Set in the heart of Byron's Golden Grid, this once-rundown cottage is now an electric Bohemian dream den.
Melbourne-based interior designer Manola Laidlaw sees her projects as challenges: to create magical realms that make people feel like they've entered another world.
46B Ruskin Street sits within Byron Bay's coveted 'Golden Grid' in the centre of town. Picture: realestate.com.au
When she bought a ramshackle cottage smack in the middle of Byron's Bay's Golden Grid in 2017 for $1.45m, she had a rustic canvas begging for some magic.
"I tried to tap into that Byron Bay feel — Bohemian, eclectic, surrounded by nature. I got rid of the white and the beiges and the old floor, and I did a complete renovation; the whole place was changed," she said.
"Then I threw together different types of furniture pieces that don't work together, but they actually do — so when you're in there, you truly accommodate that feeling of no rules."
The home sits amongst the trees in a private, elevated laneway position just a short stroll to the town centre. Picture: realestate.com.au
The result is the four-storey rustic 'treehouse' at 46B Ruskin Lane, Byron Bay, now on the market for $3.25m as Ms Laidlaw eyes her next project.
Agent Bryce Cameron at Cape Byron Property said the place, which he describes as "Bohemian luxe", feels soulful and inviting.
"It's a standout in regards to having a very eclectic Bohemian style. The renovations and improvements use a very unique colour palette, and there are exposed copper pipes, whitewashed flooring, stained glass windows, vintage mirrors on the walls and lots of timber.
"It's well thought-out and put together yet also so rare that someone has this different approach to property. It's like an art piece."
The home has two kitchens, two open-plan living and dining areas, and off street parking for two cars. Picture: realestate.com.au
The character-filled hideaway has four bedrooms, two kitchens, two open plan living and dining areas spilling to a covered deck and patio.
The flexible layout creates a self-contained apartment on the lower-ground floor perfect for family, guests or potential dual living.
Ms Laidlaw has rented out the downstairs to a full-term tenant — a welcome income hack in a place where there's a 60-day annual limit on short-term rental accommodations like Airbnbs.
A meditation loft perched at the top of the home provides a true sanctuary above the treetops. Picture: realestate.com.au
Mr Cameron said this unique home is perfect for creatives, lifestyle buyers and those seeking something truly distinctive — and enables them to capitalise on holiday income while also utilising the property for their own fun.
Whimsical extras include a clawfoot bath for dreamy soaks, a master suite with its own private balcony, a treetop meditation loft and an outdoor shower hidden in the lush garden jungle.
Perched on 473sqm of tree-hugged land on a whisper-quiet laneway, the home is also moments from town buzz, sugar-sand beaches, markets and hip cafés.
Byron Bay's Golden Grid is a highly sought-after pocket within easy walk of the town centre and beach. Picture: realestate.com.au
Ms Laidlaw never planned to live here herself; she said she just wanted to fuel her imagination and provide a place that offered people that true sense of escape.
She also wanted to show how exciting renovations can be if you dare to be brave.
The four-bedroom home offers dual-income potential. Picture: realestate.com.au
"Often there's a lack of imagination, lack of creativity, people like to stay safe with renovations — but when people come to my property, they absolutely love it," she said.
"I want to show people, for God's sake, just break some rules."
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