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Airbnb Host Awards 2022: Former veteran ABC journalist Quentin Dempster's Tasmanian property wins Australia's 'best unique Airbnb'
By Katherine Scott
"As you drive into the property you think it's a giant moth or bird poised to take off," says Quentin Dempster of his award-winning Tasmanian property.
Quentin Dempster, journalist and former 30-year veteran of the ABC, has been named the winner of Airbnb's "best unique stay" for his property The Winged House on the Tasmanian coast.
The accolade was announced on Monday as part of the rental booking platform's Airbnb Host Awards, which spotlight hosts that go above and beyond for their guests.
The former 7.30 NSW presenter's winning Table Cape holiday rental was designed by renowned Australian artist and architect Richard Goodwin to look like a plane taking off from the edge of a cliff.
Veteran journalist Quentin Dempster.Credit: John Woudstra
"As you drive into the property you think it's a giant moth or bird poised to take off," said Dempster.
Inside The Winged House, every room features 180-degree views of the surrounding seascape.
The presenter and author, who still works as a freelance journalist, said the passion project was made possible after he and his wife downsized their Sydney home, freeing up funds to purchase the 2.3 hectare plot at Table Cape in 2007.
Every room features 180-degree views of the surrounding seascape.
He tapped friend and architect Goodwin to take a look at the site and see if he could do "something special" with it.
"Richard and engineer Harry Partridge worked on this platform idea with a zinc monoplane wing which would give us commanding and dramatic views of waves breaking on rocks to the north east and Rocky Cape national park to the west," said Dempster.
"We were thrilled when they pulled it off, particularly after Tassie master builder John de Jong accepted the geotechnical challenge in steel construction."
Australian artist and architect Richard Goodwin designed the property.
Dempster, who has a family connection to the region, said he and his wife used to take the kids to Tasmania each Easter for a number of years before laying down roots.
"My late father was born in Burnie so we've been able to reconnect with the Tassie locals," he said.
The property goes for $578 a night (including service fee) on weekends and is heavily booked until March next year.
The shared project has evolved into more than a tourism business; the couple has also cultivated an olive grove on the property, which they use to produce their own extra virgin olive oil, and make available to guests who stay at the house.
"In addition to the unique architecture, the Japanese bath and small touches like complimentary wine and our own extra virgin olive oil are what our guests mention made their stay special," he said.
"We're now also working on a small vineyard – producing riesling, pinot gris and gamay. Fingers crossed we can produce something quaffable to share with our guests."
Airbnb announced winners spanning six different hosting categories, which in addition to Dempster's 'best unique stay' award, included 'host of the year', 'best new host', 'best designed stay', 'best nature stay, and 'most magical experience'.
Winners were chosen based on factors such as guest ratings and reviews, with additional oversight from a panel of judges that included a "superhost" from Airbnb's global host advisory board, Merrydith Callegari, and Australia and New Zealand Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon.
Wheeldon said part of being a host is acting as an advocate for the regions and communities they live.
"These hosts are also helping to bring valuable tourist dollars to local businesses and support jobs," said Wheeldon.
"Being a host is not just about sharing a special place, it also allows people to showcase their local areas while having an opportunity to earn extra income to combat the rising cost of living."
Other winners included a luxury lakeside studio on a 15 acre property in Tasmania's Huon Valley, a 160-year-old converted barn imported from the USA and resettled in Victoria's Delatite Valley, a recycled eco-luxe shipping container in Lilydale, and a little-known waterway experience in the Noosa hinterland.
AIRBNB HOST AWARD WINNERS 2022
Host of the Year: Carla Dawes, Alstonvale, NSW
Best New Host: Peter Clarke, Franklin, Tas
Best Designed Stay: Katherine & Wade Harris, Merrijig, Vic
Best Unique Stay: Quentin Dempster, Table Cape, Tas
Best Nature Stay: Susie Aulich, Lilydale, Tas
Most Magical Experience: Paul Quincey, Noosaville, Qld
See also: 'No respect!': Why should I have to clean an Airbnb before I leave?
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