If there was an app that matched people with houses, then there is no doubt it would match Julee with her new home in the creative and somewhat quirky inner-city suburb of Carrington.

Newcastle born and bred Julee, better known as ‘Dahling’ to her adult children, grandchildren and inner circle, lives a busy, colourful and vibrant life. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

In December 2022, she found the second love of her life, the first being her husband, Colin (or Gonzo as he was known), who passed away fourteen years ago. This new love came in the form of her forever home in the heart of Carrington, sitting amongst cafes, restaurants, and boutiques and a stone’s throw from Newcastle harbour.

Julee and Colin spent their years together trading in antiques out of their Islington shopfront, As Time Goes By. Julee sees herself as a rescuer of the discarded, someone who sees the treasure and not the trash.

Her collection is an eclectic mix of old and new furniture, art, and decor, with every item having a story behind it.

When I ask Julee about her approach to sourcing her pieces, she tells me,

“I like to have eclectic stuff in my home. It’s a bit wild! We would find things that touch our hearts. We would adopt things. It makes me sad when people get rid of things.

“Every couple of years, my close friend who lives in England and I do a ‘Thelma and Louise’ and travel together. Our most recent trip took us to Budapest, where I found some great pieces to bring home. I always find things when I travel.”

In addition to Julee’s interest in the antique trade, she was also responsible for the launch of Keune hair products in Australia, and 29 years on, she still works as their sales manager. Being on the road so much for work is an opportunity to visit op shops far and wide and her keen eye has never let her down. Some of her favourite pieces have been found in vintage or secondhand shops around the countryside.

Julee has combined all of her talents to lovingly create a boutique accommodation and event space in her private festooned courtyard with a free-standing double storey adults-only retreat.

Welcome to Dahlington on Young.

Let’s start with the classically beautiful, private black and white checkerboard tiled courtyard with wrought iron furniture, climbing vines, and festoon lights. 

Did someone say high tea? Or how about secret elopement? 

Yes, that’s right – elopement. Julee is also an in-demand wedding celebrant and has created her very own delightfully romantic venue for an intimate ceremony.

For additional photo opportunities, Julee will also open up the upstairs living room and guest bedroom in her private residence to capture the perfect shots. These rooms are furnished and decorated exactly how you would expect, filled with collectibles including vintage lamps, sumptuous furniture, and eye-catching art.

Adjacent to the courtyard sits Julee’s BNB, ‘Dahlington on Young’, named after her moniker, Dahling.

Dahlington on Young is a delightfully adult retreat, where every creature comfort has been anticipated and catered for. It’s an invitation into Julee’s carefully curated world. Into her happy place. It’s a little bit mad, with a whole lot of luxury and oh so welcoming.

The inspiration for the decor was one of Julee’s favourite pieces of art – a canvas of flying cats and birds. It was this, combined with her enthusiasm for all things royal, that formed the framework moving forward for her selections.

The cushions on the bed were found in Budapest and they work perfectly with the gold crown hanging on the adjacent wall and the drink tray with a picture of the queen hanging on the opposite wall. The showpiece above the bed is a statement antler chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling.

Downstairs is a brand new kitchenette and renovated, light-filled bathroom stocked with plush towels and luxury toiletries from Mor and Keune.

A sweet dining table for 2, complete with a ‘reserved’ sign for that cafe vibe sits underneath a neon ‘hamburger’ sign. Gold monkeys hang from the crisp white walls, holding light globes and the grill of an old Morris 8 sits upstairs alongside a polished hubcap. Look closely enough and you’ll discover a white replica pistol on a wall shooting an array of greenery from the garden.

Between the two leather winged-back chairs upstairs you’ll see an old parking meter, accessorised on the coffee table with a book by ex-parking cop, Arthur Birch, who explains in detail the many ways to get out of paying parking fines.

You could stay here for a week and still discover something new and interesting every day. It’s a treat for eyes and the soul.

At the end of the day, slip into one of the plush Adairs Bathrobes and supplied slippers and take your choice from the pillow menu before sinking into the sumptuous bed for an indulgent night of restful slumber.

Greet the new day with a gourmet breakfast tray lovingly prepared by Carrington’s new Darling, Julee.

Describing her aesthetic, Julee explains,

“It’s our family. That’s who we are. There is a sense of humour. I want my guests to come in and have fun and to feel like they’re in a different world.”

Now taking bookings for accommodation, high teas, private dining, and intimate events, you can find more information on the website, Instagram, Facebook, or book directly on Airbnb.