Extraordinary legal row erupts between owners of a luxury Airbnb who are SUING a disgruntled guest after they launched a foul-mouthed tirade about the award-winning accommodation online
A bitter feud has broken out between the owners of a luxury Airbnb and an angry customer who had her stay cancelled due to COVID-19.
Dave Penman is suing Kaleen Dalliston for defamation after she slammed his Clifftop at Hepburn holiday rental in a series of posts on Facebook and TripAdvisor.
Clifftop at Hepburn in Victoria's spa country was crowned Australia's number one holiday home in 2020 according to their Airbnb page.
Dave Penman is suing Kaleen Dalliston after she slammed his Clifftop at Hepburn holiday rental in Victoria
Ms Dalliston was due to stay at the $495/night luxury location in August but her holiday was cancelled amid COVID-19
The luxurious accommodation costs $495 per night and was designed by Daylesford architect Robin Larsen for 'sophisticated travellers who value high design, natural beauty and wellness with an indulgent twist'.
Ms Dalliston was due to stay at Clifftop at Hepburn in August and when she was not refunded she went online to warn other travellers of her experience.
Ms Dalliston also took to the business' Facebook to warn their followers.
Mr Penman is suing for defamation after claiming his business's reputation was damaged by Ms Dalliston's posts on social media
Ms Dalliston took to TripAdvisor and Facebook to warn readers of her experience trying to have her trip refunded by Mr Penman
'Is this how you conduct your business. All nice an professional when your getting our money. But the minute things don’t go your way and you have to refund my money. You disappear,' she wrote.
Ms Dalliston also posted 'whatever you do, don’t stay here' on her personal account.
Documents filed in County Court of Victoria and seen by Herald Sun read Mr Penman is seeking aggravated damages after claiming the reputation of his business was damaged by Ms Dalliston's posts.
Mr Penman believes the accommodation has been held to contempt and ridicule after claiming Ms Dalliston urged readers to share her posts to spread the damage.
He also claims Ms Dalliston did not disclose that she was offered a full refund and had agreed to wait before until being contacted by the business.
Mr Penman has sought a permanent injunction from the court to stop Ms Dalliston from posting further statements of a similar nature.
Clifftop at Hepburn in Victoria's spa country was crowned Australia's number one holiday home in 2020 according to their Airbnb page
The luxurious setup was created for 'sophisticated travellers who value high design, natural beauty and wellness with an indulgent twist'
The two-bedroom guest house boasts a unique fireplace, infinity daybed, kitchen, amenities, spa and shower for two and heating and cooling systems.
'From the moment you step into Clifftop at Hepburn, you're in another world,' the Airbnb description reads.
'A world where flickering flames and floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking panoramic views that plunge from the site of an old pine forest down a sheer cliff face, unrolling onto native bushland below.
'Imagine a leisurely evening in your private spa, sipping champagne to the backdrop of surround sound and a crackling fireplace.
'Imagine each night falling asleep to a towering wall of stars and waking each morning to sunbeams welcoming dramatic views.
'Imagine a retreat where you leave real life at the door, choosing instead to lounge in the lap of luxury.'
The site was designed by Daylesford architect Robin Larsen and boasts a unique fireplace, infinity daybed, kitchen, spa and shower for two and heating and cooling systems