top gong at Airbnb‘s 2025 Host Awards – and one look explains why.
Perched on Caloundra’s King’s Beach headland, Banksia House has been crowned Best Design Stay, a title celebrating homes that are as unique as they are unforgettable.
And this one is exactly that.
Created by landscape architect Kirsti Sheldon, the retreat was designed to immerse guests in nature and calm.
The lush, award-winning gardens (it was named Australia’s Best Garden at the 2023 AILA Awards) are proof enough of that.
Sleeping four, Banksia House blurs the line between indoors and outdoors.
Moving between bedrooms and living spaces means wandering through open-air walkways, with the subtropical surrounds woven into every step.
Inside, clean-lined Scandi minimalism takes centre stage – think a sleek kitchen, a sprawling lounge and dining area anchored by a double-sided fireplace.
A striking Sunshine Coast hideaway has just taken home a top gong at Airbnb’s 2025 Host Awards – and one look explains why
Perched on Caloundra’s King’s Beach headland, Banksia House has been crowned Best Design Stay, a title celebrating homes that are as unique as they are unforgettable
Inside, clean-lined Scandi minimalism takes centre stage – think a sleek kitchen, a sprawling lounge and dining area anchored by a double-sided fireplace
Outside, there’s a covered deck, bocce court and an 8m magnesium pool with its own lounging zone and shower.
The central courtyard ties it all together, offering an outdoor fireplace, barbecue and more lush greenery to explore.
A secluded alfresco bath tucked between the bedroom courtyards is the cherry on top.
Back inside the $800-a-night hideaway, you’ll find two bedrooms (one king bed and the other, two single beds), each of equal size and featuring an ensuite and private internal courtyard.
They also have ducted heating/air conditioning, ceiling fans, generous louvre windows with insect screens, black out curtains, ample wardrobe space and dual reading lights.
The hosts have thought of the little luxuries too: Aesop amenities, freshly ground espresso, organic teas, fluffy beach towels and even a starter pack of firewood for those cooler nights.
Outside, there’s a covered deck, bocce court and an 8m magnesium pool with its own lounging zone and shower
A secluded alfresco bath tucked between the bedroom courtyards is the cherry on top
According to Airbnb Host Awards judge Sarah Huang, guests continuously highlight this home’s Scandinavian simplicity, earth tones, and calming energy.
‘This is a masterclass in “rugged luxury”,’ she said.
‘Every detail from the absence of plasterboard to the immersive gardens, it tells a story of raw nature meeting refined thought; the flow between architecture and landscape creates a meditative, outdoor-centric living experience.
‘The design is minimal yet luxurious, perfect for rest and retreat.’
The annual Host Awards shine a light on stays that go above and beyond, from family-friendly escapes to nature retreats and the coveted Host of the Year.
The fully equipped kitchen is also stocked with freshly ground espresso, a selection of Planet Organic teas plus olive oil, salt & pepper and a few spices and organic dish soap
Moving between bedrooms and living spaces means wandering through open-air walkways, with the subtropical surrounds woven into every step
‘Every detail from the absence of plasterboard to the immersive gardens, it tells a story of raw nature meeting refined thought; the flow between architecture and landscape creates a meditative, outdoor-centric living experience,’ Sarah said
Back inside the $800-a-night hideaway, you’ll find two bedrooms (one king bed and the other, two single beds), each of equal size and featuring an ensuite and private internal courtyard
Winners are chosen through Airbnb data, guest reviews and a judging panel including Country Manager Susan Wheeldon.
‘Our local Aussie hosts are shaping the future of travel by creating spaces that reflect local culture, foster genuine connection and support their communities,’ Susan said.
And they’re not just creating memories – they’re fuelling the economy too.
In 2024, Airbnb spending generated an estimated $20.3 billion in economic activity, with domestic travellers driving 84 per cent of stays and pouring $16 billion into local businesses.