The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby
Absolute lakefront property in beautiful Smiths Lake on the NSW mid North Coast. Designed by the well known German architect, Hugh Buhrich, to maximise light and indoor/outdoor living, and recently renovated throughout. As the name suggests, The Art House is co-owned by a working artist, Agnes Harper, and the walls are adorned with her beautiful paintings of the local area and beyond.
The first thing you'll notice walking into The Art House (apart from the art!) is the stunning, uninterrupted lake views from every room. Watch the light change over the lake throughout the day as you relax, and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine.
Enjoy water sports right from your back garden with safe water access, kayaks and paddle boards.
With separate studio accomodation with ensuite and kitchenette alongside the main house, find the perfect balance of connection and privacy in The Art House's functional and beautiful Scandinavian feel.
Minutes away from Australia's most idyllic and pristine beaches, find the time to reconnect with yourself, your family and friends, and nature. Find space to breathe. This is what The Art House is for.
The Art House offers four Double bedrooms in total, three in the main house (one with ensuite), plus a self contained studio with one queen bed and one bunk bed. The property comfortably sleeps 8 adults, plus 2 additional children in total. All of the bedrooms have reverse cycle AC units.
Large open plan kitchen/dining/living area with expansive floor to ceiling windows, wood burner and easy access to the covered deck with gas BBQ, bar fridge and outdoor dining facilities and seating. Access from the deck to the wooded reserve leading down to the lake itself.
Upstairs mezzanine lounge area with ample seating, television, DVD player and AppleTV. Fast Starlink Wifi included.
Modern chefs kitchen with 3 ovens, microwave, steamer, induction cooktop, large fridge freezer and coffee machine. Generous stone top kitchen island with sink, bar seating and integrated dishwasher and bar fridge.
Chat (or drink!) with friends on the deck whilst watching the wild birds, read a book, or get active swimming in the lake, walking the shore or using the two kayaks and two stand up paddleboards that are provided for our guests (along with a number of life vests of various sizes). Boat or jet ski owners can also use the boat ramp in Smiths Lake (next to Frothy Coffee cafe) to access the lake. It is a water sports paradise!
The property is just minutes away by car from several world class ocean beaches including Seal Rocks (don't miss the easy walk up to the lighthouse - great for whale watching during the season), Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth (patrolled during the holiday season and great for swimming with younger kids) and Cellito. Forster is around 25 minutes drive with access to more beaches, shops, the beautiful estuary (oysters anyone?) and several fantastic bars and restaurants, including Pezzella's for authentic wood fired pizza and the wonderful Wharf Street Gin distillery (the oyster shell gin is perfect for dirty martini's!!). The beautiful Barrington Tops National Park is also an easy day trip from Smiths Lake.
Pillows, duvets and duvet covers, hand towels and tea towels are provided. Guests are required to bring their own bed linen and bath/beach towels.
Please message us with your booking enquiry, guests must agree to the property's rules and guidelines prior to booking confirmation.
If you are looking for a luxury break in an idyllic location just 3 hours from Sydney, look no further!
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please message when you are leaving the property on check out, and return the key to the key box
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-85474, 2428
About the area
Smiths Lake
Located in Smiths Lake, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bramble's Reserve and Wallingat National Park. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
Myall Lakes National Park - 13 min drive - 13.4 km
Forster-Tuncurry Golf Course - 27 min drive - 33.3 km
Forster Town Beach - 29 min drive - 36.4 km
Restaurants
The Beachhouse - 14 min drive
The Good Food Store - 10 min walk
Kembali Cafe - 10 min drive
Pacific Palms Bowling Club - 4 min drive
Twenty by Twelve Cafe + Foodstore - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby?
As of 21 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby on 8 June 2026 start from AU$549, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Art House. Beautiful lake house, on the water, world class beaches nearby located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Smiths Lake and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Bramble's Reserve. Wallis Lake and Blueys Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The home was lovely and had everything we needed. We greatly enjoyed having access to the SUPs and kayaks. We all made use of them. Lovely setting, great weather, lots of games. Great family vacation.
debbie N.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Feb 2026
Delighted that you enjoyed your stay and thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
Highly recommend staying at this property. Great location, perfect combination of style and comfort . Everything has been thought of, including inside activities for children. Excellent communication by the host.Thanks for the great experience.
Michael B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jan 2026
Thanks so much Michael, glad you and your family enjoyed the house!
Excellent! We spent 2 weeks in this beautiful home with 2 families. We have been holidaying in Smith’s Lake for over 20 years and this has been one of our favourite stays. The architecture of the home means you can enjoy spectacular views from every room in the main house, and the studio apartment out the back is PERFECT for the teenagers to retire to!!! The Arthouse has a fabulously equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms and living spaces, and use of the kayaks and paddle boards was incredibly convenient and meant we made the most of our stay on the lake. Importantly, our host Robert was wonderful to deal with and always quick to respond. Highly recommend.
Caroline L.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Feb 2026
Thanks so much for the review! So glad you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to see you again soon