Staycationing: Bringing Bali to the backyard 

Every day’s a holiday

France brought Bali to her backyard and created additional space that serves various family needs all year round. 

With a beachside location in Avalon and a sparkling pool set amongst lush gardens, France’s home was already an enviable paradise.

But a Melwood Mod elevated this to a tropical oasis worthy of a 5-star rating and a double-page spread in a travel brochure. 

Staycationing by the pool

With the pool set away from the main house, it made sense to add a cabana next to the pool. A cool and shady retreat between swims through the hotter months, or lazy poolside afternoon naps on the daybed. And with the addition of a minibar, refreshing drinks could be on hand without trekking back to the house.

Staycationing at its best!

Plus, France’s daughter, like many of her age, needed some quiet space every now and then. A teenage retreat for her to hang out, work or be creative would be a bonus. 

Cohesive Hamptons beach house vibes

The existing home was brimming with Hamptons beach house vibes.

Classic weatherboard cladding painted in soft duck egg blue with white architraves and accents, and large windows and doors inviting the outside in. So, when France decided to extend her living space into the backyard, it needed to match this aesthetic and blend in seamlessly. 

Ticking all these boxes was a Melwood Mod 23.

Generously proportioned, it could incorporate a multitude of uses and had a style that was already inspired by modern coastal vibes. Even better, France had the freedom to personalise the finished look to ensure a cohesive aesthetic with the rest of the property. 

And she has certainly pulled that off.

France painted the weatherboard cladding duck egg blue and added white painted architraves to mirror the exterior of the main home. Additional windows and sidelights, and an upgrade to panorama windows, enhance the Hamptons styling while filling the interior with light. 

Calm and coastal

Inside, the coastal holiday theme continues. And France successfully showcases how much space and versatility one garden room can offer a family!  

With the walls all painted white, the large windows appear as picture frames for the lush oasis outside. Timber flooring and furniture and natural woven textures add warm, tropical vibes.

Double doors open from the deck into a relaxation and entertaining area, complete with a table and chairs, and a mini bar with a fridge and wet area.

The other end of the studio is furnished with a bed and desk providing plenty of dedicated space for rest and study.  

All-in-one for work and play

With such a thoughtful layout, this cabana really is straight out of a holiday resort!

Self-contained poolside accommodation, with everything needed for a comfortable stay.

A pool house to retreat from the sun during the day. 

A space to entertain friends and family poolside, night or day, hot and cold drinks on hand.

A tranquil rest area for a quiet read or a daytime snooze amongst the tropical gardens.

A teen retreat, and a peaceful study or work-from-home space (because we can’t holiday every day, can we?).

365 days of poolside pleasure

When the sun isn’t shining and tropical cocktails are swapped for a mulled wine or a hot chocolate, the cabana remains the central recreational hub. With the addition of this Melwood, enjoyment of the pool and gardens is extended into cooler months.

The holiday lifestyle and al fresco entertaining can continue, with the studio spilling out onto the deck and adjacent paved firepit area.

And when the fire isn’t being stoked and marshmallows aren’t being toasted, the cabana is a cosy space to relax, warmed by the split system A/C. 

Staycationing inspiration

France’s Melwood really has transformed this backyard into a destination in its own right. A staycation spot that rivals tropical getaways and serves numerous family needs 365 days of the year.  

While it may seem like you should be able to, unfortunately you can’t book a stay at this resort!

But, with summer approaching (and the cost of living rising) perhaps it’s got you thinking about staycationing.

After all, who needs the expense and the stress of travelling to faraway places, for just a week or two. You can create your very own year-round holiday destination, without even leaving home. 

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France’s Melwood is a Mod 23 measuring 7.2m x 3.2m.

It features weatherboard cladding, aluminium windows in “White” and Colorbond® roofing in “Surfmist”.  France further personalised her design with additional windows and sidelights, and panorama window upgrades.

All measurements are approximate. 

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