Back in October 2020 I wrote another chapter of the blog, but never got around to posting it. Because it was written over 5 years ago I've updated with some recent info, but decided I'd post it as a memmory of where I was at at that time.
I'm back for a short update...Did I tell you? My van's name is...Bobby. The name was inspired from two things: a song title and it's singer!!! Anyone want to have a guess what the song is called, the singer's name and the connections that drew me to it 😎
Since arriving home to Albury in April 2020 after doing the loop, Bobby was parked on my front nature strip for around 4 months while I worked on getting a special home made for her. A great project to do through COVID lockdown.
Looking very at home there Bobby!!! I was pretty chuffed with the end result 😅
Once completed Bobby was backed into her new parking spot and just as she was settling in she was whisked off by my brother and his wife on a short trip up to Bateau Bay on the Central Coast of NSW, then out to Capertee Valley, Mudgee and Sofala on the Turon River. They had a great time and apart from my brother wrecking one of my new tyres by taking a corner too sharply over a gutter there were no other mishaps...well at least none as far as I'm aware of 🤪
Carol looking very at home on the Turon River at Sofala
The other project I did during the first few months of the COVID 19 lockdown was to rejig the layout of my home and separate it into two spaces. A large private space at the front of the house for rental, and a large private space at the back of the house for me!! I put it in the hands of a local serviced apartment agent and called it "Cullalo ArtHouse". Bookings opened at the end of October 2020. You can check out the website HERE.
It is available for short stay rentals through Airbnb, Booking.com, Homestay and Jane Evans from Albury Wodonga Apartments has been managing the unit for me since it's inception.
This is a link to Cullalo ArtHouse through Jane's website https://www.alburywodongaapartments.com.au/oneandtwo-bedrooms
There doesn't appear to be many art gallery airbnbs in Australia, especially in regional centre's so I set it up as a gallery environment and have around 6 local artists work displayed. I was hoping I'd sell a few paintings but to date I've only sold four works. Art gallery style AirBnB's are quite popular in Europe and capital cities throughout the world and the concept has proved to be very successful for me with constant tenants renting from two days to much longer term stays.
I also landscaped the front yard and turned it into a private courtyard for tenants to use. Keep it in mind as an accomodation solution whenever you are looking for accommodation for yourselves or family and friends. Just make sure you book directly with Jane, as the other booking portals charge a commission fee which is not included in Jane's pricing, if booked direct through her website.
Hope this finds you safe and well.
🥂Cheers
Anne