This tiny house provides a slice of country life with unbeatable views

Robyn Zwar has always loved the views at Gundabluey. She purchased the 80-hectare cattle property at Blakney Creek, 23 kilometres from Yass in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales, twelve years ago.

“It’s a quiet, hardworking place, and I live here on my own, which gives me the space and focus to really connect with the land and the livestock,” Robyn tells Graziher. 

While she was admiring the peaceful, open space she calls home one afternoon, Robyn had an idea: what if she could offer a slice of this country paradise to other people?

“One day I thought, if I enjoy this so much, surely people who don’t live on the land would appreciate it too,” recalls Robyn.

That’s when Gundabluey Tiny Homes was born.

Robyn spent two years turning a shipping container into what would become The Barlow. She chose using a shipping container rather than building a tiny home from scratch to save both time and money.

“What drew me to using a shipping container was how solid and durable they are, they’re essentially a blank canvas made of steel,” explains Robyn. “From there, it was about transforming that industrial shell into something warm, functional, and uniquely mine.”

Located in the middle of a paddock, the house offers private panoramic views of the surrounding areas, which guests can take in while enjoying a glass of complimentary champagne while soaking in the outdoor bath.

A swingseat offers the perfect place to curl up with a good book, or watch the sunset, while the nearby heater keeps you toasty and warm.

“From the beginning, I had this vision of creating something that felt like a hotel room dropped right in the middle of a paddock — comfortable, stylish, but surrounded by open space and nature,” says Robyn.

“There are thoughtful little touches throughout the space to make their stay feel special, but the real magic is in the setting —right in the middle of a paddock, surrounded by animals and wide open skies. At night, they can relax in the outdoor bath on the veranda and watch the stars. It’s a simple, grounding experience that really connects people to the land.”

Inside, guests will find a queen size bed with local linens, fluffy bath towels, a two-burner stove, reversed cycle air-conditioning and a selection of luxury toiletries.

Robyn recommends guests take a day trip to nearby Murrumbateman, where they can enjoy a relaxed afternoon of tasting local wines or head twenty minutes down the road to The Royal Hotel in Dalton, where they can enjoy a selection of cocktails in the speakeasy-style lounge.

Since opening The Barlow, Robyn has welcomed a variety of guests from Canberra and Sydney who are seeking out a peaceful retreat for the weekend.

“It’s been really special to see how people use the space — I’ve had guests propose to their partners here and others celebrate anniversaries. There’s something about the quiet, the stars, and the surroundings that seems to make it the perfect setting for those meaningful moments,” says Robyn.

In 2026, Robyn is planning to open her second tiny home, Blakney Views, which will be a little larger than The Barlow and will include access to Wi-Fi, a small office nook, and some extra little luxuries to help guests stay a little longer.

“I’m really looking forward to offering guests another peaceful escape, with a bit more space and flexibility.”

For more information, visit the Gundabluey Tiny Homes website or follow on Instagram.

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