A tiny house in the NSW Southern Highlands proves that good things can come in small packages.
The move-in house at 35 Osborne Street, Bundanoon, on a 1,165-square-metre block overlooking Morton National Park, has generated more than $35,000 a year from Airbnb for the past two years.
Known as Lazy Duck, the one bedroom holiday home occupies an enviable hilltop position less than 500 meters from the center of Bundanoon.
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A small house on a large block in the Southern Highlands is for sale. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
Surrounded by established gardens, the property enjoys panoramic views across the valleys and mountain peaks of the national park. Since the village is hidden behind a hill, there is an unexpected bonus after dark.
“There is no artificial light anywhere in the landscape,” says sales agent Paul Mecefield of Highland Southern Highlands.
The property generates about $35,000 a year as a short-term rental. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
The small house itself also traveled some distance to reach its scenic ridge.
Owner and mindfulness coach Robert Henderson says he and his former partner first discovered The Lazy Duck when they were selling their rural property in Exeter.
The small house was moved to a leafy block a few years ago. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
The residence already operated as a retreat on the property, Duck Lake, complete with its own name, branding and furnishings.
“That little house came with all the merchandising, all the labeling. All you had to do was make the bed, you know, and off you go,” says Henderson.
“We just took over the books and just changed the address and the ownership and it was done.”
There is as much interior space as a large bedroom. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
The couple moved the tiny house to Bundanoon, where it has since attracted mainly visitors to Sydney, including couples looking for a weekend escape and guests on holiday in the Southern Highlands.
Macefield, who runs the Lazy Duck, says his annual earnings have come from little active promotion and a steady $317 a night.
A loft bed with floor lighting allows visitors to sleep under the stars. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
He believes that more active marketing and flexible pricing can significantly increase his profit potential.
“I really think if you offer cheaper fares during the week and push it, you can double the revenue.”
It includes a lounge with views of the nearby national park. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
For Henderson, the tiny home served as both an income stream and a personal retreat.
Before moving abroad, he lived in the tiny house for three months, which required some adjustment for a man accustomed to a fairly extensive wardrobe.
“I learned to be very, very resourceful,” she laughs.
The small house has a kitchen, bathroom, bed and sitting area in only 18 m² of interior space. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
And its appeal is simple.
“It’s the perfect escape. It’s the perfect artist retreat. It’s the perfect extra income,” he says.
A keen horticulturist, Henderson is equally passionate about Bundano’s fertile soil and distinctly seasonal character.
“We have beautiful deciduous trees, beautiful herbaceous perennial borders, beautiful spring bulbs … and changing seasons,” he says.
The property can offer passive income while buyers plan a more substantial home for the block. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
He describes the village, once a more traditional working town, as transformed into a creative and characterful corner of the Southern Highlands.
Returning to the property, the large block also presents an opportunity for buyers with bigger plans.
The tiny house sits on a wheeled chassis and can be moved, allowing the buyer to implement plans for a larger home on the block after council approval.
Masefield believes the location would be particularly good for a passive solar home designed to capture northern sunlight while making the most of southern views.
The facility is located next to Morton National Park. Image: realestate.com.au/buy
Whether Lazy Duck remains a vacation spot or makes way for a new home, the magic of the place remains.
“There’s incredible energy in the earth,” says Henderson.
“Just go over there and let him look after you.”
The property is priced at $795,000.
