A home away from home
Where guests become family
And keep coming back
Year after year...
A bit of history...
The Sea Shanty has been operating as a popular holiday rental since April 2019 under the name 'Island Paradise'.
We decided it was time for a name change and a new seafaring vibe in line with the cottage's heritage as one of the last remaining original fisherman's shacks in Pittwater.
'The Sea Shanty' seemed like a good fit, a nod to the heritage shack and to the old sailor's songs, salty yarns and big fish stories that have been sung and told within these walls in times past...
There have been hundreds of guests over the years and many of them are now regulars who have become part of the Shanty Family.
Guests tend to fall in love with the place and most people who stay here don't want to go home...
Here are some excerpts from the guest book over the years that give a sense of what our guests keep coming back for...
What our guests love...
Katherine
STAY HERE!! Sophie's airbnb is dreamy, light filled and full of everything you could need. We loved waking up to the sparkling waterfront views and tower gum tree (arriving to a fire already lit by our generous host was pretty special too!). We were three friends and the space was perfect - there is enough room to spread out and each have your own space. Sophie was kind enough to find us by torch light when we got lost, bring us extra wood and let us use her kayaks. Book this place if you need a getaway and you'll leave feeling completely refreshed, restored and reset - guaranteed!
Jennifer
Ah Island Life!!
What an amazing place to stay. Gorgeous views and direct water access. Fishing, kayaking, water wading, walking around the island. So relaxing! Wine on the balcony as the sun goes down. Truly a wonderful spot.
The accommodation is very clean and perfect for a small family or group of friends. And Sophie is a hospitable host who makes it all really easy and makes you feel very welcome.
Highly recommend.
Ivy
Sophie's place is such a magical piece of paradise we were so fortunate to have experienced. It's easily accessible by water taxi or ferry- we took the former and it was a smooth and quick trip from Church Point. The place is child-friendly; Sophie prepared so many toys and a beautiful selection of books for our kids which gave them hours of fun, not to mention the kayaks and life vests that Sophie let us use during our stay. I highly recommend this gem of a place. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, Sophie.
We hope to be back soon!
Tula
Book this place. You will not be disappointed it was amazing. The place itself is pretty spectacular with its own private jetty and direct access to the water. There are also so many activities available to you like kayaks and fishing! We took the kayaks out in the morning for a coffee at church point which was a great way to start the day.
Sophie was also an exceptional host- it was our anniversary and she left a beautiful note and choccies for us.
One of the best places we've stayed at.
Alex & kate
We really enjoyed our three days here with our daughters (9 and 11).
It's a cute, simple cottage that has everything you need.
It has a wonderful view, is right on the water, and we loved the location and the use of kayaks and fishing gear.
Sophie is a great host.
We'll be back!
Alexandra
Sophie's place on Scotland island is a magical little home, tucked away on the shores of Scotland Island. The location is difficult to beat, the view is awe inspiring and feeding the cockatoos breakfast a memory the whole family will cherish. The home is well equipped and has an incredible deck to spend the day in peace. We were able to use Sophie's kayaks, vests and sand toys so all kids and grown ups had a fun filled time. We can highly recommend Sophie's getaway place for a trip to relax and enjoy with family and/ or friends.
Sophie has been the most responsive and helpful host you can imagine. She greeted us at the pier and helped us with our luggage while giving us plenty of local tips. The before, during and after communication has been spot on and we felt very well cared for and taken care off. We loved our stay and found it difficult to say goodbye to rejoin the hustle of the city life. Highly recommend!
amber
What a tranquil and beautiful stay! Sophie's place was the honeymoon break we needed.
The fireplace, fluffy blankets and electric blanket made us so cosy at night and the views, water taxis and games made our daytime amazing.
We can't wait to return!
andy & ash
Sophie's place is in such an incredibly special spot! What a view to wake up to!
It was wonderful being able to use the kayaks and relax on the deck watching the world go by!
Sophie was a lovely host and was very responsive and friendly.
emma
Loved everything about Sophie's place. Sophie was so accommodating and helpful with everything . Even letting us hire her boat for a few hours to go fishing. Walking around the island is so beautiful and the view in the morning from bed is stunning . Such a relaxing quiet stay with everything you need . If you forget anything the ferry ride is not too far at all . Will be back xx
heather
Unbelievable location. So beautiful. We took the kayaks out to a private beach on Sophie's recommendation. Sophie was so warm and welcoming but not intrusive - we had the best stay, and will definitely be back.
jason
Magic little spot and a unique part of the world. We loved the isolation, even though we were only a short return ferry ride or quick water taxi each way trip to the Church Point Wharf shops...
Sophie is an amazing host and very responsive to any Q's we had.... we loved the birds, quietness, sunshine, outside views, deck and general feel good vibes we encountered.
