The Pine Tree Cottage

The deck all styled beautifully for K + S elopement dinner!

Thank you to for the wine!

And of course for capturing such beautiful photos!

I was checking out our calendar for availabilities and we have one weekend in May still available! And then a few through August!

If you’ve been planning a getaway, then this is your sign to do it!

Dates definitely fill fast, in the best way possible!!

Just a couple of newlyweds ❤️

Surprise elopement, yes please!

This beautiful couple surprised both of their parents who travelled from overseas to stay at the cottage for a week.

And on Tuesday the 21st of February, they celebrated their 19 year anniversary.

And mind you, they celebrated in style by (finally 😜😜) getting married!

All the emotions of a big wedding were still felt in an intimate setting for their 4 guests!

This whole hosting thing, when done with heart, never gets old!

Now the cottage will be prepared for a hen and her bridesmaids who are celebrating all those pre-wedding vibes with paint and sip and drag entertainment at the cellar door 😝

Comment below 👇🏽

What’s your ultimate wedding vibe?

Hey 👋🏽 👋🏽 👋🏽

I thought that now more than ever it would be a good idea to re-introduce myself.

I’m Amy! 👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽

I’m pretty camera shy! I have been since I was a little kid! When I was a youngster when people use to make comments about me (good and bad) I would go and hide in my cupboard. 😂😂

I don’t like to be the centre of attention but will talk under water to stop any kind of awkward silence! 😛

For the most part of my adult life for some reason or another I have studied!

I started with business at uni, then psychology, social services, teaching.

I went on to complete a diploma in photography and another in interior design.

When I was studying psychology early on I quickly learnt a lot about myself.

That was that I didn’t want to study for 8 years to just be the bottom of my field just starting ‘life’ when what I always wanted to do was get ‘into property’

So with guidance from my dad, at 18 years old I bought my first apartment.

Then at 22 I bought my first house.

At 25 another

At 28 and 29 another two

Again at 32 and at 35

On the weekend I celebrated my 37th birthday.

I can’t say that I did it all alone, I married my husband in 2011 so he’s been on this journey too.

I may have missed a house or two, but all in all, we renovated 7 houses in about 10 years.

All of which led us here!

We’ve celebrated two years in the property this week, but having only owned it for a year.

32 acres is no walk in the park!

But the property is the best place to ‘work’

Whether in the garden pruning, one of the houses painting, in the paddock with the cows, on the mower, or hosting a wedding, function, elopement, or hens party, it’s always eventful!

Often guests say to me, ‘you must be living the dream’, ‘I would love to do what you do’..

And it really feels incredible that we have created something that is so nice that people want to come and have a holiday or break from their everyday life here!!

It’s surreal! 🤯

If you’re still reading, thank you!

This year I’m working on an online series to help others do what I do!

More info will be shared over at

See you there! 🙌🏽

🚨 PUPPY ALERT 🚨

Apologies for those who are waiting on responses from me (Amy) - Margot took precedence today!!!! 🐶

All things considered we are both doing well 😂😅😅😅

It’s going to be an even busier 8 weeks now! I can confirm this will definitely be Margot’s only litter.

I can’t handle it 😂😂

😳😳😳😳😳Margot wanted to let all her PTC family know that our family is growing!!! 😳😳😳😳

🎄🎄🎄We’ve had a lot on here over the Christmas period, so busy that we haven’t been able to wish everyone a great holiday season! Sorry! 🎄🎄🎄🎄

But all for good reason, we hosted a wedding on the property, plus welcomed back to back several groups in the cottage over the break. Yay! 🎉🎉

PLUS - the news that in a week or two Margot will be a first time mummy! It was confirmed that we are hoping to welcome 5 healthy little puppies! 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

No rest for the wicked! 🤪🤪

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️ We still have the first weekend in February available, so if you are looking for a weekend away, maybe with some newborn pups, run don’t walk to our website! 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️

There were 6 in the bed and the little one said ‘MOOOOOOVE OVER’ 🫣🫣

🤭🤭Just incase you didn’t know, the cottage sleeps 8 people across 4 bedrooms, so no need to cram in like sardines!

