Cabins help meet demand for accommodation in Kenilworth

Manager Andrew Courtney, left, with owners Mark and Sophie Bingham at Kenilworth Country Cabins. 

Mark and Sophie Bingham spent years exploring the Sunshine Coast hinterland. On their travels they realised Kenilworth lacked the accommodation they were looking for. 

After a lot of feedback from locals suggesting accommodation was the number one issue in town,  they purchased a block.

And so, Kenilworth Country Cabins was born. The Ilkley couple held a pre-opening of the property’s six luxury self contained cabins on Saturday (January 14) and hoped to open to guests by the end of the month.

They hope to help the growing tourist town fill the demand for short-term holiday accommodation.

“Certainly accommodation was what kept coming up time and time again. A few luxury self-contained cabins seemed to be the way to go,” said Mark.

“To have six brand-new luxury self-contained cabins, right in the heart of town makes them quite unique.  There’s a few smaller Airbnbs around and, obviously, pub accommodation, but this is a little bit special.”

Mark said interest from wedding venues had been very promising. 

“Wedding venues are screaming for the accommodation for their guests and they have been in close contact,” he said. “There are a lot of guests in town either can’t find accommodation or they’re having to stay somewhere an hour away. 

“Sleepy little Kenilworth no more,” he said. “As well as weddings there are more and more festivals happening, like food and wine festivals. And everyone comes to town for a donut and trip to the cheese factory.”

And, of course, camping on the river was always a huge attraction. “There are a lot of people coming camping, but grandma and grandad don’t have a caravan, so Kenilworth Country Cabins gives them a place to stay as well.”

• Kenilworth Country Cabins includes six cabins, three one-bedders, one of which has wheelchair access, and three two-bedders. The two-bedders include bunks and a queen bed. All cabins are air-conditioned and self-contained. Prices are about $200-$300 a night. Address: 2 Philip Street. Phone 0431 889 758. www.kenilworthcountrycabins.com.au