Boogie Woogie Beach House…hanging out with music legends.
The main purpose of our road trip up the Central NSW coast was to visit the Doessels who together with close friends the Craig family have purchased and transformed a Café, Bar and Backpackers at Old Bar, Taree.
“Anzac weekend [2014] has a lot to answer for”, said JD after we’d talked in length about her husband discovering the very small for-sale advertisement in the weekend newspaper and my unexplained obsession with walking the Camino Way. The wheels-of-change where in motion and conspired to ensure they would become the new owners and I would walk the Camino. I have yet to finish the walk, but Flow Bar and now Boogie Woogie Beach House is nearly completed.
Pre-Boogie Woogie Beach House & Flow Bar (2010)
The transformation
I have to confess that we arrived at the beginning of the month, the wind-down from a full-on accounting contract delaying my writing. Alas it was also just before the talented duo Rick and Em had finished the signage. We did though get to see the outlines of the wayfaring signs at the top of the landing. Along with the unique chandelier, a statement of the roots of this establishment, Satchmo, Dave Grohl, Ziggy Stardust, Nick Cave and the iconic music tape (mixed) are the inspiration for a boutique hotel where it is not about decorating rather curating an environment that leaves you feeling as though you are hanging out with music legends.
Live musicians add to the vibe. They perform downstairs at the Flow Bar Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. The atmosphere of Boogie Woogie Beach House wafts downstairs, rubbing of on Tim Rossington (Singer/Songwriter from Newcastle), when after a gig he went upstairs and made a music movie in the Mixed Tape suite.
Mmmm, so who would I like to spend the night with…probably not Dave, as much as admire the Chuck Close tile picture of his face I just don’t feel hip enough. The Ziggy Suite is like David Bowie urbane and very cool; the rooms clean lines feels spacious and very inviting. Nick has always been a bit broody for me; although everyone is hoping he will come and stay. I really love the mixed tape room but somehow Satchmo; uber cool Louis Armstrong (before uber became a word) won my heart. For those of you who are Houzz people I have loaded more photos on the Artful Compendium Gallery or Instagram site. Also Boogie Woogie’s facebook page has more details on the renovation and those amazing tiles.
I’m a huge fan of the Collective magazine a magazine, which celebrates game-changers and people who have the energy to take a pipe dream and trade in the 9-5 to pursue a passion. Is it not always feasible but sometimes the wheels-of-life turn in such a way that if you’re ready and jump onboard reinvention occurs. The owners of Boogie Woogie Beach House are part of what Collective call the “new class” i.e. creating stories in an entrepreneurial manner.
If you’re visiting or live in Sydney venture out for a few days or a weekend; have a get-away with a difference, but do stay for the Sunday session (you might want to check out who is playing first – details). Lastly if you think this is a venture worth celebrating, the hardworking renovation team of Steve, Craig and Jade would be really thankfully if you share either this post or items on their facebook page with your friends and family.
The Artful Compendium.com 
17 Responses to “Boogie Woogie Beach House…hanging out with music legends.”
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Thanks Shirley – some great blogs planned for July so do check back in again.
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Wow! This blog looks just like my old one!
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Thanks – I recently went out and purchased Watson by The Theme Foundry through WordPress – like you really love the page layout and design.
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Many thanks – really appreciate the feedback as do my friends who had the sea-change and started the Boogie Woogie Beach House.
I have some great articles planned for July, look forward to you coming back and visiting.
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Hi there, yes I’m using the WordPress platform. The theme is Watson by The Theme Foundry.
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Thanks Edward – really appreciate the feedback as do my friends who had the sea-change and started the Boogie Woogie Beach House.
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Thanks Richelle – really appreciate the feedback.
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Hi there, no I didn’t hire a designer; I purchased Watson by The Theme Foundry through WordPress.
Glad you like it, because I’m really pleased with the look.
I’ve got some good articles planned for July so looking forward to you coming back to visit.
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[…] magically moment was my first sighting of seafoam, draped across the foreshore of Old Bar beach. The beach-like myself wasn’t looking its best. My head was throbbing, and I was dusty […]
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