Home Away From Home: Hayes House was a charming terrace transformed into accommodation

The terrace house is a story of great resilience. Not only have they survived since being introduced to Australia in the 19th century, but they have also come to thrive under a new generation of home owners, making their mark on these historic homes.

One such example is in the harbour city of Newcastle, just a short two-hour drive from Sydney. Here lies a charming terrace named Hayes House; a lovingly restored boutique homestay on a nostalgia-filled street.

“It’s one of the very few terraces in the area that was built in the Victorian Italianate-era, giving it an air of grandeur and formality that takes your breath away,” says owner Tracey Bray.

“Although my vision for the property was to create a luxe and modern holiday home, much of Hayes’ heritage hallmarks, such as the soaring 13-foot [four-metre] ceilings, stunning ceiling roses, and polished kauri floorboards, are all still very much celebrated.”

Throughout the transformation process, Bray sought the help of local creative team Gather Studio, whose signature style of pared-back interiors that evoke a sense of calm aligned perfectly with her goal to design a warm and welcoming space.

“Our focus was updating any tired fixtures and making practical built-in features where necessary,” says Melissa Webster, of Gather Studio.

“Smarter use of space was also important, including installing stacker doors across the back of the property, which then allowed the dining room to completely open out onto the internal courtyard – subsequently spilling much welcomed natural light inside.”

Together, they included many modern comforts that would come to blend beautifully with Hayes’ period charms.

“We added a custom dining booth to the dining room, which was designed to have a very minimalist line, and intended to maximise the use of available floor space by hugging into the corner,” adds Webster.

“We also chose a multi-configuration of beds for the three bedrooms, meaning that the king-sized bed in each can be configured as two extra-long single beds – a very practical feature, suitable for catering to guests’ needs.”

And just as important, Bray, for the most part, has proudly kept to a local theme when it came to the finer details of Hayes House, achieved through championing the works of many local talents in Newcastle.

“I have some beautifully framed photographs displayed in the bedrooms and living room of the Newcastle surf, taken by talented Novocastrian photographer James Stephenson,” says Bray.

“All of the ceramic mugs, cups, bowls, and plates are also locally made by Wyan McAllister and Kyle Roddenby of Clay Canoe, and even the bespoke leather cover of our welcome book was created by Amelia Harvey of Tamboon Leather Co.”

What’s more, Bray expresses her pride for the local community beyond the walls of Hayes House, choosing to use the home’s Instagram account during the COVID-19 lockdown to solely showcase and support local businesses that were affected by the pandemic.

“Like most short-term rentals, we experienced cancellations in bookings due to the travel restrictions,” says Bray.

“However, it just so happens that a local family of four were living with their parents while renovating their own home, but decided to move out due to concerns around their parents’ safety – and so they made a booking and kept Hayes House company during lockdown. So, with us being one of the lucky ones, it only made sense that other local businesses in Newcastle deserved that attention more.”

Once again, Bray is looking forward to welcoming guests back to stay, and with that she has some enticing suggestions.

“Come and explore all that Newcastle has to offer; taste, drink, and shop locally, and at the end of the day, you’ll find comfort in knowing that Hayes House awaits – your home away from home.”

While in Newcastle

Take a dip at a local ocean bath

Forget Bondi Icebergs’ ever-busy ocean baths, take a dip at either of Newcastle’s two amazing baths instead. First, there’s Newcastle Ocean Bath, iconic for its beautiful art deco facade and pastel blue bleachers, and second, there’s Merewether Ocean Bath, thought to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit the Olive Tree Markets

The Olive Tree Markets is where Newcastle’s creative community gathers together to offer locally made products and produce, including ceramics by Clay Canoe, and freshly squeezed lemonade by Hello Lemonade. Typically held on the first Saturday of every month, the markets were put on pause due to COVID-19-related restrictions, however are looking to soon announce upcoming dates.

Take a stroll along Bathers Way

Stretching between Nobbys Beach and the Merewether Ocean Baths, Bathers Way is a five-kilometre coastal walk that allows you to take in the fresh air and seaside sights. Make it a more leisurely pace and stop off for a swim, or bite to eat along the way.

Enjoy the local cafe scene

Despite the many challenges brought on by the pandemic, Newcastle’s burgeoning cafe scene kept things kicking by adapting to the restrictions. Now, with cafes having been reopened, and once again offering dine-in options, there’s countless places to enjoy a brunch session or a quick cuppa in Newcastle, including vegan-friendly Momo, and the cold brew coffee go-to Hubro.