Bringing Japandi-Inspired Design to the Edge of Lake Eildon, Spaces in Places' Debut Stay Is a Different Kind of Rural Escape
Not just another “tiny cabin in a paddock,” this brand-new stay unites form, function and experience in a quiet dialogue with the land.
Escaping to a picturesque off-grid cabin in the countryside was recently something you'd spend all month not-so-humble bragging about. Yet as Australia's boutique accommodation landscape has continued to grow, what once felt special is now increasingly commonplace, with enticing stays tucked into clifftops, vineyards, farmland and everywhere in between. Don't get it twisted — having options is never a bad thing.
That said, to stand out in this somewhat saturated niche, you have to build something that goes far beyond the everyday. Newcomer to the design-led accommodation scene, Spaces in Places, aims to do just that, with the founding team of four friends merging their experience in construction, branding, design and hospitality to create a stay that feels crafted, considered and experiential — inside and out.
With the daydreaming out of the way, Spaces in Places is ready to reveal its first stay. Found in Bonnie Doon on the edge of Lake Eildon, about two-and-a-half hours' drive northeast of Melbourne, this modern bush hut borrows extensively from Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism. Here, timber-lined ceilings, clean lines and large openings emphasise warm craftsmanship and blur the boundaries between the cosy interiors and the agrarian landscape.
"We didn't want to be another tiny cabin in a paddock," says Amy Elliot, who co-founded the brand with Gabe Hamilton, Andrew Kyriacopoulos and Tom Bennett. "Spaces in Places is about design that moves you; spaces that feel alive, grounded and deeply connected to where they're found."
The harmonious experience extends outdoors, with guests enjoying a private plunge pool, fire pit, open-air cinema, and sun-lounging terrace where you can soak up the surrounding nature. You're also invited to explore a range of optional experiences during your stay, from sunrise paddleboarding and late-night stargazing to curated picnics and dinners featuring local produce. Ultimately, it's about helping guests connect with the place, just as much as the space.
Featuring a modular design built in-house by Spaces in Places' sister company, Second Spaces, the Bonnie Doon structure adheres to Passive House principles, with high-performance, thermally efficient design choices supporting year-round comfort in both temperature and quiet. What's more, this idyllic stay is just the beginning, with Spaces in Places planning more Victorian locations over the next 12 months.
Spaces in Places Lake Eildon is now available for bookings. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Jack Carlin.
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