In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Kim Steele, founder of Seabrook Stays, to explore her 16-year journey in short-term rentals—from one coastal cottage to managing 60+ properties across Australia and the United States, all while keeping a hands-on, family-run approach.

The conversation opens with a jaw-dropping guest story involving a homeless intruder, a loft bedroom, and an unlocked door—a cautionary tale about smart locks, clear house rules, and proactive safety. Kim then shares how she transformed underperforming listings with better photography, marketing, and dynamic pricing; scaled operations with systems and a reliable team; expanded to the U.S. during COVID; and later refocused on a curated mix of owned and rental-arbitrage properties.

• Pre-Airbnb origins: agents, Stays.com.au, and DIY hospitality
• What actually moves the needle: photos, pricing, and messaging
• Scaling without losing quality: team, tech, and playbooks
• Risk and prevention: ID verification, access control, and guest screening
• Actionable advice for new and growing hosts

Whether you’re managing one home or many, you’ll find practical insights, cautionary tales, and inspiration to build a sustainable hosting business.

Links
Seabrook Stays: seabrookstays.com.au
Follow us on Instagram: @superhosts_down_under
Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

In this special episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray Yee and Silvia turn the spotlight on Ray’s own South Yarra property. For the first time, listeners get a deep dive into the design philosophy, guest experience, and lessons learned from running one of Melbourne’s most thoughtfully curated Airbnb studios.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• ​Behind the design: How Scandinavian minimalism and cozy textures inspired “Sweet Scandinavia,” Ray’s Airbnb apartment in South Yarra.
• ​Guest stories & challenges: Handling demanding guests during Melbourne’s F1, the importance of towel delivery photos, and lessons from guest communication.
• ​Studio vs. one-bedroom: Why Melbourne building regulations and “borrowed light” mean some apartments blur the line.
• ​The extras that matter: Lap pool, sauna, gym, rooftop terrace, custom workspace, and lighting design that shapes guest mood.
• ​Airbnb vs. hotels: Why guests increasingly choose well-designed Airbnbs over hotels for longer stays.
• ​Superhost advice: Ray’s hard-earned tips—keep it simple, focus on comfort, consider linen services, and use reliable key exchange systems.

Why It Matters

Whether you’re a new host, an experienced Superhost, or an investor curious about short-term rentals, this episode gives you actionable insights into:

• ​Maximizing small spaces through design and storage.
• ​Balancing lifestyle with hosting by using co-hosts and services.
• ​Building repeat bookings through thoughtful guest experiences.

Links & Resources

• ​Follow us on Instagram: @superhosts_down_under
• ​Ray’s South Yarra Property – View on Airbnb
• ​Silvia’s Property – View on Airbnb
• ​North Melbourne Property – View on Airbnb

Keywords for Discoverability

Airbnb hosting tips, Melbourne Superhosts, Scandinavian design Airbnb, South Yarra Airbnb, Airbnb vs hotels Melbourne, Airbnb host challenges, short-term rental tips Australia, cozy Airbnb design, Airbnb guest communication, Airbnb studio apartment Melbourne.

In this episode of "Superhost Down Under," we welcome Fei, the owner of Hazel Beach House, to share her journey from being an avid Airbnb guest to a successful host. Join us as we delve into the challenges and joys of managing a coastal property, the importance of community connections, and the art of creating a memorable guest experience. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Fei insights and stories offer valuable lessons on navigating the world of Airbnb. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical tips and heartfelt moments.

Fei’s Property

https://www.airbnb.com/l/B77AJ7aE

@hazelbythesea

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram: @superhostdownunder

Links to Ray and Silvia’s Properties:

Ray’s South Yarra Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5⁠

Silvia’s Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠

North Melbourne Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

In this episode of Superhost Down Under, we welcome Kim, a seasoned property management expert, to share her insights on managing Airbnb properties. From setting clear boundaries with guests to styling holiday homes, Kim offers invaluable advice for both new and experienced hosts. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of property management and enhance your hosting experience.

