Luxury accommodation on Lord Howe Island

Island House

Created for moments of awe, connection, and perspective

Island House was born from a simple idea — that the most meaningful travel experiences are the ones that shift our perspective. Set within one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments, it’s a place designed for presence, comfort, and quiet discovery.

A Place for Epiphany

Designed for the moments that stay with you

When my father and I first sat on the grass here, we found ourselves talking about why we travel at all — the rare moments when time slows and the world feels wider. Island House was created to hold space for those experiences: somewhere to reconnect with nature, with the people you love, and with yourself, in a way that feels unforced and genuine. It’s this intention that underpins everything we do and shapes the rhythm of a stay here.

Life on Lord Howe Island

Adventure shaped by land and sea

Set on Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the island offers a rare balance of movement and stillness. Mornings might begin with a swim alongside turtles or a surf as the light lifts off the mountains, while inland trails weave through palm forests toward volcanic peaks and cloud forest. Adventure here feels elemental rather than extreme — a constant invitation to explore at your own pace.

Michael and Tim Maxwell

A shared vision rooted in curiosity and care

Island House is deeply personal to both of us. From the earliest conversations, we wanted to create somewhere that reflected how we like to travel — with a sense of curiosity, comfort, and connection to place. Every decision has been guided by the idea that a stay should feel meaningful rather than orchestrated, and that the atmosphere should be as considered as the landscape that surrounds it.

Design That Feels Grounding

Spaces created to restore and inspire

We wanted the houses to feel calm and enduring after a day outdoors — copper roofs, hardwood cladding, and American Oak interiors that hold warmth and quiet. Inside, mid-century furniture, Indigenous artworks, and objects gathered on our travels create spaces that feel lived-in and thoughtful rather than styled, inviting guests to slow down and settle in.

Food Guided by Place

Seasonal, local, and deeply considered

Our cuisine, led by Japanese chef Kimie Uemoto, follows the rhythm of the island and its seasons. Produce is sourced from local growers and our on-site gardens, while fish comes from surrounding waters, shaping menus that feel nourishing and unfussy. Meals unfold naturally through the day — energising breakfasts, long lunches after the sea, and intimate dinners that bring everything back to stillness.

Experiences That Unfold Naturally

Curated with care, never over-planned

Rather than fixed schedules, each stay is shaped around weather, tides, and personal curiosity. Beach picnics in secluded corners, time on the water, or simply space to pause — our team ensures guests are supported while still free to discover the island in their own way. It’s about creating the conditions for moments that feel personal and lasting.