HOW RENO SCHOOLER CATHERINE BROUGHT COROMANDEL HOMESTEAD TO LIFE
At Three Birds, nothing makes us happier than watching our students take the leap, trust their instincts and transform a property into something truly extraordinary. One of those incredible Reno School grads is Catherine who, together with her husband Iain, has renovated not one but two beautiful homes on their dreamy country estate in Berrima, in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
We recently took a little day trip to Berrima to soak up the magic for ourselves… and wow, did it deliver.
IT WAS Love at First Sight
Catherine and Iain live in Sydney with their two boys, but they always dreamed of having a simpler, more earthy escape, a place where they could connect with nature and the land. Although still based in the city, they longed for a country retreat they could escape to as often as possible, where their boys could experience rural life firsthand. For Catherine, who studied agriculture in high school, the dream of owning a small piece of countryside had always been close to her heart.
That dream became real the moment they stepped onto the 2.5-acre property in Berrima. “It was the first and only country property we viewed,” Catherine says. “We saw it and just knew it was the one.”
Their new property came with two dwellings, which meant two exciting opportunities to renovate and create spaces perfectly suited for weekends away, school holidays with their boys and future guests (hello, not one but two Airbnbs!).
The first dwelling was The Lodge, a character-filled four-bedroom weatherboard home. The second was The Cottage, an adorable two-bedroom A-frame that was brimming with potential. Both homes had great bones, but they were tired and in need of the loving touch of someone with vision.
Enter Catherine and Iain.
The RenoVATION Journey
Armed with her Reno School know-how, Catherine set out to breathe new life into both homes on the property. While the updates inside the dwellings were mostly cosmetic, the overall project was far from simple. They also tackled a huge amount of infrastructure work on the land, which turned out to be far more than they initially anticipated. This included installing new water tanks, repairing the dam, updating the irrigation system and improving drainage across the sprawling 2.5 acres. It was the kind of behind-the-scenes work no one sees, but it is absolutely essential to the smooth running of a property like this.
Once the essentials were sorted, Catherine shifted her focus to the interiors. The transformations were cosmetic but impactful: fresh paint, refreshed finishes, thoughtful styling, and carefully reinstated charm that brought each home back to life.
The biggest challenge came with repainting the soaring vaulted ceiling in the A-frame Cottage. Scaffolding had to be brought inside the home, and the original timber continuously bled through the paint, requiring coat after coat. It was painstaking and slow, but the bright, airy result made every coat worth it.
The property is constantly evolving. Catherine has planted fruit trees, re-established garden structures, revived a clay tennis court, and has plans for a pool and a dreamy glasshouse.
Her long-term dream is to retire at Coromandel Homestead… and maybe watch her boys get married there one day. (We’re not crying, you’re crying!)
The Gardens — A Wild, Romantic Wonderland
The gardens of Coromandel Homestead are a world of their own and are often compared to a private version of Sydney’s Centennial Park- but with even more beautiful flowers! The grounds feature blossoming cherry trees, persimmons, pears, crab apples, Japanese maples, rare old-world roses, ancient conifers, two serene dams (complete with yabbies), several stunning fire pits, and charming outbuildings.
There is even a clay tennis court, which is a real rarity in the Highlands. Catherine discovered this first-hand when they purchased the property and attempted to revive it. They had to bring a specialist team up from Melbourne to resurface the court and replace the vinyl lines. There were so many nails to secure in place, it truly was a labour of love.
The Cottage also features the most gorgeous outdoor bath, perfect for long, slow soaks under the stars.
Catherine says, “It is bucolic, wild, enchanting” - everything you could want in a countryside escape.
Thoughtful, Sustainable, Soulful Style
Inside both dwellings, Catherine has created spaces that feel warm, layered, curated, and lived-in in the best way. Her style blends old and new, with vintage treasures gathered from her travels and family heirlooms that honour the heritage of the home. She believes sustainable style is not only possible but beautiful - and Coromandel Homestead proves exactly that.
Adding to the soul of the spaces are original artworks by Janis Clarke of Olsen Gallery (Catherine’s brother-in-law), whose pieces bring warmth, colour, and personality into every room.
History Repeating ITSELF
The homestead’s story began in the 1980s when a Sydney couple (who, incidentally, lived down the road from Catherine and her family in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs) purchased the acreage as a weekend escape for their family. They planted the now-established gardens, built the two dwellings, and created the foundations of the enchanting estate Catherine and Iain now cherish.
In a beautiful twist of fate, Catherine tracked down the original owner, Billy. Before he passed away, he shared stories about the land, the trees, and the history embedded in every corner. The dinghy he named after his wife, Pixie, still rests on the dam today.
"I hope we’ve done him proud," Catherine says.
And we’re absolutely certain she has.
How Airbnb Helps Fund the Dream
Both homes at Coromandel Homestead are now offered as short-term stays. The Lodge has been on Airbnb for almost four years, and The Cottage joined once its renovation was completed two years ago. Together, they play a key role in Catherine and Iain’s long-term vision for the property.
The income from Airbnb helps fund ongoing improvements, supports the maintenance of the expansive gardens, and covers the essential infrastructure work that comes with owning a large country estate. Most importantly, it keeps their dream of one day retiring at Coromandel Homestead alive. Airbnb has allowed the property to contribute to its own future, making this lifestyle both achievable and sustainable.
But what truly makes Coromandel special is the community behind it. Berrima is small and close-knit, and the people connected to the property have become like family. From past owners who are now dear friends, to property managers who helped with renovations, to gardeners who check in regularly, it has been a collective effort filled with heart.
This is so much more than your average holiday property. It is a deeply loved home supported by a beautiful community.
Where to Follow the Magic
✨ Instagram: @coromandelhomesteadberrima
✨ Website: www.coromandelhomesteadberrima.com.au
✨ Airbnb: Coromandel Homestead, Berrima