This week on Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with filmmaker and disability advocate Sarah Barton, the host behind two thoughtful and beautifully considered short-term rentals in Melbourne and Wye River.

Sarah has worked for decades at the intersection of film and disability rights. Long before becoming a parent to a daughter with a disability, she was already creating documentaries about access, inclusion, and the lived experiences of disabled Australians. That commitment to representation now extends into the way she designs her guest spaces — from step-free entryways to subtle accessibility features that look and feel like part of the architecture, not clinical add-ons.

Ray, Silvia, and Sarah explore the realities of hosting two very different homes: an inner-city garden flat just steps from Chapel Street, and a peaceful coastal retreat surrounded by forest along the Great Ocean Road. Their conversation covers everything from linen management systems to the mental load of running multiple bed configurations, from dealing with tank water and septic systems to ensuring guests understand safety risks like bushfire season.

They also unpack the nuance of accessibility, why “wheelchair friendly” cannot mean the same thing for every guest, and how honest communication helps set expectations long before check-in.

If you’re a host, a creative, or someone balancing meaningful personal work with the practical challenges of property management, this episode offers grounded insights, real stories, and plenty of relatable moments.

• Combining filmmaking with disability advocacy
• How her daughter’s disability deepened her understanding of inclusive design
• Creating a step-free, wheelchair-friendly coastal home without compromising aesthetics
• Why accessibility is not universal — different guests need different things
• Managing multiple linen sets, bed sizes, stains, storage, and timing
• Why she no longer accepts single-night Saturday bookings off Chapel Street
• How pricing has softened and shifted as local travel patterns change
• What hosting on tank water and septic systems requires from guests
• The importance of a reliable regional support team
• Why honest photos set better expectations than over-styled listings
• How she learned not to take mess or minor damage personally
• Moving off booking.com after a difficult experience
• Why responsiveness and clarity build trust with guests

OffChapel Retreat — Melbourne (Windsor)
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/52710362?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Wye Beach Retreat / Wye Forest Retreat — Wye River
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/961291955783555513?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Website: https://custombnb.com.au/

Instagram: @custombnb

Superhosts Down Under – Episode with Meredith Cowley (Custom BNB Hosting)

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Meredith Cowley, founder of Custom BNB Hosting, to explore what it really takes to build and run a short-term rental management business across Australia’s east coast.

Meredith shares her journey from frontline child protection social work to becoming a property investor and host. A stage-four breast cancer diagnosis pushed her to re-evaluate what she wanted from life, ultimately creating the space to build a business aligned with her values and lifestyle. Today, she manages a portfolio of around 35 properties across Melbourne, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay.

The conversation dives deep into co-hosting, leasing (arbitrage), guest expectations, owner psychology, and the reality of operating a 24/7 hospitality business. Meredith also explains how Custom BNB Hosting uses multiple platforms and local hosting professionals to deliver a consistent guest experience and strong returns for owners.

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company.

Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lorna discusses remote hosting, managing cleaners, family-friendly stays, preparing homes for extreme climates, and how her background in plumbing and trades gives her a unique advantage in short-term rental management.

• Silvia’s experience with poor hosting practices in Italy and why first impressions matter
• Lorna’s transition from family needs to building a short-term rental portfolio
• How she manages Airbnb properties remotely from a remote region of Australia
• The importance of strong cleaner and co-host relationships
• Managing humidity, mold, and tropical climate challenges in Darwin
• How Airbnb provides creative fulfillment beyond traditional business
• How her plumbing business, IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services, supports her hosting
• Advice for hosts wanting to operate in the Northern Territory

• Darwin Property: airbnb.com.au/h/careycove
• IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services: www.ibacplumbingandtradeservices.com.au
• Travel Blog & Booking Info: www.deadsettravel.com.au
• Instagram: @deadsettravel

• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

Hosted by Ray Yee and Silvia, Superhosts Down Under features real stories and practical insights from Australia’s top short-term rental operators. Each episode shares lessons, experiences, and strategies to help hosts deliver exceptional stays and build successful hosting businesses.

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company.

Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lorna discusses remote hosting, managing cleaners, family-friendly stays, preparing homes for extreme climates, and how her background in plumbing and trades gives her a unique advantage in short-term rental management.

• Silvia’s experience with poor hosting practices in Italy and why first impressions matter
• Lorna’s transition from family needs to building a short-term rental portfolio
• How she manages Airbnb properties remotely from a remote region of Australia
• The importance of strong cleaner and co-host relationships
• Managing humidity, mold, and tropical climate challenges in Darwin
• How Airbnb provides creative fulfillment beyond traditional business
• How her plumbing business, IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services, supports her hosting
• Advice for hosts wanting to operate in the Northern Territory

• Darwin Property: airbnb.com.au/h/careycove
• IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services: www.ibacplumbingandtradeservices.com.au
• Travel Blog & Booking Info: www.deadsettravel.com.au
• Instagram: @deadsettravel

• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

Hosted by Ray Yee and Silvia, Superhosts Down Under features real stories and practical insights from Australia’s top short-term rental operators. Each episode shares lessons, experiences, and strategies to help hosts deliver exceptional stays and build successful hosting businesses.

