Early in 2019, artist Ingrid Daniell awoke to a vivid dream. ‘I was standing on the edge of a reef and a whale passed by rolling over to look at me… it was one of those beautiful dreams that stay with you, and you wish you could stay in,’ she says. It wasn’t until arriving at this Tasmanian beach shack a few months later that everything clicked into place. ‘It struck me that this was the setting of my dream.’
Ingrid and her husband, Clifton Daniell of Builtscape Design Construction, went on to purchase the 1980s shack and name it Whale Song – a reference not only to Ingrid’s dream, but the many whales that migrate along the property’s ocean doorstep each year.
The shack was structurally sound at the time of purchasing, although much of the decking, roof, windows and joinery needed replacing. Clifton designed the renovations himself, to be constructed by builder James Bennet.
‘James appreciated the simplicity of the renovation and worked at salvaging precious boards and ensuring the shack retained its original charm,’ says Ingrid. ‘We didn’t want to impact the shack too much and only wanted to work within the existing footprint and the shack itself. The beauty of the place is just that – it is a shack – and like all beach shacks it just needed a bit of TLC.’
These renovations have enhanced the property’s oceanfront location by introducing larger windows, an extended outdoor deck, fireplace, fire pit and outdoor bath.
Inspiration was drawn from other outstanding Tasmanian holiday homes (The Little Black Shack, Captains Rest, and Satellite Island among them); and advice from The Hosting Masterclass (an Airbnb hosting and styling course by fellow accommodation owner Sarah Andrews) that Ingrid undertook mid renovation,
Now open to guests as short-stay accommodation, Ingrid encourages visitors to connect with the Tasman Sea view at Whale Song at every opportunity.
‘Whale Song faces east so marking these moments from here really gives you the feeling you could touch the sky and you are alone with the magic of earth,’ she says. ‘It really is better than any show on TV… we honestly just stare at the ocean for hours. Time slips by effortlessly.’
The property sleeps up to four guests, and is also available for private diving events and elopements!
Book your stay at Whale Song
Whale Song is a beach shack designed purely for escapism and relaxation. Photography – Marnie Hawson
The accomodation is located in the small town of Falmouth (population 102) on Tasmania’s east coast. Photography – Marnie Hawson
Originally built by a local fisherman in the 1980s, current owners Ingrid and Clifton Daniell recently restored the property to highlight its charm and undisrupted ocean views. Photography – Marnie Hawson
Much of the decking, roof, windows and joinery have been replaced in renovations. Photography – Marnie Hawson
Clifton designed the renovation himself, which was constructed by James Bennet. Photography – Marnie Hawson
These renovations have enhanced the property’s oceanfront location by introducing larger window. Photography – Marnie Hawson
Cosy up around the fireplace in winter. Photography – Marnie Hawson
‘We didn’t want to impact the shack too much and only wanted to work within the existing footprint and the shack itself,’ says Ingrid of the renovation. Photography – Marnie Hawson
Inspiration was drawn from other outstanding Tasmanian holiday homes (The Little Black Shack, Captains Rest, and Satellite Island among them); and advice from The Hosting Masterclass (an Airbnb hosting and styling course by fellow accommodation owner Sarah Andrews) that Ingrid undertook mid renovation. Photography – Marnie Hawson
The property sleeps up to four guests across two bedrooms. Photography – Marnie Hawson
All bedding is provided and is 100% pure linen Photography – Marnie Hawson
‘I wanted the shack to be our home away from home. Pieces around the shack all have special meaning and memories,’ says Ingrid. Photography – Marnie Hawson
‘Guests, I think, love the connection to nature, the experience of staying in a shack on the edge of the Tasman Sea, the layers of love, comfort and the warmth and simplicity of the original space.’ Photography – Marnie Hawson
French doors opening onto the extended deck. Photography – Marnie Hawson
The outdoor fire pit, shower and bath all to relate to each other, providing multiple spaces to observe the elements while relaxing. Photography – Marnie Hawson
‘Sunrise and moonrise are an experience to behold, Whale Song faces east so marking these moments from here really gives you the feeling you could touch the sky and you are alone with the magic of earth.’ Photography – Marnie Hawson
