Many Australians and New Zealanders have fond memories of camping and spending time outside with the ones they love. As the digital age takes over, however, higher value has been placed on things rather than experiences.
One man, Michael Lamprell, wanted to change that, so he set about creating off-the-grid tiny homes throughout Australia that allowed people to disconnect for short periods.
According to Michael, people are not always ready to commit to the minimalistic lifestyle full time, but they are more than happy to do so on holiday. Therefore, he created a company called CABN, which provides eco-friendly tiny home cabins across Victoria and South Australia for people to break away from the stressors of the contemporary lifestyle.
Five CABNS are available in quiet locations with locally sourced and sustainable materials and practices, including rainwater catchment systems, solar power, and composting toilets. They also don’t have WiFi, and those who stay there are encouraged to make use of the lockboxes for mobile devices.
What’s more, all CABNs have cute names like Matilda, Sadie, and Georgia, which adds a personal element to the stay. Then, if you like what you can see, you can purchase a CABN for your own slice of paradise in New Zealand or Australia.
Jude
Jude is a CABN in the hills and gets her name from the founder, Michael Lamprell’s mother. The CABN Jude epitomises the real Jude – warm, welcoming, inviting, and non-judgmental. A little bit of an adventurous streak is also thrown into the mix.
The CABN Jude is encompassed by scrubland within a 25-minute drive of Adelaide’s CBD. Conservation parks are on its doorstep, not to mention birdwatching opportunities, forests, creeks, and wineries.
Jude has room for up to four people with a King loft bed and King single bed or day bed. This CABN is available to rent from $190 per night.
A King loft bed will keep any couple comfortable during the night.
Those who book Jude can warm themselves around the fire pit, wake up to bird songs, and even bring along their pet for the experience.
Matilda
From the white sandy beaches just a stone’s throw away, to the abundance of wineries and a natural amphitheatre, Matilda is a CABN that you’ll be booking any time you need to break away from the stressors of modern life.
The cabin is around 380 metres above sea level and welcomes visitors to head to the beach less than 18km away. There are also plenty of opportunities for bushwalks, birdwatching, mountain biking, and soaking up nature.
Matilda is situated on 150 acres of land under an hour from Adelaide’s city center. Mere minutes from McLaren Vale and Kuitpo Forest, the location is as spectacular as the CABN itself.
This warm and welcoming CABN has a lot to offer the average couple or family. Indoor-outdoor flow is exceptional, with a deck that calls for al fresco dining. There is also a Queen bed and a Queen loft bed for up to four people.
Sustainable materials were used in the creation of the CABN, which has a generous kitchen area, heat pump and bathroom.
Enjoy a minimalistic approach to living and an idyllic holiday destination from $190 per night.
Allira
From its contemporary elegance and simplistic design to its idyllic location in a peaceful paradise, Allira in Yarra Valley is going to tick all the boxes.
It’s hidden in the depths of the Yarra Valley, with birdlife and natural surroundings for as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the privacy, comfort, and modernity that screams elegance.
The wooden interior is eco-friendly, with a generous-sized kitchen, dining area that opens to the outside, and ample storage for visiting guests.
Allira also sleeps three people, with a Queen bed in a loft and a single day bed in the main living area. This can be your piece of paradise from just $209 per night.
Even the bathroom is something special, with beautiful black tiles contrasting against the wood, with a striking black industrial sink to complete the look.
Sadie
Sadie is a CABN in Daylesford, Victoria, the first of its kind in the area. It’s nestled in nature on a secluded Daylesford property and lies a mere 1.5 hours from the center of Melbourne.
Relax, recharge, and find yourself while staying somewhere comfortable and luxurious. Sadie will amaze with its secluded position in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, not to mention its natural ability to take you off the grid. Turn off your phone and grab a book.
Its contemporary elegance is striking against the natural backdrop of this hidden spot in Daylesford.
Sadie sleeps up to four people with a bunk bed/day bed and a Queen bed. It can be yours from $209 per night.
Sadie also offers a bunkbed sleeping area, the first of its kind in the CABN range.
The Queen bed for the masters offers breathtaking views into nature.
The kitchen is contemporary, with convenient appliances such as a fridge and two-burner gas cooker and ample storage.
Georgia
Georgia is a minimalistic CABN that sits a mere ten minutes from Mclaren Vale. From the French doors that open out to the deck, to the glass ceiling for stargazing in the evening, what more could you need on holiday?
The Georgia CABN is also all about indoor-outdoor flow while providing a quiet and peaceful environment in which to relax. Georgia is suitable for two people in a Queen bed from $190 per night, but furry friends will need to be left with loved ones.
The dining area offers stunning views out to green rolling hills and vineyards.
The master bedroom with a Queen bed is tucked away out of sight.
There’s no roughing it here. Georgia delivers with a modern composting toilet, industrial-style sink, and plenty of room.
