A Superyacht Captain’s Tiny Home Haven in the Australian Rainforest Could be a Digital Nomad’s Dream Come True

Johny, a superyacht captain used to sailing the world’s oceans, has dropped anchor in an unexpected place: a 43ft long, single level tiny home in the Australian rainforest. Built on a repurposed concert trailer, this home on Living Big in a Tiny House combines modern design with raw nature, a dream come true for some digital nomads.

Johny’s tiny home is on just under 4 acres in New South Wales, a terraced block with a creek running through the trees and Gap Beach a short drive over the hill. He bought the land in 2020, the main house was already on the block and Johny rents that out. He reserved a smaller section for himself, a personal sanctuary when he’s not at sea. The trailer, a heavy duty stage platform he picked up at an auction, was meant to be a “cheap” build but ended up being so much more. 43ft x 10ft, it’s too wide to move easily and would require a wide load permit if he ever moved it. But it’s perfect for a couple, with a single level layout prioritizing comfort and openness.

Inside, a central lounge anchors the space, flanked by two large picturesque windows and a double glass sliding door that opens to a big deck. The windows, salvaged from a demolished Sydney mansion, offers tons of natural light and rainforest views. Dark green oak cabinets and Douglas fir beams contrast with real marble countertops, tying the interior to the forest outside. The lounge flows into a chef’s kitchen with a 3 burner gas cooktop, full size oven and fridge freezer combo. A large island with a double sink and 3 stool breakfast bar is a prep area and social hub. Storage is everywhere, tucked into every nook so the space remains uncluttered and functional.


At the other end of the home the bathroom is like those found in much larger homes. A stacked washer and dryer and plenty of storage make up a laundry station. A Carrara marble vanity with a sink, an open shower with microcement walls and natural tiles, underfloor heating to the travertine tiles, a luxury for cold mornings. Johny’s attention to detail is on show here with a restored cupboard and a feature mirror to make the space feel airy. A standard flushing toilet connects to a septic system via a sump pump so the home functions like a regular house.


The bedroom at the other end features two huge windows, salvaged from the mansion, frame the rainforest canopy, so mornings feel like waking up in a treehouse. A cantilevered slide-out, a feat of engineering by a friend, extends the room into a cozy reading nook. A queen bed sits under overhead cabinets, with a double-door wardrobe for storage. French textured wallpaper and natural-toned curtains in greens and earth tones reflect the forest.


Johny milled lumber from fallen trees on his land and used it to build decks, stairs, and accents throughout the house. Boulders and logs are strategically arranged to fit into the surrounding scenery, resulting in a low-maintenance garden. The balcony off the sliding doors is an outdoor area, perfect for taking in the rainforest’s sights and sounds. The creek is not currently swimmable, however this is a planned project.


Many of the home’s elements, including marble, wood, and windows, were reclaimed or upcycled, lowering expenses while adding character. He estimates spending $19,500 on landscaping and $65,000 on construction, though he admits it may have been less expensive without the high-end appliances. The end result is a residence that is adapted to his lifestyle: a place to recuperate from the responsibilities of superyacht captaining, which involve long hours and global travel.
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