These cuties are new residence of ours across the creek munching away happily. 🌱🌱

Our guests are welcome to say gday 👋🏽 and if lucky enough enjoy a little pat!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a holiday property?

I see and follow lots of holiday properties online for imagery ideas for content on socials, as well as captions ideas.

BUT, what I often find is a lot of these accounts I know for sure don’t have any kind of content strategy!

Do you know how I know this?

I do! I’m apart of a marketing collective that gives you a plan on what to do, how to do it!

Now I don’t need to post non-engaging captions like “afternoon light” or “restful weekend”

I’ll let my guests do the talking!

Cheers to another 5 star review 🎉

I’m interested to know.. do you have a holiday property marketing strategy? Comment below 👇🏽

Cinderella on her way to the ball! 👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼

If you are looking for a place for the best pre-wedding vibes, hens weekends, gal-pal reunions, or even weddings, we might just be the place for you! 👠

🎉 We are OFFICIALLY booked out for all weekends until February next year so this is your sign to get those plans underway now! 🎉

✅ We do have midweek specials still running for the remainder of the year. ✅

Oh hey there Buddy! 👋🏽

I see you! I appreciate your company and I hope you feel at home! 🏡

Margot just wanted to let all our guests know that the flowers are blooming in the orchard at the moment!!

AND you should definitely stop to smell them!!

We have some amazing mid-week deals at the moment if you’re looking for those sneaky midweek getaways too!

Time to rest, relax and unwind before the silly season!

Tell me, what’s your go-to relaxation therapy?

Mine? I’m sitting here having a sneaky coffee and muesli cookie before the grocery shopping!

Those Monday after school drop off feels! 🫠🤪😅

Rainy day thoughts right here!

Who else is feeling that the rain (and winter) will never end?

I’m dreaming of somewhere warm and tropical! A place that will make my hair go frizzy like Monica in that episode of friends!

IYKYK!

☔️

Cute little notes left by even cuter little guests 💕

We appreciate and love all the families, friends, large and small who come and stay at the cottage 💕

So Thank-You!!

That is all! Hope everyone’s staying safe these holidays and more importantly through this wet weather! 🌧

Stunning property 💕

Victorian duo Robert and Judy Holland built their dream home from other people's rubbish in a feat that takes recycling to a whole new level. "Everything here has a story layered in time that's so much older than the day we acquired it." Step inside: https://bit.ly/3BCSynK

I REALLY STUFFED UP!

A couple of weeks ago I decided to test the waters with one night stays!

What an absolute IDIOT!

Although a hit, and booked out - I DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL!!

First of all, the cleaning is not easier! In fast it’s worst!

The calibre of guest is WORST!

The additional wear and tear is WORST!

I actually had one group of guests literally ransack the food I supply and take it away with them, then deny it!

I had them raid the linen closest and use (and stain) additional sheets!!!!!

In fact it COST me money to buy new linen!!

It left a HUGE sour taste in my mouth!!

Why am I venting this here? Instead of just sharing the highlights?

Because I hope you learn from my mistake!

This post has actually sat in my mind for weeks now! WEEKS!!!!

The goal of this post and if you’re still reading it - remember your end goal of your holiday property and the type of people you want to attract!!

It’s even more important than you think!

Tell me below 👇🏽 what’s been your biggest business mistake?

I need to know I’m not alone!!

When visitors drop in on a Friday 🚁

Scenic flights available for guests - weather permitting 🌩

What’s the wildest thing you’ve done on holidays? Tell me below! 👇🏽

The weekend was a wet and wild one with 82mL of rain landing before the weekend even began!

Fortunately no damage or flooding!

Just simply enjoying the rise and fall of the water along the creek gave to some inspiring thoughts on how to try and keep the grass at bay come spring!

