Our very own Newcastle East has become increasingly popular for holiday goers, sea change searchers, and local business growth. Surrounded by some of our iconic beaches, buzzing with coastal energy, and booming with top-tier hospitality offerings.

In 2014, Lake Macquarie local and now Newcastle resident, Travis Keegan, jumped on the opportunity to purchase one of the very few East End terraces. After spending the following 12 months injecting some much-needed personality and life into the home,  Habitat in Newcastle East was born.

“It was so rough when I got it. It was just this old dingy den. There was one little room at the front, then another little room, then the kitchen; that’s all there was downstairs. Then upstairs, the layout is similar to how it is now with just the two bedrooms upstairs.

“It was SO cheap at the time. I pretty much knocked it down as soon as I bought it and rebuilt myself with some help from friends,” says Travis.

Today, the property officially runs as an Airbnb holiday home for visitors wanting to be right on the doorstep of all the best things Newcastle has to offer. Ideal for a short weekend away, a surfing trip, a family catch-up, or a work trip with some lifestyle balance.

Stepping into the terrace, you’re welcomed into the lightest, brightest, and most welcoming living space anyone could fit into the 3.6m wide space. From the front door, you can see all the way through into the courtyard, and even up the stairs to the bedrooms.

“I needed to leave the stairs open and airy so that you could see through them into the rest of the space. When I designed the house, I wanted to make sure that wherever you stood, you would be able to look outside. Even if you’re standing on the stairs, you can look up through the skylight and you can still see outside.”

The design is kept simple and minimal featuring a neutral palette and soft timber finishes throughout. The airy architecturally designed terrace offers all that you would want to experience and indulge in for a coastal getaway.

“I have always loved raw materials, concrete, and plywood. I also love Japanese architecture and design; simplicity and minimal design have been a huge inspiration for this space.”

Working alongside local artist and interior designer, Inari Myers, Habitat at Newcastle East has been styled to perfection with natural soft furnishings dotted throughout the property.

The two-storey property itself features an open and airy downstairs living space with each space effortlessly flowing to the next. The open living, lounge, and dining area connects through to the galley-style kitchen with café style windows running alongside the exterior; the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or evening drink.

Wander outside into the private courtyard that comes complete with all the supplies for a surfer’s paradise, an outdoor shower, and a surfboard rack.

Like the rest of the space, the detail in the bathroom is streamlined and somewhat hidden from the rest of the living area. Is it time to wander upstairs yet?

When you can finally peel yourself away from the relaxed interiors of downstairs, escape into the second storey where you’ll find two beautifully curated queen bedrooms; each with their own signature style.

The sunlit master bedroom features a large plywood desk under bifold windows, perfect for letting those afternoon sea breezes float on through.

Across the landing, step inside the second queen bedroom that opens up to its own secluded balcony; ideal for a quiet spot to read or to enjoy a morning coffee.

“My favourite room is that upstairs front bedroom at around 4pm in the afternoon when the sun comes straight in. You can lie on that bed and just watch the rays work their way through the bedroom.”

Throughout the entire property, you can notice Travis’s hand-selected artwork; all of which have been created by local artists. Currently, guests can enjoy works from Nick Stewart of Olas One, Bronte Naylor, and Elliot Routledge of Fun Studios.

“I’ve tried to fill the space with heaps of local artists. I’m hoping to rotate that every few months so visitors will always have something new and local to experience. I also like to leave a lot of my records here for visitors to utilise.”

The minimal home away from home comes with all the necessities you’d want for a getaway. With full linen available, air conditioning throughout, WIFI, smart TV, all the kitchen bells and whistles, as well as laundry and bathroom amenities; Habitat at Newcastle Beach comes complete with it all.

For those new to Newcastle, you will quite literally be within walking distance of all the things that Newcastle East is known for. Explore the surf breaks at Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Beach, pick up coffee and breakfast from Estabar or The Kiosk, and treat yourself to dinner eats from Scotties or The Grain Store.

“It’s the community of people here in Newcastle East that I love. The surf and the laidback lifestyle are unparalleled. The people and the community in our East End are just beautiful and I love that. Everyone that’s in here, looks after one another.

“The ease and convenience that this space provides for a lifestyle are amazing. You can just park your car, and you don’t need to drive it again all weekend. You can walk to get a coffee, walk to the beach, walk to catch up with friends, and walk to dinner; everything is so easy.”

Since launching in November 2022, Habitat at Newcastle Beach has been booked every week. Whether you’re looking for a holiday at home or know of someone looking to get their Newcastle fix, the offering at Habitat at Newcastle Beach is truly unique.