The couple behind a stunning wilderness retreat deep in far south Tasmania have shared the 10 lessons they learned while renovating their boutique luxury accommodation.
The Voyager is an immaculately refurbished, adult-only, two-story cabin on the waterfront south of the seaside town of Dover in Strathblane.
It was a labor of love for Megan Newbery, 33, and her partner, who spent years juggling busy weekday jobs in Melbourne to transform the old shack into the incredible space you see today.
But now their hard work is paying off — as the cabin is available to rent on Airbnb and guests flock through the secluded doors year-round.
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The couple behind a stunning wilderness retreat deep in far south Tasmania have shared 10 lessons they learned while renovating their luxury boutique accommodation (pictured at The Voyager in Tasmania).
The Voyager consists of an immaculately refurbished, two-story, adults-only waterfront cabin located 10 minutes south of the seaside town of Dover in Strathblane (interiors shown).
It was a labor of love for Megan Newbery, 33, and her partner, who spent years juggling busy weekday jobs in Melbourne and turning the old shack into the incredible space you see today (kitchen pictured).
“We’ve learned so much on our journey, much through trial and error,” Megan told FEMAIL.
One of the key lessons they learned during the renovation was that you have to put in time – and lots of it – to make sure things get done right.
“Give yourself more time,” Megan said.
“No matter what timeframe a trade or supplier gives you, at least add a few extra days for the unexpected, and things that are 100% going to go wrong.”
Second, Megan said you should have a “chart in every single room,” along with the tasks you want to complete and estimated completion dates.
That way, you can both see what you need to do while the crafters see what’s next.
According to Megan, every aspect has been carefully designed and consciously chosen to create a balanced mix of rustic charm and modern comfort (interiors shown).
The 10 Renovation Lessons Everyone Needs to Know
1. Give yourself extra time: Allow at least a few extra days for things that are going to go wrong.
2. Create a spreadsheet for each room: Use this to record the tasks you want to complete and the expected completion dates.
3. Write it all down: This includes scope of work, plans, costs and expected completion dates.
4. Visual Examples are Key: No matter how bad your sketch is, draw what you have in mind.
5. Backward Timeline: This starts with the completion date and works backwards so you can see what you’re dealing with.
6. Get three quotes: Make sure you do this for everything, no exceptions.
7. Remember that some things will go wrong: take a deep breath and be rational about it.
8. Document every step: This is because you want to look back on everything for years to come.
9. Stick to your budget: You should also have an emergency budget ready, otherwise things can go wrong.
10. Be on site if possible: If you are not there, you can make mistakes. Try to be there as often as possible.
One of the key lessons they learned during the renovation was that it takes time – and a lot of it – to make sure things get done right (interiors pictured).
Second, Megan said you should have a “chart in each individual room” next to the tasks you want to complete and estimated completion dates (interior rooms pictured).
The third thing Megan said she learned while renovating the beautiful Voyager estate is a no-brainer, but it’s still so often forgotten.
She said it was imperative that you “write everything down,” including scope of work, plans, cost and expected completion dates.
This helps because if plans go awry you can always refer back to your notes and it also helps avoid disappointment as it means everything is clear and everyone is on the same page.
“Visual examples are key no matter how crappy your little sketch is,” Megan added.
Draw what you envision instead of describing it for best results.
Megan from The Voyager recommends that you always have visual examples as a little drawing will always help others understand what they need to do
Elsewhere, the talented home renovator said you should run the timeline backwards so you’re working backwards from your completion date to see how things should be done
Elsewhere, the talented home renovator said you should run the timeline backwards so you’re working backwards from your completion date to see how things should be done.
You should also “get three quotes, no exceptions”, remember that some things will go wrong and you need to take a deep breath and document each small stage of the process because you’ll want to look back on it in years to come.
“Stick to your budget,” Megan added, saying you should have an emergency budget as things can go wrong.
She concluded by saying that you should be there as often as possible because if you are not there, mistakes will be made and omissions will happen.
“Most can be repaired, but it costs you time – matched only by money,” she said.
From the timbers for the rustic doors, walls and skirting, salvaged from reclaimed jetties at Launceston and Dover, to the original Tasmanian oak floors, Voyager effortlessly blends Tasmanian heritage with European touches (pictured).
You should also “get three quotes, no exceptions”, remember that some things will go wrong and you need to take a deep breath and document each small stage of the process because you’ll want to look back on it in years to come
The Voyager starts at $600 per night for two, but sleeps up to eight (one of the bedrooms pictured).
Located just meters from the Esperance River, Voyager is brimming with Tasmanian heritage.
According to Megan, every aspect has been carefully designed and consciously chosen to create a balanced mix of rustic charm and modern comfort.
From the timbers for the rustic doors, walls and baseboards, salvaged from reclaimed jetties at Launceston and Dover, to the original Tasmanian oak floors, it effortlessly blends this heritage with several European elements.
For example, the large rustic dining table is an original piece from an 18th-century French monastery and there are Moroccan hand-made white ceramic terracotta tiles.
Those lucky enough to stay at the property gave it enthusiastic reviews on Airbnb, where it was described as a “little slice of paradise” and “beautiful” (exterior view).
Those lucky enough to stay at the property gave it enthusiastic reviews on Airbnb, where it was described as a “little slice of paradise” and “beautiful.”
“Ridiculously stunning!” one person wrote.
“We had big plans to explore the area during our stay but upon entering this home we felt so relaxed and spent days loving the space and kayaking on the river. We had an incredible time!’
Another added: “Voyager is absolutely picture perfect with incredible views from every window in the house. Complete seclusion and privacy in a stunning waterfront location.’
The Voyager starts at $600 per night for two people, but can accommodate up to eight people.
More information about The Voyager can be found here.