Old motel given modern glow-up, bringing a Spanish touch to NSW seaside haven
Turning crumbling old motels into cool, retro-style places to stay has become a big trend - and not just because of hit TV show Schitt's Creek.
An old block of holiday apartments on the NSW South Coast is the latest to get a glow-up.
The old Kon Tiki hotel in Batemans Bay has been transformed into a new motel called Casita.
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Yanna said the old motel was in a terrible state when they took it over. Records show it was sold for $1.08m in 2017. Raine and Horne
Yanna Dascarolis already owns another motel, The Isla, and decided to do up the place with friends.
Like The Isla, Casita - which translates to "little house" in Spanish - pays homage to the owners' European roots.
It aims to be a modern and stylish motel while giving a sentimental nod to the quintessential Australian beach holiday of days gone by.
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The old Kon Tiki hotel in Batemans Bay has been transformed into a new motel called Casita. Supplied
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Yanna said the old motel was in a terrible state when they took it over.
Records show it was sold for $1.08m in 2017.
"The apartments were in terrible condition, with dilapidated kitchens, worn carpet throughout and original bathrooms," she said.
"Externally everything was painted bright Santorini blue and beige."
Now the outside has a cute, retro look.
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The motel is on Beach Road in Batehaven, a four-hour drive south of Sydney. Supplied
The motel is on Beach Road in Batehaven, a four-hour drive south of Sydney.
With families and larger groups in mind, the motel has seven two-bedroom suites.
The Familia Suite is perfect for families with small children, with two bedrooms, one featuring bunk-beds and an additional single, and a courtyard.
Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen and modern amenities.
All have smart TVs with Chromecast, luxury bathroom amenities from Leif, St Ali coffee pods, T2 teas and high-speed internet.
Guests can also use a communal outdoor area which includes a laundry, outdoor shower and BBQ.
The interior design of Casita is the vision of local studio, Clay Interiors, which blends the natural beauty of the South Coast landscape with moodier, nostalgic tones inspired by Europe. South Coast Supplied
There's also easy access to the beach and a fenced playground, which is a two-minute walk away.
The interior design of Casita is the vision of local studio, Clay Interiors, which blends the natural beauty of the South Coast landscape with moodier, nostalgic tones inspired by Europe.
Rooms are adorned with art by Melbourne artist Dan Rushford.
"We've designed Casita to be a home-away-from-home," Yanna said.
"A place for small gatherings and laid-back family adventures.
The Familia Suite is perfect for families with small children, with two bedrooms, one featuring bunk-beds and an additional single, and a private courtyard. Supplied
"Our aim is to provide a much-needed accommodation option in Batemans Bay, catering to the many larger groups and families visiting the area.
"With the opening of Casita, visitors have an alternative to the traditional holiday cabins, combining the luxury of hotel amenities with the comfort and space of a private apartment-sized suite."
Suites start from $250 per night with a 15 per cent discount on weekly stays outside peak summer months.
