LOFT Corlette: Creating a Backyard Wellness Retreat
What was once an underused backyard at LOFT Corlette has been transformed into a private wellness retreat, designed to encourage guests to slow down, switch off and make the most of their time away.
For us, this project was about more than simply improving the backyard. It was about looking at how the property could work harder, creating another experience for guests while adding a considered point of difference to the home.
The Vision
The brief for LOFT’s backyard was simple: turn an underutilised outdoor area into a space people would genuinely want to spend time in. We wanted it to feel relaxed, low maintenance and connected to the coastal lifestyle, with different zones for wellness, entertaining and unwinding. The finished space brings together timber decking, artificial turf, a fire pit area, room to stretch out in the sunshine and, at the centre of it all, a traditional barrel sauna.
The Hero: Our Revel Four-Person Barrel Sauna
The real hero of the transformation is the Revel four-person traditional barrel sauna.
We knew from the beginning that a sauna would give the backyard a clear purpose and create an experience that went beyond your typical holiday accommodation. The barrel form also became a beautiful design feature within the landscape. Rather than feeling like something added as an afterthought, its natural timber and curved profile work perfectly with the relaxed outdoor setting we were trying to create. From a practical perspective, the process was incredibly smooth. The instructions and information supplied were clear, and we were supported throughout the process by our dedicated Revel representative, which made coordinating everything from the sauna itself through to installation and electrical requirements so much easier.
If you’re considering a Revel sauna for your own home, renovation or accommodation property, send us a message and we can link you directly with our dedicated rep who looked after us throughout the LOFT project. We had such a great experience and would love to make sure you receive the same level of care and support that we did.
Designing the Experience Around It
While the sauna became the anchor for the design, we didn’t want the backyard to be about one feature alone.
The surrounding spaces were designed to complement how guests might actually use the area throughout their stay. Timber decking creates warmth and defines the sauna zone, while low-maintenance turf softens the space and provides somewhere to lay out a yoga mat, enjoy the sunshine or simply relax. The fire pit adds another layer to the experience, giving guests somewhere to gather in the cooler months, share a drink or toast marshmallows after an afternoon in the sauna. Together, these elements allow the backyard to change throughout the day. Morning stretches in the sun, an afternoon sauna, drinks around the fire as the temperature drops. It’s less about creating a traditional backyard and more about creating moments.
The Less Glamorous Part of a Backyard Transformation
As with most renovations, there was plenty happening behind the scenes before we reached the beautiful part.
Site preparation revealed drainage issues that needed to be resolved, while the sauna itself required consideration around its location, deck structure, power supply and electrical connection. These are the details that often aren’t visible in the finished photos, but they’re what allow a space like this to function properly long after the transformation is complete. Working through those practical requirements early meant we could integrate them into the overall design rather than compromising the finished result later.
Making the Property Work Harder
One of our favourite things about this project is that every decision has a purpose.
For a short-stay property like LOFT, good design isn’t only about creating something that photographs beautifully. It’s about creating an experience guests remember.
The backyard now gives visitors another reason to stay in, slow down and enjoy the property itself. It expands how the home can be used without adding internal floor space and creates an amenity that helps LOFT stand apart. That same thinking can apply to any home. Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn’t adding more space. It’s looking differently at the space you already have. At LOFT Corlette, an overlooked backyard is now somewhere to sauna, stretch, gather, unwind and switch off.
And that’s exactly what we wanted it to become.
Check out the social build series below:
