Canberrans have already discovered the magic of a South Coast getaway which has been named the Best Pet-Friendly Property in the annual Stayz holiday rental awards.
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Blue Island at Culburra Beach, south-east of Nowra on the South Coast, took out the category at the awards which recognises excellence across a portfolio of 40,000 properties.
The four-bedroom, fenced house 100 metres from Culburra Beach is owned by Anne Normoyle, director of higher education at TAFE NSW, who says most of her clientele comes from Canberra or Sydney.
She has had the property for five years, renovating it extensively, including putting in eco-friendly flooring that is hard-wearing to allow the pooches to come inside.
"Culburra Beach is pet-friendly in that dogs are allowed off-leash so it's really a place where people with dogs want to come," she said.
Sydney-based Ms Normoyle brought a fashion and interior design background to the now-distinctive blue home.
"It is a lovely acknowledgement of our house," she said, of the award.
"I actually come from a creative background so, for me, designing a lovely place for people to stay is my main motivation. It's very satisfying."
The Blue House was a buck against the trend in the most recent awards, with the winning properties shifting away from the traditional beach shack in favour of regional escapes, including Berry and Kangaroo Valley.
This year's awards also saw the stunning Clifftop at Hepburn property in Daylesford, Victoria take out both the Romantic category and the People's Choice category, the latter voted for by the Australian public
Simone McDermid, spokesperson for holiday rental website, Stayz, said the awards were designed to celebrate Australia's most impressive holiday homes.