Key Topics:

The importance of setting boundaries with guests Tips for styling and managing holiday homes Challenges in property management and how to overcome them The role of communication in successful hosting

Guest Information: Kim is a property management expert with over a decade of experience. She runs Central Coast Beach Breaks, a boutique property management company. Learn more about her services at Central Coast Beach Breaks and follow her on

Instagram @central_coast_beach_breaks

https://centralcoastbeachbreaks.com.au

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under/

Links to Ray and Silvia’s Properties:Ray’s South Yarra Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5⁠ Silvia’s Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠North Melbourne Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Hashtags: #Airbnb #PropertyManagement #Superhost #CentralCoastBeachBreaks

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, we sit down with Kath and Philippe, hosts of a peaceful, art-filled retreat nestled in the foothills of Queensland’s picturesque Granite Belt.

Originally from France, Philippe brings his passion for art and antique restoration, while Kath shares her love of gardening, sustainability, and thoughtful hosting. Together, they’ve created a welcoming space that blends nature, culture, and comfort—offering guests a restorative escape from the city.

They share their journey of moving from the city to the countryside, their approach to hosting longer stays, and how they navigate everything from shared spaces to choosing the right guests. This episode is rich with heart, humour, and practical insights into what it means to host with intention.

Links to Ray and Silvia’s Properties:Ray’s South Yarra Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5

⁠Silvia’s Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠

North Melbourne Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, we speak with Marg, a superhost based in Mount Barker, South Australia. Marg is a vibrant artist, retired mediator, and theatre performer who welcomes guests into her quirky, history-filled home—Fettlers Cottage.

Marg shares her unique approach to live-in hosting, how she manages two Airbnb rooms with one shared bathroom, and why transparency, empathy, and human connection are key to her hosting style. We also hear stories of traveling guests, sharing spaces, and how Airbnb has brought friendship and creative energy into her life.

Whether you’re a live-in host or thinking of listing your cottage-style home, this episode is packed with reflections, practical tips, and heartwarming stories that will inspire you to open your doors with confidence and creativity.

Links to Ray and Silvia’s Properties:Ray’s South Yarra Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5⁠

Silvia’s Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠

North Melbourne Property – ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

In this episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, Jenny Gill joins Ray and Silvia to share her journey of growing from a side hustle into a full-time short-term rental business. With nine years of hosting experience, Jenny now manages four Sydney-based properties, each attracting different types of guests—ranging from solo travellers to families.

Jenny discusses the challenges of guest behavior, from unexpected messes to party situations, and how she uses Airbnb’s AirCover to protect her property and time. She also shares heartwarming stories, like helping a couple from Canada coordinate a gender reveal at the Sydney Opera House. Jenny emphasizes the value of communication, personalization, and responsiveness in providing 5-star guest experiences.

We talk about:

• Guests leaving properties in poor condition—and how to handle it
• Using AirCover for extra cleaning and damage compensation
• How Jenny transitioned from hosting her own properties to co-hosting others
• Managing four different properties in the Sydney area
• Guest screening, check-in logistics, and responding quickly to complaints
• Heartwarming moments like helping guests with special celebrations
• The value of personalized service and co-hosting partnerships

Featured Guest:
Jenny Gill — Superhost and Co-host based in Sydney, managing properties in Rushcutters Bay, Potts Point, and Surry Hills.

Links to Ray and Silvia’s Properties:
Ray’s South Yarra Property – https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5
Silvia’s Property – https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X
North Melbourne Property – https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Support the Podcast:
Thanks to our ongoing supporters for making this show possible. If you're enjoying the content, don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast with your hosting community.

This week on Airbnb Superhosts Down Under, we welcome Catharine, a seasoned Airbnb guest, devoted mum of two, and a voice every host should hear. With more than a decade of travel experience using Airbnb, Catharine shares what truly matters for families when booking a stay—from the small comforts that make a space feel like home, to the subtle touches that turn first-timers into repeat guests.

🎙️ In this episode:

• ​What families prioritize when choosing Airbnbs over hotels
• ​The emotional impact of thoughtful amenities like toys, kids’ cutlery, and practical layouts
• ​How Catharine’s daughter chose a familiar Airbnb over a birthday party
• ​Why smart locks and check-in simplicity can shape a guest’s first impression
• ​Dealing with “too much charm” — when quirkiness affects function
• ​Balancing honest reviews with empathy: how guests really think

This episode offers a refreshing flip of the mic—putting the guest’s voice front and center to inspire better hosting.

🏡 Featured Properties:

• ​South Yarra Property
• ​Silvia’s Shared Home
• ​North Melbourne Property

📲 Connect with Us:

Instagram – @superhostsdownunder

🎁 Sponsor:

KeyNest – Get 50% off your first month with coupon code: superhostpodcast50Visit KeyNest