‘Windows’ studio hideaway in bustling Islington

‘Windows’ is a bright and charming self-contained studio conversion with its own private entrance. It sits in a quiet lane a few minutes walk from Islington Park in one direction or the busy Beaumont street precinct and Hamilton Station in the other. The area is described as ‘eclectic’ .. full of antique shops, coffee roasters and quirky cafes, smart home wares, locally designed and made clothes and craft shops. ‘Windows’ is named after the life-size oil painting by Sydney-based artist Mary Pinnock. It dominates one wall and you will see many other windows, real and mirrored, in this stylish large room with separate ensuite shower. There is a queen-size bed with firm but plush mattress top and a choice of four different pillow types. All linen is cotton/bamboo .. soft and cool. Two arm chairs and a small two-seater lounge can be used inside or out. There is a breakfast bar with two stools or place the dining table and chairs wherever you prefer. A passage to the main house on Fern Street is through a locked door to be used in emergencies only. This area makes a convenient luggage storage and clothes hanging space with a separate door into the ensuite bathroom with shower. Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are provided. A hand wash dispenser and plenty of towels surround the vanity unit. There is a well-equipped kitchenette with bi-fold windows opening to an exterior breakfast bar. A cappuccino machine and ground coffee is available to try your hand (or show your hand) as a Barista. A fridge with separate freezer box, and combination oven/microwave are tucked away beneath the large bench top. There is a ceramic hob and oven with grill. On one wall there is a very efficient air conditioner supported by a large ceiling fan. French doors open onto a private courtyard large enough to park a small car (although we recommend using the free local street parking). This courtyard is our guests private space with a dividing fence to the main house and automatic roller door to the lane. The studio, ensuit shower/bathroom and courtyard are for the sole use of guests. This area is separate and private from the main house. We live only four minutes walk away and are happy to meet our guests and help with any queries or needs. Islington is a bustling family friendly village although at night it transforms into a live music loving drawcard for all ages. The busy Beaumont Street precinct is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. At our Islington end of Beaumont Street it is known for its antique shops, coffee roasters (like Suspension and Peaberrys) and creatives (clothes, leather and furniture makers). Cross the road and you enter Islington Park where Throsby Creek and the shared pedestrian/cycleway leads you to the harbour and beaches of Newcastle. From steel manufacturing to creating sculptures from steel. The hub of creativity who work and display from the Creator Incubator (a 20 minute walk away) is a good example of the turnaround in the culture of the region in recent decades. Islington was founded in the 1870s primarily as a suburb of Newcastle and the Hunter Region supporting workers and managers for the busy mining and later steel industries. In 1999 BHP closed its steel manufacturing facilities which devastated the livelihood and culture of the city of Newcastle. Twenty years later the area is thriving. It has transformed into a vibrant area loved by the many students, families and oldies (like ourselves) who live in and love Islington. ‘Windows’ is five minutes (or less) walk from Hamilton railway station (link to the light rail) and the main bus line which take you into Newcastle CBD and the string of glorious beaches. The station is also a main junction for trains inland to Maitland and beyond or north and south to Sydney or Brisbane. Traveling by car you will find access is easy in every direction either using the old Pacific Highway for more beaches (north and south) or head along Griffith Road for the Hunter Valley and the M1 to Sydney or Brisbane. Across the road a shared pedestrian/cycleway loops around Islington Park, along Throsby Creek and into the harbour and beaches. Or take on the myriad of cycle routes that take you north and south. The main house is leased to lovely tenants who are quiet and will naturally appreciate respect and privacy themselves. The TV is a TCL Smart TV and needs your own app subscription. There is no cable but an aerial, for free to air channels, as well as the broadband connection. The fridge/freezer is small and relatively new but low down - perhaps not easy for someone with mobility challenges. There is a light over the cooktop within the extraction unit. There are downlights with dimmer as well as the fan light and other lamps.