I met up with Slav (the owner) to see the party house yesterday.
We needed more details about the house and the rooms, and since I'm down the road and the owner so nice and accommodating we made the trip up late in the afternoon to see him and the house.
I googled the address and sure enough it is an easy walk to Echo point and The Three Sisters, but it's a much more considerable walk to the station. There's buses, taxis and uber to help you get around Katoomba, but if you don't mind walking it's totally do able.
The Echo point end (where the house is located) is where the nicer tourist spots and accommodation are. Lilianfels, Echoes and Echoe Point; Scenic World is also over this end of Katoomba although it's over on the side a bit.
On the way over I kept praying that it was up to a certain standard. I really wanted everyone to have a nice place to stay in. We went from a city location with Harbour views, to a glass boat, to a house boat, to an AirBnb in Katoomba.... so you know... I just didn't want standards dropping any further.
Our party house
We drove up to a wide and very quiet street. The house is certainly a presence on that street and cannot be missed, especially with it's bright red door bouncing off the grey of the house.
As you walk to the front door you see the first bedroom, one of only 2 with a queen bed. You'll also notice the big deck at the front over looking the reserve.
The doorbell didn't work and there was no answer after my knock so we walked up the big long driveway (plenty of parking here!) to find Slav doing the laundry.
Slav is a gorgeous, kind man, with bright eyes and fabulous energy about him. I liked him immediately, which was no surprise as he is great with his communication via txt and email.
My search parameters for the party house was quite simple.
- In Katoomba = Tourist central, so the party doubles as a weekend away for everyone.
- Can fit as many people as possible = Sleeps 13 is good!
- Must have solid reviews = and it did!
Although I saw photos of the house and the floor plan I still had some doubts regarding furnishings, comfort and sleeping arrangements. So I was nervous and hopeful at the same time.
After the pleasantries, Slav took us in to the granny flat.
The Granny Flat (3 people)
"Granny Flats" in Australia is a separate, self contained living accommodation for elderly relatives, thus the name "granny flat".
As you enter the flat, the first thing you see are the washing machine, toilet and shower.
I'm hoping the state of it was due to him being in the middle of laundry and that when everyone arrives it will be tidy, preferably spotless.
This is also the laundry area for the property.
The room following is a small, in between, bedroom with a single bed and a trundle.
In the living area is another bed.
And a small kitchen, so those who want a late night cuppa don't have to go in the main house to get it.
The granny flat lives up to it's name and it totally self contained. Inside was tidy and the kitchen, although small, was nice to have. I don't remember seeing a TV in here though.
Main House : Level One (6 people)
We entered the main house via the back door not knowing what to expect after seeing the granny flat. But to my surprise and delight, I walked in to charm central!
The spiral staircase was gorgeous, the little touches all around and decor, all spoke of a house that is fun, loved and has loads of personality. Yay!
The first thing I noticed when we walked in to the dining room was the newish renovated kitchen with it's serious looking gas cooktop and that amazing backsplash.
On the other side was a bookshelf wall where the small stereo system sat.
Opposite that wall was a small flat screen TV.
Sorry for the photo quality and lack of photos! I was trying to make it quick since it was late and I didn't want to impose too much.
We headed down the hallway towards the front of the house. On the left was a bathroom with a spa bath and on the right a bedroom with 2 single beds and 1 trundle.
Slav told us the beds are very easy to move. I'm assuming this is to say if we wanted to, with the exception of the trundle, this could be a couples room if we push the beds together.
Otherwise, this room can sleep 3 people.
Further down the hall is the bedroom I could look into from the front deck with it's queen bed.
Walking past the lounge room on the way to the stairs Slav mentioned the sofa bed can also sleep 1 person.
Main House : Level Two (5 people)
The first thing I noticed about level two was the pull out sofa bed in the corner of the living room. Compared to the rest of the house this area is pretty sparse, although still with it's charms.
It was great to see a bathroom on this level.
I love that there are 3 bathrooms here. I cannot imagine 13 people sharing 1 bathroom.
On the right was the first bedroom with 2 single beds.
And straight ahead was the last bedroom with a queen size bed.
This is the only bedroom with a balcony.
Prior to leaving the room, Slav pointed out two big single "mattresses" in the wardrobe, saying they can also be used if we need them.
Room/Bed breakdown
To sum it all up this what we have.
| SECTION | PROPER | OTHER |
|---|---|---|
| GRANNY FLAT | 2 Single Beds | 1 Trundle |
| LEVEL 1 | 2 Single Beds, 1 Queen | 1 Trundle, 1 Sofa Bed |
| LEVEL 2 | 2 Single Beds, 1 Queen | 1 Sofa Bed, 2 Mattresses |
| TOTAL # | 10 | 6 |
Ok so here's the thing..
We are booked for 13 but by my count there are only 10 people who'll be sleeping on proper beds.
On the other hand instead of sleeping 13, it can actually sleep 16, maybe 18 if people want to double up on the sofa beds.
Overall
Aside from only having, technically, 8 beds I like how there's plenty of space for everyone.
Each section had their own living space, the front deck is another spot to hang out at, and then there's the small courtyard at the back.
The 3 bathrooms is great. Yep, I'm back on to that. I really think that's important. I even considered moving the party there instead of my house because of that. Who knows it could still happen.
Drawbacks about it being the party venue is it's very close to the neighbours and there's really not much room for more than 13 inside any of the living spaces. And there's no view on the property, that said the best view of all is just a walk away.
So decisions decisions. As per usual I'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
I hope this breakdown helps those thinking about coming. The beds are limited so if you're really keen, better call dibs or dm @mattclarke or myself for details.
I know Matt has been trying to work out the accommodation side of things and I'm glad it's him and not me.
Just curious though.
Hands up if you are coming and wont need accommodation.
Hands up if you're coming and will need accommodation.
Because we need to figure out the tickets and fundraising.
Will the tickets include accommodation, food and alcohol? Or will we have separate tickets for accommodation and food & alco?
There are other things we will need money for like group activities, group bus/transport, Team Australia Christmas gift bags, band? photo booth?
I'd love to hear your thoughts about it all so please weigh in and leave a comment.
❤ Arly