Europe’s mountain homes have a distinct Alpine aesthetic, dominated by knotted pine and chalet vibes. On the other side of the world, Aussie mountains retreats hone a moody, minimalist look.
When thinking of Australia, sun, sand and coastal living immediately spring to mind. But this multifaceted country has a landscape as varied as the entire continent of Europe – sometimes within a single state.
As Australia heads into winter, we’ve cast our eyes across New South Wales’s Snowy Mountains to find four of the best alpine hideouts for rent. These mountain huts hone a rustic and elemental aesthetic that helps them blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. But their interiors couldn’t be further from the knotted-pine and shaggy furs of their European counterparts… Peek inside.
Cedar Cabin in Thredbo, Snowy Mountains
Sleeps 2; from $350 per night via The Eastern
Moody, mellow and minimalist, less is definitely more inside this Alpine cabin on the Thredbo River. Cedar Cabin was recently short-listed in the Australian Interior Design Awards for its pared-back interiors which blend Aussie and Scandinavian features, including vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and Scandinavian furniture by Menu x Norm Architects. Large windows have views of Mount Kosciuszko and the river below, and there’s a Japanese-style Onsen for enjoying a hot soak after time on the slopes – the cabin is a short walk from Thredbo’s village centre, its chair lift and ski slopes.
Field Studios in Crackenback, Snowy Mountains
Sleeps 2; from $320 per night via Airbnb
Tucked away in the Snowy Mountains, around 15 minutes drive from Thredbo and 10 minutes from Jindabyne, the Field Studios in Crackenback bed into the rugged terrain and mimic the agricultural forms you’d find on an Aussie farm. The timber and corrugated iron mountain huts have modern interiors with an open-plan layout and large windows for taking in views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and ponds. A cosy fireplace heats the living spaces and a clawfoot bathtub for thawing out after a ski session. Guests can also select to have a private chef cook for them and your furry friends are also welcome.
Oak Apartment in Thredbo, Snowy Mountains
Sleeps 2; from $350 per night via The Eastern
Oak Apartment is an Alpine hideaway on Mount Kosciuszko surrounded by silver gumtrees. From its mountainside position, the modern Thredbo holiday apartment has direct views of the highest peak in Australia. It has an open-plan design with Japandi-inspired interiors and furniture by Normann Copenhagen and Henry Wilson. Thredbo Village a five minute walk away.
The Post Office in Crackenback, Snowy Mountains
Sleeps 5; from $480 per night via Tinkersfield
This converted post office in Crackenback is bursting with old-world charm. The rustic High Country cottage is built from timber, brick, and corrugated iron and has been gently modified for its new role in hosting guests. Close the window shutters and put a log on the open brick fireplace, and enjoy the flickering light dance across the rustic timber walls.
But it’s not just for staying in: The Post Office is close to the ski slopes and Lake Jindabyne and is enveloped in rugged terrain that’s ideal for horseriding. Guests can also go fishing or mountain biking in warmer months.
