Reviews (8)
Jenna
24 Jul 2026
The tiny house itself was very cute, cosy and beautifully styled with a bohemian feel. The property was secluded and surrounded by nature, and although it was on the owners' land, it felt private enou...gh that we didn't feel overlooked. It did seem fairly close to the neighbouring property, although we couldn't see anyone during our stay.
Overall, we had a lovely and relaxing stay, but there were several quirks that meant the experience didn't quite live up to the price.
Our check-in felt a little awkward, as the tiny house wasn't quite ready when we arrived due to an issue with the toilet. The host was friendly, but I personally prefer a self check-in experience rather than an in-person handover. Unfortunately, I don't think this property is currently suited to self check-in because there are so many unique features and operational quirks that need explaining.
The biggest downside was the toilet. Thankfully it had been repaired before we arrived, but knowing it had experienced problems immediately beforehand left us feeling a little anxious for the rest of our stay. The eco-flush toilet also isn't something that is clearly explained before booking. It's housed in a separate outhouse, so you'll need to go outside if nature calls during the night, and toilet paper can't be flushed. None of these things are necessarily deal-breakers, but I do think guests should know this before they arrive so they can decide whether it's the right fit for them. E.g putting used toilet paper in a bin next to the toilet for the duration of your stay doesnt really give romantic vibes...
The tiny house itself is thoughtfully designed and very much built for its purpose. We absolutely loved the loft bedroom, it genuinely felt like sleeping in a treehouse! And the outdoor shower was a real highlight.
Where the property fell short was in the facilities. We expected an off-grid experience and have stayed in several off-grid tiny homes before, but this one felt like it had too many "not quite right" issues. The cooking facilities were quite limited. The BBQ wasn't connected and looked tired and in need of a clean, there were no cooking options over the fire despite this being advertised, the hotplate was missing from the outside gas cooker, and the indoor backup electric cooker was unusable as it displayed an error message and had a large crack in it. There is also no fridge; instead, a vintage-style ice box is provided, which actually worked surprisingly well. However, I think this is another detail that should be mentioned in the listing, particularly for guests visiting during warmer weather.
Firewood was supplied, but for a mid-winter stay we found there wasn't quite enough and ended up foraging fallen timber from the surrounding bush. It suited the off-grid theme, but given the cost of the accommodation, we felt the provisions could have been a little more generous. Tea, coffee pods, honey and eggs were provided. Sadly the host forgot to provide milk even though we were asked our preference pre checking in but we were well prepared so that was ok. Local shops very close by too if you needed anything.
One suggestion that would make a big difference would be providing a simple guest manual or FAQ. There were lots of little things we had to work out ourselves, such as which switches controlled the outdoor lighting and what various switches inside the tiny house did. Having this information readily available would make guests feel much more comfortable and allow them to settle in and relax more quickly.
Despite these issues, we still enjoyed our stay. The setting is beautiful, the tiny house has plenty of charm, and the loft bed and outdoor shower were genuine highlights. However, between the uncertainty surrounding the toilet and the tired or non-functioning amenities, I'm not sure we would recommend the property at its current price point.
Overall, we had a lovely and relaxing stay, but there were several quirks that meant the experience didn't quite live up to the price.
Our check-in felt a little awkward, as the tiny house wasn't quite ready when we arrived due to an issue with the toilet. The host was friendly, but I personally prefer a self check-in experience rather than an in-person handover. Unfortunately, I don't think this property is currently suited to self check-in because there are so many unique features and operational quirks that need explaining.
The biggest downside was the toilet. Thankfully it had been repaired before we arrived, but knowing it had experienced problems immediately beforehand left us feeling a little anxious for the rest of our stay. The eco-flush toilet also isn't something that is clearly explained before booking. It's housed in a separate outhouse, so you'll need to go outside if nature calls during the night, and toilet paper can't be flushed. None of these things are necessarily deal-breakers, but I do think guests should know this before they arrive so they can decide whether it's the right fit for them. E.g putting used toilet paper in a bin next to the toilet for the duration of your stay doesnt really give romantic vibes...
The tiny house itself is thoughtfully designed and very much built for its purpose. We absolutely loved the loft bedroom, it genuinely felt like sleeping in a treehouse! And the outdoor shower was a real highlight.
