Do you remember the long golden summer holidays of years gone by? Where days were spent leaping from hot sand into the rolling ocean, hands sticky with melted ice cream, before racing your friends home on two wheels to devour greasy fish and chips on the back steps of a beach shack.

We'd found ourselves craving exactly that kind of nostalgic summer getaway lately, especially following the birth of our first daughter during an endless Melbourne winter. So when the first hints of Spring sun appeared, we packed the car and made haste to the charming fishing village of Port Fairy.

There, on a quiet street lined with Norfolk pines, we found Sommarhus; the ultimate summer hideaway.

A lovingly—renovated classic 50s wooden beach shack, Sommarhus is airy, full of natural light and gorgeous, intentional style. We felt right at home from the minute we crossed the threshold, thanks to the well-stocked kitchen (complete with eggs fresh from the chooks in the yard), gloriously comfy beds (and a portacot for bub) and thoughtful touches left by our lovely host, Andrea, to make us feel welcome. The vibe is luxe yet also homey, in a way that only masterful design and genuine hospitality can bring to life.

We spent our mornings exploring historic Port Fairy and its surrounds; watching the sunrise at the Griffiths Island lighthouse, brunch at Bank St & Co, wandering along East Beach or the fishing port, and going to spot koalas at Tower Hill. In the afternoons, we spread out a blanket in the sun-soaked garden and enjoyed our first family holiday together, or popped on a record inside and enjoyed some downtime in the light-filled living room before — you guessed it — scoffing fish and chips out of greasy paper on the back deck.

The ideal base for adventures along Victoria’s famous shipwreck coast, Sommarhus is made for a young family, couple, or small group of friends seeking a perfect breezy summer hideaway!