About the Managing Director

Laurie McDonald is the Managing Director of Canberra Furnished Accommodation, and the ACT 2009 Business Woman of the Year

I’ve experienced being away from home for work, being between homes and not able to live at home for a little while – it can be stressful.  With this in mind, I have set out to create a nicer experience for you by creating a ‘home away from home’ in every single one of our 37 properties.  Because having to be away from home shouldn’t be an experience where you give up your comfort and privacy in an impersonal environment.

There is nothing worse than being in a serviced apartment and going to slice your tomato and having it squash because the knife is blunt, or go to cook a meal and realise you can’t complete the recipe because an important peice of cookware is not there.  I’ve had these experiences too and this is why I source the best quality inclusions I can find for our properties.  In addition to our exceptionally well equipped kitchens with espresso machines, we also equip the properties with Egyptian cotton towels,  high thread count bedlinen, throw rugs and plenty of extra pillows and cushions. 

When you call us we ask why you need accommodation, who will be staying there and where you will be spending your time in Canberra – we do this because we want to make sure that we can provide you with a property that matches your needs.  If you are renovating, relocating or escaping a home disaster, we will want to place you in a property that has lots of extra storage so you can bring your treasured possessions with you for safe-keeping.

If you are here for a corporate stay (consulting, Government, contract, or company relocation) we will make sure that your property is as close to your workplace as possible and that it has a desk if you need to work after hours. If there are two of you sharing, we will want to ensure there is a second bathroom and enough space in the property for you to be able to still enjoy your privacy.  If you will be working from home we can arrange an internet connection and try to match you with a property that is suitable for business meetings.

For people with children, we will want to place you in a property that has secure open spaces for them to play outside, a bath if they are little and conveniences for mum and dad (ie, dishwasher, separate laundry, DVD player).  Finally, if you are a sporting enthusiast, we will want to provide you with a property that has space for your equipment, easy access and a large hot water system.

It is important to me that you have a good experience when you stay in a Canberra Furnished Accommodation property, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on your time with us.  Likewise, if you know of someone who needs our temporary accommodation services, please refer them on, we would love to take care of them.