Where the property fell short was in the facilities. We expected an off-grid experience and have stayed in several off-grid tiny homes before, but this one felt like it had too many "not quite right" issues. The cooking facilities were quite limited. The BBQ wasn't connected and looked tired and in need of a clean, there were no cooking options over the fire despite this being advertised, the hotplate was missing from the outside gas cooker, and the indoor backup electric cooker was unusable as it displayed an error message and had a large crack in it. There is also no fridge; instead, a vintage-style ice box is provided, which actually worked surprisingly well. However, I think this is another detail that should be mentioned in the listing, particularly for guests visiting during warmer weather.
Firewood was supplied, but for a mid-winter stay we found there wasn't quite enough and ended up foraging fallen timber from the surrounding bush. It suited the off-grid theme, but given the cost of the accommodation, we felt the provisions could have been a little more generous. Tea, coffee pods, honey and eggs were provided. Sadly the host forgot to provide milk even though we were asked our preference pre checking in but we were well prepared so that was ok. Local shops very close by too if you needed anything.
One suggestion that would make a big difference would be providing a simple guest manual or FAQ. There were lots of little things we had to work out ourselves, such as which switches controlled the outdoor lighting and what various switches inside the tiny house did. Having this information readily available would make guests feel much more comfortable and allow them to settle in and relax more quickly.
Despite these issues, we still enjoyed our stay. The setting is beautiful, the tiny house has plenty of charm, and the loft bed and outdoor shower were genuine highlights. However, between the uncertainty surrounding the toilet and the tired or non-functioning amenities, I'm not sure we would recommend the property at its current price point.
Human connection
Challenge
Freedom
Peacefulness
Slowness
Deven
8 Jul 2026
“Some stays are just a place to sleep. This one changes something in you.”
We came to Gem’s Designer Tiny House not knowing quite what to expect. We left carrying something we didn’t arrive with — a ...quietness, a stillness, a reminder of what it feels like to truly slow down.
From the moment we arrived, the space wrapped around us like a warm embrace. The golden hour light filtering through the trees, the fairy lights glowing softly around the tiny house, the rustic interiors, the lofted bed, the indoor fireplace — every single detail whispered the love and intention that went into creating this place. This isn’t a property that was built for profit. You can feel it. Every corner, every clever little touch, every carefully considered detail tells the story of someone who built this with their bare hands and their whole heart.
The outdoor bath and fire pit under the open sky were simply magical. And sitting by the outdoor fireplace as the evening settled in, with the fairy lights all around and the forest quiet — that is the kind of moment you close your eyes and return to long after you have gone home.
The property sits in its own serene world, feeling beautifully remote and peaceful, yet just minutes from the warmth and charm of Warburton town. That balance is rare and Gem has created it perfectly.
But what truly sets this stay apart is Gem herself. Her warmth, her thoughtfulness and her constant and caring communication made us feel genuinely welcomed and looked after from the very first message. She greeted us on arrival, walked us through every quirk of the tiny house with such genuine care, and made sure we had everything we needed. She is not just a host. She is a storyteller, a builder, a keeper of beauty — and her property is a living reflection of that.
If you are looking for a place to disconnect, to breathe, to feel held by nature and by someone who truly cares — this is it.
One of the most special stays we have experienced. Go. Just go. 🌿🔥
We came to Gem’s Designer Tiny House not knowing quite what to expect. We left carrying something we didn’t arrive with — a ...quietness, a stillness, a reminder of what it feels like to truly slow down.
From the moment we arrived, the space wrapped around us like a warm embrace. The golden hour light filtering through the trees, the fairy lights glowing softly around the tiny house, the rustic interiors, the lofted bed, the indoor fireplace — every single detail whispered the love and intention that went into creating this place. This isn’t a property that was built for profit. You can feel it. Every corner, every clever little touch, every carefully considered detail tells the story of someone who built this with their bare hands and their whole heart.
The outdoor bath and fire pit under the open sky were simply magical. And sitting by the outdoor fireplace as the evening settled in, with the fairy lights all around and the forest quiet — that is the kind of moment you close your eyes and return to long after you have gone home.
The property sits in its own serene world, feeling beautifully remote and peaceful, yet just minutes from the warmth and charm of Warburton town. That balance is rare and Gem has created it perfectly.
But what truly sets this stay apart is Gem herself. Her warmth, her thoughtfulness and her constant and caring communication made us feel genuinely welcomed and looked after from the very first message. She greeted us on arrival, walked us through every quirk of the tiny house with such genuine care, and made sure we had everything we needed. She is not just a host. She is a storyteller, a builder, a keeper of beauty — and her property is a living reflection of that.
If you are looking for a place to disconnect, to breathe, to feel held by nature and by someone who truly cares — this is it.
