The Artists' Houses
Port Douglas, North Queensland
Eclectic Bohemian Chic
These utterly divine holiday houses were shared with Growing up Troppo by an inspiring friend Kamala, who has worked in far flung places around the globe in her efforts to rid the world of malaria! Somehow, she also finds time to run a home-based business making gorgeous vintage style kids clothing – Thriemer Productions. She stayed in The Artists' Tree House which is one of the five Artist Houses with her hubby and her 2 little kids and she raved about them. I agree, they look utterly fabulous and seem to encapsulate that vibe that I seek at Growing up Troppo.
The Artists' Beach House
Photo Credit: Artists' Houses
Named by the Business Insider as one of Australia’s best Airbnb properties, The Artists’ Houses consist of a collection 5 family-friendly holiday pads – The Beach House, The Tree House, The Nook, The Cottage and The Beachfront House. Some are bigger than others so would suit different types of family or groups of families. They have developed a cult following, and grace the pages of boutique travel and style magazines and blogs. Personally, I'm not much of a wallpaper fan, these guys have nailed it and it highlights the tropical retro vibe the houses exude. OK, gorgeous aesthetics aside, they are also kid-friendly in so many ways and are stocked with games, books, dvd's and toys as well as chairs, picnic baskets, esky and rugs to take to the beach.
Port Douglas is a special part of Australia with the internationally recognised Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests at your doorstep.
The Artists' Beach House
Photo Credit: The Artists' Houses
They are owned by an inspiring family - Mathew, Tina, and their 2 kids Pablo and Hugo who live between Berlin and Port Douglas when they are not travelling in Goa or some other exotic location.
“Our homes are created with love, lots of hard work, and a passion for collecting and creating. Our houses aren't pretentious or fussy, but they are all about charming you, making you feel great, and celebrating the creative spirit".
I love the fact that Tina and Mathew have thoughtfully created these eclectic and stylish family abodes, with little hideaway nooks, as well as larger and welcoming communal family areas in their houses.
The Artists' Beach House
Photo Credit: The Artists' Houses
Thanks so much Kamala for sharing your “little gem” with Growing up Troppo.
Tell us about your little gem?
We stayed in The Artists’ Treehouse. We had 4 days there in November 2014. We traveled there for my husband’s birthday. The kids were 4 and 2 1/2 (oh my God is this correct?)
What made it really special & unique?
I searched for a very long time to find a charming place to stay in Port Douglas and surrounding areas. The place is amazing - have a look at the pictures and you will understand! Its full of art and quirky stuff, every corner has something new to discover.... but it is also super kid friendly, spacious with a little garden and a shared pool at the back. The kitchen and dinning area is beautiful and we spent the evening on the deck looking into the trees! The hosts are great and very inspiring in their live style.
Why you think it rocks for families!
It’s a super kid friendly place (the owners themselves have two boys) but still incredible charming, arty and rustic!
Can you tell us the basics
There are 3 bedrooms (2 downstairs, one upstairs), 2 bathrooms, a big living area downstairs and upstairs, and a well equipped kitchen.
What activities are there for families in the area?
Well, there is the pool, and the beach to explore and of course trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Every Sunday (I think) there is a farmers' market in town. Mossman Gorge is popular but really beautiful too. A nice trip with kids is to the Low Isles which is an island close to Port Douglas where you can swim and see turtles if you are lucky. There are lots and lots of great things to do with kids and you are right in town as well.
Style notes...What did you LOVE about the design, decor and vibe?
It's just so arty and quirky ....
Who would it suit?
This place is best for a family with 2 or 3 kids. The same owners have smaller and bigger places in and around Port Douglas more suitable for couples or for small groups.
The Artists' Tree House
(Photo Credit: Artist Houses)
About Kamala.
Hailing from Southern Germany, Kamala met her hubby whilst working in Bangladesh. Since then they have lived in Tanzania (Zanzibar), Kenya, Antwerp and now Darwin with their two gorgeous little kids. When not travelling to far flung places for her malaria work, she somehow finds the time to make retro style kids clothes which are definitely worth checking out. OK, I'm giving her a plug, but I love the clothes and the fact that they are made by her with love for kids, not by kids in some dodgy factory in Bangladesh!
THE LOWDOWN ABOUT THE ARTISTS' HOUSES
Please check the Artist’s Houses website directly for prices for each property and there are different prices based on the season and the length of stay, number of people staying etc.
The Artists’ Beachouse
Five bedrooms, sleeping up to 11, two living rooms, two bathrooms, a private pool, a balcony, decked garden sitting area, large gardens. Best for large families or two families. It’s on the beach path in Port Douglas.
The Artists’ Treehouse
It is a three-bedroom townhouse in the the centre of Port Douglas, sleeping up to six people. There is a shared pool.
The Artists' Nook
Two-bedrooms in the centre of Port Douglas, with a shared pool right beside the the Artists Treehouse.
The Artists' Cottage
One large bedroom with private verandah, a kitchen, 1 bathroom, a living room and sparkling pool, the cottage finds the perfect balance between comfort, and cool artistic contemporary style. There is a pool about 20m away which I assume is a shared pool.
The Artists’ Beach Front
The Artists' Beach Front is the newest in the collection. It has four bedrooms, a studio, 3 bathrooms and a pool. It is situated on the beach front at Wonga Beach, about 30 minutes from Port Douglas.
(Photo Credit: Artists Houses)
The Artists' Nook
(Photo Credit: The Artists' Houses)
Photo Credit: The Artists' Houses
I don’t have any affiliation with the Artists’ Houses and I’m not getting any incentives or freebies to write about them. I only profile places that I love on Growing up Troppo. Obviously if you have stayed here with kids in tow, I’d love your comments and feedback. I want the information on Growing up Troppo to be as accurate and useful as possible for parents. I was given permission by Tina to use their photos for this post. Thank you Tina!
