Hosting an Airbnb.
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Nestled in the picturesque town of Gunning in regional New South Wales, Hold Cottage is more than just an Airbnb—it’s a heart project, a way of living, and a surprising family connection all in one!
For its owners, Belinda and Tim, the cottage represents a long-held dream of escaping city life, finding solace in the countryside, and crafting a space that feels like home. In Season 1 Episode 6 , the couple shared their journey and the magic that makes Hold Cottage a special place for them and their guests.
For Belinda and Tim, the journey to owning Hold Cottage started as a shared dream of finding a country getaway where they could take a beat away from busy city life. The couple spent over 18 months searching for the perfect property, exploring various locations from the High Country in Victoria and New South Wales. But despite their efforts, nothing seemed to fit. Then, a wise friend offered a piece of advice: "Stop looking. It’ll find you."
One evening, as they sat by the fire, Belinda decided to search properties in Gunning, a town they had previously overlooked.
"Literally, that little cottage was just there," she recalls. "I threw the computer at Tim and said, ‘Look at this.’"
The couple immediately set up a viewing, and the connection was instant. “When we walked in, it just felt right. It was like the house was welcoming us in,” Tim explains. Little did they know that their connection to the cottage ran even deeper. As Tim later discovered, the land on which Hold Cottage stands was once owned by his ancestor, Joseph Bean, in the 1840s. “I was lying in bed one night, looking at some old maps of Gunning, and I zoomed in on this 1932 map. There it was—Joseph Bean’s name on the block of land,” he says.
Renovating with Respect for History
Once they purchased the property, Belinda and Tim were determined to renovate it in a way that respected its history while making it a comfortable retreat for guests.
“We wanted to keep the original character as much as possible,” says Belinda, who has a background in styling. “It was important to us that we didn’t modernise it too much, but instead made it feel like a warm, lived-in space.”
Tim, a photographer and history enthusiast, agrees. “I love the feeling of old homes and the stories they hold,” he shares. “When we renovated, we aimed to keep as many of the original features as we could. We even exposed the handmade convict brickwork around the fireplace—it became a centerpiece of the cottage.”
The couple took on much of the renovation work themselves but chose to outsource certain aspects to local tradespeople.
“Painting is one thing we absolutely loathe,” laughs Belinda. “So, we hired Michael from X-Zact Painting, a local expert who specialises in painting old homes. He did a phenomenal job.”
For the bathroom, the couple chose to update rather than renovate, preserving elements that fit the cottage’s heritage while modernising fixtures and finishes.
“We didn’t want to rip everything out—we wanted to minimise our footprint and keep as much of the original as possible,” says Tim.
A Partnership in Business and Life
Belinda and Tim’s story is not just about a cottage—it’s also about the balance they’ve found working together. The couple has a long history of collaboration, having previously founded Canberra’s biggest street food event, The Forage. Now, they bring their combined talents to Hold Cottage: Belinda’s eye for design and Tim’s photography skills work in perfect harmony to create a space that captures the essence of country living.
"We balance each other out," says Belinda. "I have the vision, and Tim has the technical skill to bring it to life. I couldn’t do it without him."
Tim agrees, adding, "Belinda’s vision guides the styling, and I love capturing that through my photography. It’s a partnership that just works."
But like any creative duo, they don’t always see eye to eye.
“Oh, we definitely bicker,” admits Belinda with a smile. “Sometimes I’ll say, ‘No, I want it this way,’ and Tim will say, ‘It’s too dark for the shot.’ But ultimately, we trust each other’s instincts.”
Tim adds, “I know that even if I don’t see it at first, Belinda’s vision usually comes together beautifully.”
Creating a Space That Feels Like Home
For guests at Hold Cottage, the experience is designed to feel like a warm hug—an intention that Belinda and Tim have nurtured through every detail.
“We hear it time and time again from guests; they walk in and say it feels like the cottage is giving them a warm hug,” Belinda shares.
The couple attributes this feeling to the way they have styled and furnished the space. They have sourced most of their furniture from antique shops and upcycled items, creating a rustic and welcoming atmosphere.
“I love the idea that if you truly love a piece, you’ll make it work in your space,” Belinda explains. “We wanted to respect the house’s history, so we focused on natural materials like wool, linen, and wood.”
Tim adds that many of their finds tell a story. “One of our favourite pieces is the old TV unit we found for $20 at the tip. It’s now a talking point in the cottage and has a character you just can’t find in modern furniture.”
A Reflection of Changing Times
Belinda and Tim believe that the pandemic has only accelerated a growing desire among people to escape city life and reconnect with nature.
“Even before [the pandemic], we felt that people were seeking a slower, more intentional lifestyle,” says Belinda. “The pandemic just gave everyone the push they needed to realise that life doesn’t need to be so hectic.”
Hold Cottage offers that escape—a chance to slow down, enjoy the simple things, and reconnect with the land.
“There’s nothing like walking to the railway at sunset or feeding the ponies with carrots. It’s those little moments that make it special,” says Tim.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
As Hold Cottage continues to grow in popularity, Belinda and Tim remain committed to their vision of creating a unique and welcoming space for their guests. They’re currently working on enhancing the garden, with the help of local landscapers, to create an oasis that reflects the charm of the cottage.
For those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Hold Cottage offers a chance to experience the magic of country living. As Belinda and Tim say, “It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a place to feel at home.”
If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming retreat, book your stay at Hold Cottage. To see more of this beautiful space and follow the couple’s journey, visit their Instagram page.
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