Baia—A Warm Love-Filled Home-Away-From-Home Escape

Soak in the NSW South Coast at Baia, a love-filled home created by sisters Brooke and Gemma Cavallaro, where the focus is on slowing down and embracing the natural environment.

WORDS: Hande Renshaw I PHOTOGRAPHY: Nic Gossage I STYLING: Charlotte Koch

Sisters Brooke and Gemma Cavallaro drew mostly from their travel experiences in India, Japan, Italy and Spain for the design of Baia.

‘We really wanted to create spaces that were warm and homely but that also had character.’

Small rituals to harness slowing down can be found throughout the home.

‘We’ve always been curious about the way colour, texture and pattern are used in a space—we love the idea of styling that conveys contrast but that still feels harmonious and inviting.’

A calming and soothing palette encourages a slower pace.

Baia shines a light on cultivating a sense of calm through small, thoughtful rituals.

All furniture and decorative pieces within the home were sourced and curated by sisters Brooke and Gemma Cavallaro.

‘We aspired to create a home where our interests in and appreciation of good design could be shared.’

Set in the heart of the NSW South Coast, nestled within the serene landscapes of Yuin Country, sisters Brooke and Gemma Cavallaro have created a home full of Australian design pieces, books, art, and self-repurposed furniture, where making memories and finding stillness is at the heart of the experience.

As sisters, Brooke and Gemma are fortunate to have a strong friendship—throughout the years they’ve been inseparable, travelling the world and living together, so when the opportunity to invest in a property and take on a creative project came up, they seized the opportunity.

The journey started with the pair browsing the east coast for opportunities, and after many tense online auctions and virtual home inspections during lockdown, they stumbled on Baia, in Jervis Bay, and the rest is history. ‘This was a first for both of us; buying, renovating, styling a unique stay—so it definitely took longer than we anticipated, but we were able to live in and enjoy the south coast while we navigated our way through the project,’ shares Gemma.

Brooke and Gemma lived in the home for almost two years after securing it, taking the time to notice its quirks and understand what it needed most design-wise. The pair have been mindful to create spaces that are warm and homely, yet also have character. ‘When we started the Baia project, we weren’t sure which aesthetic we wanted to work towards and which story we wanted to tell, but we knew we had a strong collection of design and style interests and ideas that we had gathered over time, mostly from our travel experiences in places like India, Japan, Italy and Spain,’ says Brooke.

She continues, ‘Creating Baia was mostly driven by our desire for others to experience what we both seek out when taking time away from busy Sydney. We have a growing appreciation for escapes that encourage you to slow down and respectfully experience the community you are visiting. We aspired to create a home where our interests in and appreciation of good design could be shared. We wanted others to feel what we felt.’

Mindful on their impact on the environment when choosing products and brands to partner with for the three-bedroom , two-level cottage, the duo consciously explored vintage stores and Facebook Marketplace for items that they could bring back to life or repurpose.

‘We’ve always been curious about the way colour, texture and pattern are used in a space—we love the idea of styling that conveys contrast, but that still feels harmonious and inviting. While the process didn’t come without decision fatigue and doubt, it has been really exciting to see it all come together in the way we hoped it would. We know that Baia will continually evolve and there will be plenty more stories and vintage finds to share along the way,’ says Gemma. Pieces within the beautifully curated cottage include pre-loved treasures, as well as local brands including McMullin and Fenton & Fenton, linen sheets from Carlotta + Gee, towels from Baina and artwork from The Poster Club.

Having lived in the area for some time, Brooke and Gemma extensively experienced the local surrounds and can authentically share their favourite spots with their guests. ‘We would encourage guests to embrace the beauty and adventure of staying so close to Booderee National Park, from Greenpatch to Murray’s and everything in between—you’ll find the whitest sand that squeaks under your feet and clear blue ocean water that you won’t be able to resist. Pack a picnic and find a special place to settle in for the afternoon, you’re likely to come across some kangaroos and may spot some of the local Dolly’s (dolphins).’

The area is full of places to unwind, whether it’s bush walking, secluded swims, visiting tastings at local breweries or art and cultural activities, ‘There really is something in and around Jervis Bay for everyone!’ says Brooke.

Book your stay at Baia here.

Bed linen in earthy tones from Carlotta + Gee in the bedroom.

Bedroom design details.

‘We have been mindful of our impact on the environment when choosing the products and brands we partnered with, and consciously explored vintage stores and marketplace for items that we could bring back to life or repurpose.’

“When we started the Baia project, we weren’t sure which aesthetic we wanted to work towards and which story we wanted to tell, but we knew we had a strong collection of design and style interests and ideas that we had gathered over time.”

Facebook Marketplace treasures sit alongside new pieces throughout the home.

Bath towel by Baina hanging in the outdoor shower.. 

‘We have a growing appreciation for escapes that encourage you to slow down and respectfully experience the community you are visiting.’

‘For us, the true gems of the area are outdoors, connecting with nature.’