How I Host

The Clifftop Tasmanian House Named Airbnb’s Most Unique Stay

The Winged House is an architecturally magnificent home turned accommodation perched on the edge of a Tasmanian cliff with its wings outstretched.

14 years after its completion, the home’s enduring design by architect and artist Richard Goodwin continues to impress, taking out Most Unique Stay at the recently announced 2022 Airbnb Host Awards.

The Winged House owner and Walkley award-winning journalist Quentin Dempster shares how the home came to be, and his tips for standing out when hosting on Airbnb. 

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
SUPPORTED BY AIRBNB

The Winged House is an architectural home in Table Cape, Tasmania that was recently named Airbnb’s Most Unique Stay. Photo – Bec Baxter

The house was designed by Richard Goodwin to offer dramatic views of the ocean beyond. Photo – Bec Baxter

Sydney-based designers, Guy Dempster (son of owner, Quentin Dempster) and his partner Otis Ng are regular guests at The Winged House! Photo – Bec Baxter

You can see the curvature of the earth over Bass Strait from this vantage point. So you walk in to spectacular, wow views and a feng shui which has a welcoming feel in every room,’ says property owner and Airbnb host Quentin Dempster. Photo – Bec Baxter

The Winged House quickly attracted guests, which accelerated further after the property was listed on Airbnb. Photo – Bec Baxter

On being named Most Unique Stay at the 2022 Airbnb Host Awards, Quentin calls the property an overnight sensation that’s taken 14 years of hard work. Photo – Bec Baxter

The Japanese-style bath. Photo – Bec Baxter

Every room in the home as an ocean view. Photo – Bec Baxter

The house contains two bedrooms with en suites. Photo – Bec Baxter

The owners have worked to restore the land around the property. Photo – Bec Baxter

Inspired by the concept of a zinc monoplane wing, the house cantilevers above a cliff, initially appearing as a giant moth or bird poised to take off. Photo – Bec Baxter

The home’s enduring design by architect and artist Richard Goodwin continues to impress today. Photo – Bec Baxter

Writer
Lucy Feagins
26th of October 2022

The Winged House in Table Cape, Tasmania is as much an art installation as it is an award-winning Airbnb accommodation. 

Inspired by the concept of a zinc monoplane wing, the house cantilevers above a cliff, initially appearing as a ‘giant moth or bird poised to take off,’ in the words of the owner Quentin Dempster. 

Quentin is a journalist and former 30-year veteran of the ABC who purchased the site in the state’s north west site in 2007. The short-stay accommodation boom was yet to hit Tasmania at the time, but Quentin saw potential in exploring the clifftop, waterfront site as tourist accommodation. 

Quentin downsized his Sydney family home to free up funds for the project, headed by artist and architect Richard Goodwin, with engineer Harry Partridge, and builder John de Jong.

Playing on the idea of a wing as both an aeroplane and eagle, the topographical extremes of the site required the house to hover above the cliff, with only its ‘claws’ penetrating deep into the ground.

The Winged House quickly attracted guests, which accelerated further after the property was listed on Airbnb. ‘We found the public trusted Airbnb as did the hosts,’ Quentin says. 

A stay at The Winged House sells itself with its dramatic views of waves breaking on rocks to the east, and Rocky Cape National Park to the west. ‘You can see the curvature of the earth over Bass Strait from this vantage point. So you walk in to spectacular, wow views and a feng shui which has a welcoming feel in every room.’

On being named Most Unique Stay at the 2022 Airbnb Host Awards, Quentin calls the property an overnight sensation that’s taken 14 years of hard work.

Guests at The Winged House can expect a uniquely architectural home with a breathtaking 180 degree perspective of ever changing light, cloud formations, eagles, and the occasional seal.

Quentin’s Top Tips For Hosting the Ultimate Airbnb listing

– Ask guests for genuine feedback on how you can improve the property and the experience. After speaking to guests, we began stocking the pantry and offering complimentary local wine and olive oil.

– Invest in a cleaner, gardener, and a local manager if you’re not located nearby. Our team has made all the difference to the efficient operation and preparation of the house for each guest reservation.

– Provide accurate descriptions of what’s on offer so you build up a credibility and reliability.

– Recommend local businesses and services to guests. We have what we call ‘dial-a-cray’, ‘dial-a-massage’ and ‘dial-a-chef.’

– Be warm and generous!

Click here to discover our 8 simple tips for setting-up and hosting your own Airbnb listing! Or, visit Airbnb for extra hosting tips!