Anyways, as the orchid is still a bit too wet, looks like I’m perched up on the couch watching Virgin River!

Of course, it’s just for research purposes 🤔🫣🫠🤭🤥

Tell me below 👇🏽 what do you do to unwind and relax on weekends?

One of my favourite views! 😍

When Sal came out to shoot with me a month or so ago she asked if there were any shots that I wanted. 📸

🙃At first I thought 'no not really'.

But then, I remembered. 💡

I asked her to try and capture the valley view outside the windows.

Almost daily I am in the cottage preparing it for check in, and I am often looking far beyond the walls + windows of the cottage out into the valley. 🧐

So I asked Sal, if she was ale to capture this 'moment' for me.

And that SHE DID! 🥳

Earlier today I was on a business coaching call with the beautiful Emily Osmond and albeit I was late to the meeting, what we did discuss was how to say NO to opportunities that don't align with our business. 🥴

It reminded me that just last week, when I was presented with an opportunity, I immediately thought, just say "yes!".

But out came the words, "would you mind if I think about it?" 😅

After much thought, (and back and forth) as much as I wanted to "help" this person out, even if it was for monetary exchange, it did not align with what I am creating here at The Pine Tree Cottage & Earthly Brewing Co. 😇

Sometimes things really need to be put into perspective. 🤯

If I looked at what was right in front of me, I possibly could have taken on this extra work, which yes would have possibly in turn helped me grow my own business, but did I need to?

No!

With a broader perspective on all that we are creating here (outside these walls) and look out into the distance, there is far, far, far much more that I am able to do by saying No.

In saying that, I am off to clean my windows, BUT I would love to hear from you about what is something you had to put into perspective to reach a goal?

Or, how do you carve out moments in time to get clarity on what it is you want / need in life?

Maybe its a holiday! 😉😉

Cute little write up from our Photographer 🥰

Our weekend vibe! Bachelorette Party 🎉

Today will be picking the ladies up for a wine tasting tour around the region!

Bachelorette has her wedding booked and set to go at in October! Lucky we stock their wines in our cottage fridge to enjoy 😉😉

We host a number of different events here at the cottage so if you know someone or you yourself are planning a wedding / baby shower / bachelorette / bachelor party, feel free to reach out!

We promise you won’t wake up like Last Vegas with a tiger strolling around the hotel room!

We also have a cool private event space out the back with heating at if you need the extra room!

Comment below - what are your event must haves? 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

I mean when you choose Vivid White would you expect anything different? 🎨

Cute little drone shot from our cute little Cottage guests family. 📸

It’s always special being sent a shot like this a week after check out! I didn’t even know they had a drone 🙀

Probably a good thing as I would have borrowed it and taken more! Lol!

So my question is, what has a guest ever surprised you with? If anything?

And if not, let’s chat more about that too!

Comment below! 👇🏽

We are always so incredibly humbled by all the people who choose to stay at The Pine Tree Cottage!

In case you didn’t know, July has been our biggest month yet in bookings!

To the point, we are actually completely booked out!

100% capacity.

Can you imagine!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

Booking platforms are making it harder and harder for holiday properties to be seen on their platforms!

I can tell you all that without a doubt our viewing have dropped over the last few months.

You have to question yourself a little bit and wonder if ‘it’s me, not you’

But it’s neither of us!

It’s actually the money hungry platforms who are trying to make a ‘buck’.

So if you are looking for a little holiday getaway, please don’t be afraid to DM us directly and we can cut out the middle man.

T & C’s apply, but we can chat about that further through DM.

Happy Holidaying!

Here is my one and only tip on picking the right short term holiday (STR) property for your next getaway!

✅ Pick a property that is completely self managed!

IE ->

➡️ One that doesn’t use external cleaners
➡️ One that doesn’t use property managers
➡️ One that you can talk to the owner directly

As hosts there is A LOT of chat about decreased booking and enquiries through many platforms.

The STR market is full of options. It’s completely saturated with many many options that look AH-MAZING online.

