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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!