Episode Description

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia chat with Esther, founder of Nelly Woods Collective Stays, about her journey from corporate tech to hosting three design-led “slow stays” across Australia — including Into the Woods and Nelly in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and her newest retreat Tiers Rest in Tasmania.

The conversation opens with a lively discussion on the dangers of leaving keys in letterboxes, after Silvia shares a costly cautionary tale that every host should hear. From there, Esther walks through how she built a thriving boutique brand grounded in sustainability, calm design, and genuine connection — all while scaling interstate.

Key Takeaways

• Why security and convenience can co-exist when done right
• The pros and cons of lockboxes, smart locks, and in-person check-ins
• How to build a brand that feels human and intentional
• The role of design storytelling and photography in earning press coverage
• How Esther moved from Airbnb to direct bookings and now gets 40%+ of stays through her website
• The “slow stay” philosophy and how authenticity shapes every detail — from scent and sound to handwritten notes
• Tips for hosts who want to get featured in magazines and build trust off-platform

Whether you’re managing your first property or growing a boutique collection, this episode is packed with insight on creating beautiful, intentional spaces that guests remember.

Links

• Nelly Woods Collective Stays: https://www.nellywoodscollectivestays.com
• Instagram: @nelly_woods_collective_stays
• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia chat with Karen, host of Rosehaven on Rosebud—a charming 1950s European-style cottage on the Mornington Peninsula. Karen shares how a first-guest backyard party taught her to vet bookings and set clear rules; why final walk-throughs, sustainable cleaning hacks (bicarb, lemon, ultra-fine steel wool), and thoughtful touches help maintain a perfect 5-star record across 24 reviews; and her plans to add Pilates, personal training, and candle-making as experiences for guests. Whether you manage one cottage or multiple listings, you’ll pick up practical systems for fast turnovers, smart supply management, and exceeding guest expectations. [oai_citation:0‡raymond-yees-studio_silvia-karen-ray-oct-15-2025-001.txt](file-service://file-JaBcJKYfMqFBZPEALjvM9G)

• Rosehaven on Rosebud: https://rosehavenonrosebud.godaddysites.com/
• Airbnb Listing: Rosehaven on Rosebud
• Instagram: @rosehaven_on_rosebud
• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Kim Steele, founder of Seabrook Stays, to explore her 16-year journey in short-term rentals—from one coastal cottage to managing 60+ properties across Australia and the United States, all while keeping a hands-on, family-run approach.

The conversation opens with a jaw-dropping guest story involving a homeless intruder, a loft bedroom, and an unlocked door—a cautionary tale about smart locks, clear house rules, and proactive safety. Kim then shares how she transformed underperforming listings with better photography, marketing, and dynamic pricing; scaled operations with systems and a reliable team; expanded to the U.S. during COVID; and later refocused on a curated mix of owned and rental-arbitrage properties.

• Pre-Airbnb origins: agents, Stays.com.au, and DIY hospitality
• What actually moves the needle: photos, pricing, and messaging
• Scaling without losing quality: team, tech, and playbooks
• Risk and prevention: ID verification, access control, and guest screening
• Actionable advice for new and growing hosts

Whether you’re managing one home or many, you’ll find practical insights, cautionary tales, and inspiration to build a sustainable hosting business.

Links
Seabrook Stays: seabrookstays.com.au
Follow us on Instagram: @superhosts_down_under
Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

In this special episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray Yee and Silvia turn the spotlight on Ray’s own South Yarra property. For the first time, listeners get a deep dive into the design philosophy, guest experience, and lessons learned from running one of Melbourne’s most thoughtfully curated Airbnb studios.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• ​Behind the design: How Scandinavian minimalism and cozy textures inspired “Sweet Scandinavia,” Ray’s Airbnb apartment in South Yarra.
• ​Guest stories & challenges: Handling demanding guests during Melbourne’s F1, the importance of towel delivery photos, and lessons from guest communication.
• ​Studio vs. one-bedroom: Why Melbourne building regulations and “borrowed light” mean some apartments blur the line.
• ​The extras that matter: Lap pool, sauna, gym, rooftop terrace, custom workspace, and lighting design that shapes guest mood.
• ​Airbnb vs. hotels: Why guests increasingly choose well-designed Airbnbs over hotels for longer stays.
• ​Superhost advice: Ray’s hard-earned tips—keep it simple, focus on comfort, consider linen services, and use reliable key exchange systems.

Why It Matters

Whether you’re a new host, an experienced Superhost, or an investor curious about short-term rentals, this episode gives you actionable insights into:

• ​Maximizing small spaces through design and storage.
• ​Balancing lifestyle with hosting by using co-hosts and services.
• ​Building repeat bookings through thoughtful guest experiences.

Links & Resources

• ​Follow us on Instagram: @superhosts_down_under
• ​Ray’s South Yarra Property – View on Airbnb
• ​Silvia’s Property – View on Airbnb
• ​North Melbourne Property – View on Airbnb

Keywords for Discoverability

Airbnb hosting tips, Melbourne Superhosts, Scandinavian design Airbnb, South Yarra Airbnb, Airbnb vs hotels Melbourne, Airbnb host challenges, short-term rental tips Australia, cozy Airbnb design, Airbnb guest communication, Airbnb studio apartment Melbourne.