We will be back.
angela
A truly lovely, quiet and quaint place to get away and relax in peaceful serene surroundings.
bron
What a stunning vista to wake up to. And we loved going to sleep hearing the owls. My three kids and I loved it there, it's so quiet and picturesque and taking the kayaks out each morning was a great way to start the day. Can't wait to go back! I've been living all my life in Sydney and didn't know about the magical world of Pittwater. We will def be back soon.
CALLUM
Such a peaceful energy with a gorgeous little fireplace.. will most certainly look to returning...
eddy
Thanks Sophie for a great stay. The kids had a blast - 'best holidays eva'!! cheers and see you soon.
Sophie's place was absolutely amazing.My two girlfriends and I were looking for a place to go for a weekend away to relax and recharge and that's exactly what we did.Sophie is an amazing host, could not fault her communication. She made sure we knew exactly how to get to her place, was flexible with times and was also so great to chat to and super friendly.The place itself is just too cute, felt like a home as soon as we got there. There was everything we needed and not to mention the spot and the island is just breathtaking.Highly recommend Sophie's place for anyone looking to have a break from reality for a few days (and who doesn't want that right?)Thanks for having us! Can't wait to return.
SARAH
nathalie
You can expect such a lovely time and I promise you won't regret it! It's like living in a village and everybody is sooooooo friendly!
nicholas
Peaceful, beautiful, welcoming.
We felt like we were staying with an old family friend.
Incredible view matched with a full kitchen meant every meal was a delight.
Sophie went above and beyond to make us feel at home and was extremely helpful with local knowledge about boating and parking.
phil
Amazing location, amazing host. Great property to disconnect from Sydney and soak in the sunshine. Highly recommended.
sarah
Sophie's place was absolutely amazing.
My two girlfriends and I were looking for a place to go for a weekend away to relax and recharge and that's exactly what we did.
Sophie is an amazing host, could not fault her communication. She made sure we knew exactly how to get to her place, was flexible with times and was also so great to chat to and super friendly.
The place itself is just too cute, felt like a home as soon as we got there. There was everything we needed and not to mention the spot and the island is just breathtaking.
Highly recommend Sophie's place for anyone looking to have a break from reality for a few days (and who doesn't want that right?)
Thanks for having us! Can't wait to return.
kobe
We had a great weekend at Sophie's place. Awesome views, the kids really enjoyed playing in the water and sand and exploring around the Island. The house is simple Island style and really clean and has everything you need. Sophie was an outstanding host.
Highly Recommended. Thanks Sophie :)
kylie
Comfortable, relaxed vibe in an incredibly beautiful setting. We had 2 great nights in a peaceful, serene part of Sydney that feels absolutely nothing like being so close to the city. Drinks on the deck with the local birds was the perfect place to enjoy a view of Pittwater. We will be back.
marine
Sophie's place was the little hidden paradise we both needed. The walk around the island was divine and the views were to die for. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at her shack.
moran
We had a girls trip to the island. When we arrived we understood what a mistake was to book for only one night! Beautiful place to relax for couples or group of friends. Sophie was amazing and was available for us whenever we needed. We will probably be back soon x
sebastian
Tens across the board, Sophie is the most attentive, caring and helpful host; and her property is one of those gems that you almost want to keep to yourself, it is that good.
The view from Sophie's place is breath taking your beautiful and serene, and it only gets better from there. From the morning bird visitors, to kayaks to explore the island and bays, to a balcony big enough for yoga, exercise and wine and cheese picnics overlooking the pristine waters it is a truly magical experience.
My partner and I are very well travelled and would easily rate this in one of our top ten experiences, and best of all its right in our home back yard sydney nsw.
The most important thing I would say to guests coming to this slice of paradise is to just come with the idea of relaxing and leaving all your stresses and worried behind. Forget perfection or wanting everything to be in its place, this holiday retreat is so much deeper and meaningful than that, a place where little blemishes are quaint, and where the beauty of nature and your surroundings humble you. It certainly made my partner and I rethink what's most important and to embrace each other and the opportunity to see the beauty in the little
things even more x thanks Sophie and thanks Scotland island & what a find
vanessa
We are family of five - children 8-13 and Sophie's place was fantastic. So much to do - jumping off the jetty, messing about in kayaks, playing board games and visiting the local play park. The space was compact but more than adequate especially since we ate all our meals in the deck over looking the Pittwater. Sophie was a very welcoming host and her hospitality added immeasurably to the experience. I highly recommend Sophie's place.
emma
Sophie's place is a slice of heaven on Scotland Island! The place itself is a small, intimate space- perfect for a couple. We had a direct view over the water, which was stunning.
The place was clean and comfortable. We would definitely come back for another visit!
amber
A sanctuary to relax. Take the kids, or go as I did by yourself to replenish your soul.
Plenty of walks around the island, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available. Or just read a book on the deck, on the grass, or on the beach - all in seclusion.
Say hi to the local birds that want to know what you're eating, and be ready to only see smiles if you run into a tradie, local, or another tourist!