Hazards Escape is located on a large internal block 5 minutes drive from the township of Coles Bay and comprises 2 separate dwellings which we affectionately refer to as the "Top Shack" and the "Short Stack". The Short Stack is the original Hazards Escape, it's a tidy, compact little unit that sleeps 2 and has been a popular choice with visitors for about 15 years. The Top Shack is a brand new listing - until recently it has been our much loved home but a temporary relocation means that we can make it available to share - we really hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Built as our home, the Top Shack was designed with a focus on comfort & tranquility. Split level, open plan living area makes the most of views while maintaining privacy, a fully equipped kitchen makes catering a breeze. We're located on a quiet block 5 mins from Coles Bay - The Top Shack offers 3 bedrooms, (2 x queen, 1 x double), 1.5 bath, front deck, back deck & off street parking, it is a truly delightful place to escape & recharge.
One of the first things guests seem to notice at the Top Shack is the quiet. Windows are double glazed and the building itself is heavily insulated, walls, ceiling, and between levels which creates a sense of stillness. As an internal block we have plenty of neighbours, but none of them are home to permanent residents and almost all are facing away from us (to make the most of the same view we love!). The summer months are obviously busier - but any extra sounds are happy holiday noises and we’ve always enjoyed it.
Entry into the Top Shack is via the ground floor into a mud room with space to kick off your shoes, hang up jackets, (or dump your beach towels), then you head upstairs. Living and dining are combined towards the front of the main level and arranged so that you can unwind on the cushy sofa, watch a movie, read a book, or take a nanna nap - there's no judgement here. When it's time to eat, you can dine with a birds eye view of the sun setting across Great Oyster Bay.
In the corner behind the stairwell is a my own favourite nook - I've been known to spend more than hour or two here; reading, journalling, sometimes just letting my gaze wander across the garden and the ever changing hues of the peninsular.
The master bedroom, (queen bed), bathroom and first toilet (separate from bathroom) are a step up at the end of the hallway. The master bedroom looks out onto the deck, down the peninsular and across to Swansea, but the window height was measured so that we can walk around (dressed or not), still maintaining modesty. All 3 bedrooms are finished with cosy wool carpet so there’s less chance of sand in your sheets, and it ensures that stepping out of bed in the morning is both warm, and soft.
The front deck is roomy, and enclosed for privacy. It catches all the afternoon sun and if you’re a solar powered human, the outdoor sofa or sun lounge is a great place to re-charge. The BBQ is located out here as well and if you’re the nominated charcoal champ, you won’t be complaining about the view. Many an evening has been spent out here, often with guitars and a bluetooth speaker, always with friends, always enjoying ourselves.
The kitchen is located a step up from the living area and the layout was carefully considered to be both practical and social. Stocked with everything you need to cook up a storm, the large island bench with cooktop makes food prep a breeze and chef can stir the pot and stay chatty. The dishwasher eases clean up duty and we've situated the coffee machine where we like it, by the window looking out towards the mountains so that you can "brew and view” quietly in the mornings.
Just off the kitchen is the back deck with some more seating - it’s great for sun in the morning and we tend to keep this door open most of the time. We love the airflow and the sound of the very vocal birdlife that have made their home in the trees at the bottom of the neighbouring property. Adjacent to the back sliding door you’ll find the stairs down to a “half” level, this is where the 2nd (queen bed) and 3rd (double bed) bedrooms are, along with the 2nd toilet. A phone table at the top of this stairwell is absolutely the place to sit in the morning sun and plan your day.
We count ourselves as blessed to be able to call this space our home. We've built our family here, and have made so many beautiful memories in & around this place, we're honoured to be able to share it so that you can make some wonderful memories here too.
