Welcome to Pirama on the eastern shore of Lake Macquarie, about 1.5 hours north of the Sydney CBD via the M1. This ultra-casual A-frame cottage is in an elevated position and the entire front is glass, with sweeping water views through the trees. It was designed with a holiday vibe in mind, so if you're looking for luxury, Pirama might not be for you. You can, however, wander down to the waterfront to cast a line, launch your kayak, paddle in the warm, shallow water and dig in the sand.

THE SPACE
Pirama is perfect for a relaxing getaway for a family or two couples. The living area opens onto a covered veranda with outdoor table and chairs, overlooking the waterfront reserve and with 180-degree lake views – ideal for enjoying the spectacular sunsets.

The cottage is on two levels, with a soaring cathedral ceiling. Open-plan living area, kitchen and bathroom are on the ground level, along with a bedroom with a double bed and a single. Upstairs, wake up in your king-size bed and you'll feel you're staying in a treehouse. There's a desk, chair and lamp here, so you can work in peace – if you can keep your eyes off the view!

The living room is divided into dining and lounge areas, and the large-screen TV has Chromecast. WiFi works throughout the house.

The kitchen is fully equipped for keen cooks, including a convection cooktop and electric oven, electric jug, toaster, blender, coffee plunger, pressure cooker and vintage Crockpot, plus a dishwasher and fridge.

The bathroom has a small shower-bath, perfect for young children, and a washing machine (no dryer), plus a separate toilet.

Outdoors, there's a shower for rinsing off after a swim and a gas barbecue beside the veranda, as well as a clothesline.

You'll be visited by myriad native birds, including kookaburras, lorikeets, butcher birds, cockatoos, galahs, noisy miners and magpies. 'Pirama' is the word for 'wild duck' in the local Awabakal language and it won't take you long to work out why, as you see family groups waddling down to the lake.

CLEANING AND LAUNDRY
Before each guest arrival, the house is professionally cleaned using environmentally friendly natural products. Pure cotton bedlinen and towels are professionally laundered to a high standard.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS
The house and veranda feature open stairs and railings, which could be hazardous for young children. The property is unfenced, with direct access to both road and lake.