BUT from first hand experience, we have researched and stayed at some that have been dirty, had broken furniture, and some where check in wasn’t so simple.

As a host, that managers her own property, who is an Airbnb Superhost, I can tell you no one will care more about your holiday experience than the owner.

No one will clean a holiday property, like the owner.

No one will communicate with guests, like the owner.

No one will accommodate the guest experience, like the owner.

So.. Next time you book your little getaway, don’t be afraid to ask these questions!

It will save the back and forth later when you have a lack lustre time!

To book The Pine Tree Cottage - check out the link in our bio!

📸

The Pine Tree Cottage updated their business hours.

Looking out at the week ahead and thinking, please be good to me! 😭

Can’t believe it’s the end of financial year already!

This means 6 months of running our beautiful short term rental!

That means we’ve hosted over about 350 people in the cottage thus far! Maybe even more!!

This also is a good milestone to also see we are booked out every weekend in advance for about the next 4 months!

This is also a good reminder that as a short term holiday property it’s important to get a quantity surveyor to organise your depreciation schedule for your accountant.

It’s also a good reminder to pat yourself on the back on how far we have come.

It’s also a good reminder to set some goals / intentions for what’s in store for the next 6 months!

Which reminds me, who’s planning to go away for Christmas?

Are you looking for a beach getaway? A country getaway? A home away from home getaway?

Our recent guests from VIC said they were in Fiji last month, our cottage this month and Port Douglas next month!

Definitely making up for that VIC lockdown cabin fever they’ve experienced these last two years!

Comment below! We love hearing about what’s on the agenda!

You are exactly where you need to be 💫

Aren’t you?

We often have travellers come and stay to “explore” places nearby, but we often hear them say

“it’s all here”,
“this is like paradise”,
“we don’t want to leave”.

And that’s exactly how it should be!

The story on how we ended up here is something pretty special to me! I have shared this story with a number of our guests.. but like all good things, you have to be in the right place at the right time, so for those who haven’t heard it, I’ll share it again now!

We didn’t mean to move to here.

We had bought a farm in QLD after selling our home on the Gold Coast.

We had planned to build a home on the farm, but things kept knocking us about.

Covid
Border Closures with our Builder in NSW
Material Costs

Just to name a few.

It was Christmas and we still had not even started. Having two children (one who still believed in 🎅) we knew we couldn’t do it where we were.

We planned a trip to ACT to spend time with family.

Hubby decided her would bring his big tipper and excavator so if he was able to pick up work, it was a bonus as everything in QLD was still on a covid standstill.

On the drive there was a defining moment through the Yass valley that I thought to myself “wow I feel like I’m home”

Ring ring, ring ring, hubby’s calling from the truck ahead of me.

“This place is amazing isn’t it! We’re home Baby” - he said.

🤯

We arrived on the Friday and without a blow of whistle, hubby was on site with an amazing crew of workers.

🤯

We got the impression this consistency of work is something like no other, perhaps we need to explore staying here.

At least while we build the house? Yeh? Maybe?

We were stuck between a rock and a hard place!

We started to look at some rentals, just to kind of test the water.

We actually went to look at what is now ‘The Pine Tree Cottage’ on a weekend but the border security was up and we slightly sh@t ourselves because everything we had said we lived in QLD..

So we quickly turned around..

I’m sure if we looked at the cottage hubby would have said ‘NO WAY’

More in comments..

This deserves a spot on the grid!

Just to show my authenticity, I haven’t even copy and pasted the words onto a pretty Canva background!

Although I love Canva, I love this review even more!!

What a way to enjoy Monday working on year end accounts!

What fills your cup up??

Comment below! 👇🏽

Sunday morning coffee coming right up! ☕️

Are you a slow Sunday morning person or a Sunday are for adventures type person?

Comment below! 👇🏽

We cater to both 😉

July school holidays still available from 13th - 18th!

Otherwise weekend openings start from November 🤗🤗