One of the most special stays we have experienced. Go. Just go. 🌿🔥
Spontaneity
Challenge
Excitement
Freedom
Joy
Self-discovery
+6
Rejuvenation
Groundedness
Slowness
Peacefulness
Human connection
Unplugged
Sophie
22 Jun 2026
10/10. We absolutely loved our stay. The tiny home was so cosy and had everything we needed. Gemima was incredibly accommodating and made everything easy and comfortable. It was the perfect getaway, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing escape
Rejuvenation
Peacefulness
Groundedness
Host
Gemima
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Warburton VIC, Australia
1Listings
I used to be a restaurant critic for the Age, but went “full Covid” in the pandemic: quit my job, got two dogs, moved to the forest, started a farm and collected a full animal menagerie along the way. Learned to build, became obsessed with natural design and zero-waste systems. All on display in this little piece of paradise I proudly crafted.
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Adventures Nearby
Bushwalking And Bike Riding
The O’Shannassy Trail is a 30 kilometre walking and bike-riding trail from East Warburton to Don Valley in the Upper Yarra Valley.
The trail runs in alongside the Warburton Rail Trail, however, the O’Shannassy Trail is set into the mountain ranges, and provides a different viewpoint to the landscape. Surrounded by tall trees, and lush ferns, the trail follows the historic open channelled O’Shannassy Aqueduct, and allows for impressive views of the Yarra Valley.
The trail runs in alongside the Warburton Rail Trail, however, the O’Shannassy Trail is set into the mountain ranges, and provides a different viewpoint to the landscape. Surrounded by tall trees, and lush ferns, the trail follows the historic open channelled O’Shannassy Aqueduct, and allows for impressive views of the Yarra Valley.
Mouth Watering Goodness To Need In Your Life
We heard such good things from the locals about the South India Restaurant ‘Babajis Kerala Kitchen’ in the Main St of Warburton. And those recommendations didn't disappoint. It was absolutely delightFULL and a must try experience my friends! We got a shared platter which included several different types of curries so we could taste them all! We finished our evening with some incredible mulled wine by the fire. Beautifully designed inside too, and Campfire curry night in Friday night if you want to try a different dining experience.
Warburton River Walk
Scenic walk along the river in Warburton. Families of ducks, wooden bridges and a waterfall discovery just to name a few treasures found!
Wondering Warburton
Such a beautiful town especially during the time we visited in autumn! We walked along loop of the Yarra River and stopped off at a cafe and the famous Warburton lolly shop! Loved seeing all the beautiful artworks along the street as well as checking out the op shops!
Aqueduct Trail
Drive up to the top of Warburton, turning left at the top of Yuonga Road. Park in the Aqueduct car park and enjoy a hike along the Aqueduct Trail.
Warburton Riverside Walk
The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the mountains as we made our way to the Warburton Riverside Walk. The scent of pine and fresh mountain air filled our lungs, and we couldn’t help but smile at the peaceful serenity around us. As we strolled along the winding path, the sound of the Yarra River gently flowed beside us, its crystal-clear water reflecting the vibrant greens of the forest.
Tall trees swayed in the breeze, their leaves whispering softly above us. We paused to take in the view—wildflowers dotted the landscape, and birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs echoing through the air. It was the perfect moment to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Each step along the Riverside Walk seemed to lead us deeper into a world untouched by time. The trail wound its way beside the river, and we could hear the water trickling over the rocks, creating a soothing soundtrack for our journey. We marveled at the lush greenery that surrounded us—everything felt alive and vibrant.
As we continued our walk, we felt the calmness settle into our souls, the weight of the world lifted by the simple beauty of nature. This was more than just a walk—it was a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the small moments that often pass us by. Warburton had truly woven its magic around us, and we were grateful for every step of the journey.
Tall trees swayed in the breeze, their leaves whispering softly above us. We paused to take in the view—wildflowers dotted the landscape, and birds flitted from branch to branch, their songs echoing through the air. It was the perfect moment to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Each step along the Riverside Walk seemed to lead us deeper into a world untouched by time. The trail wound its way beside the river, and we could hear the water trickling over the rocks, creating a soothing soundtrack for our journey. We marveled at the lush greenery that surrounded us—everything felt alive and vibrant.
As we continued our walk, we felt the calmness settle into our souls, the weight of the world lifted by the simple beauty of nature. This was more than just a walk—it was a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the small moments that often pass us by. Warburton had truly woven its magic around us, and we were grateful for every step of the journey.
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$300per night